The Sun.
London, England, 1846-12-23 00:00:00

COURT CIRCULAR.

WINDSOR, TUESDAY.—Her Majesty and Prince Alber
took their usual early morning walk.
The Royal Family took walking and pony exercise
on the eastern terrace and slopes.
The royal dinner party at the Castle this evening will
include her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, the
Lady in Waiting to the Duchess of Kent, the Baroness,
de Speth, Lord and Lady John Russell, Hon. Miss
Lister, and Captain Lord James Murray (Scots Fusilier
Guards).
The band of the Ist Life Guards will attend during
dinner. Her Majesty's private band afterwards attend
in the Castle.

A deputation from the aggregate meeting of the direc-
tors of railroads in Ireland, consisting of Mr. Alderman
Boyce. Mr. Perry, Mr. Kincear, Mr. Frith, Mr. Layard,
Ir. Tyrrell, Mr. Currie, and Mr. Hemmings, had a long
interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer yes-
terday at his official residence in Downing-street. The
deputation was introduced by Mr. George Moffatt, M.P.
Mr. C. K. Murray had an interview yesterday with
the Chancellor of the Exchequer. _ _

The Marquis of Lansdowne, (Lord President,) lel
town yesterday for his seat, Bowood Park, Wilts.

SURREY THEATRE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Sin,—l make no comment upon the grossly exagge-
rated statement which appeared in your paper of last
evening relative to the Surrey Theatre, but I feel it my
duty to point out the palpable falsehoods which your
critic has put forth, and I do this that you may see
what reliance you can place upon his veracity in the
future. The paragraph states, first, " that considerable
delay occurred before the rising of the curtain." This
is not the fact, the performances commenced rather be-
fore than after the usual hour. Secondly—" At length
the stage manager came forward to apologise for the ab-
sence of the principal performer of the first piece, a
Mr. Hudson Kirby, who had promised to attend at the
requisite hour. Upon the question being put as to
whether the audience would wait, or have a
substitution for the character (Damon, in the
tragedy of Ddmon and Pythias), a general answer
was given in favour of the former course, which
was adopted, and after the lapse of some time the re-
quired personage made his appearance, apologised, and
went througlio his part." Now, Sir, there is not one syl-
lable of truth in this scandalous statement. No apology
was made or thought of for Mr. Hudson (a Mr. Hudson
Kirby P.); that gentleman was at the theatre to the mi-
nute of his promise, and so satisfactorily performed his
part throughout as to receive at its termination one of
the loudest calls ever heard within the walls of the
theatre. Lie upon lie follows in quick succession Yoer
critic, correspondent, or whatever the person may he,
evidently was not in the house at all. The stage
manager did not go on the stage at half-past twelve
o'clock, as stated in your paper, for it was only eleven
o'clock when I received intelligence of the accident which
had befallen Mr. Dough', and I immediately felt it my
duty to communicate it in person to the audience. Fer
the honour of the British public I am happy to state, that
no other feeling was exhibited than thatef cornmisseration
for my friend. The line about " more apolegiee" (none
having been previously made), is perfectly gratuitous,
but the climax is yet to come. The objectionable critig,e
winds:up by saying that the pet formance conelwl, a a
little bef re two o'clock in the morning. The thca.r..!
was cleared by a little after twelve o'clock, an€l theentre
perform :nos (with the exception of the change in the
parts occasioned by the accident to Mr. Douglas) gave
every satisfaction to a brilliant and crowded audience.
Every lady and gentleman who had promised to perforiu
did so, and it is with peculiar pride and gratitude I eta-
brace this public opportunity of thanking them for their
friendly aid. As regards your correspondent, I hand
him over to yourself, confident that you will never allow
your columns to be prostituted to the purposes of false
hood and malice, for whatever may be the merits or de—
merits of the night in question, I alone am rei-,pensible
them.—.l am, Sir, yours obediently,

FOX COOPER.

17, Walcot place, Lambeth, Dec. 22, 1846.
[The account alluded to was furnished by an occa-
sional reporter, who has been fri qucntly in the habit of
supplying us with information. We will cause an inquiry
to be instituted as to-his authority fl..r the statements
made.]

ILLUSTRATED TALE IN " THE MIRROR," Price Is.
On January- 1, 1547, Chapters 1., 11., 111., and IV., of
THE MISER'S WILL;
Or, LOVE AND AVARICE. An English Tale.
By PERCY B. ST. JOHN.
The Mirror will continue to be Edited by Mr. St. John, assisted by
several eminent writers, and will be Illustrated in the first style of
art by Hine, Archer, and Walmsley.
Now ready, Vol. 1., new series, price ss. 6d.
11. Hurst, 27, King William street, Strand.

NEW WOLK BY THE REV. R. COBBOLD.
EDICATED BY EXPRESS .PERMISSION TO HER MAJESTY
THE QUEEN DOWAGER.
Now ready, in 3 vols., with Illustrations, 31s. 6d., hound,
THE HISTORY OF •
MARY ANNE WELLINGTON,
:THE SOLDIER'S
DAUGHTER, WIFE, AND WIDOW.
By the Rev. RICHARD COBBOLD, M.A.
Author of " The History of Margaret Catchpole."
" In these most interesting volume s we have the stirring scenes of
a soldier's life, and the history of his daughter, wife, and widow,
under the various difficulties of a situation calligg for the energies of
a manly heart, and all the strength and relying love of a woman's
unshrinking spirit. They are fill of incidents, narratives of extraor-
dinary events, perils, and preservations."—Bury Herald.

Henry 6;lbuni., Publisher, 13, Great Marlborough-street.

KAILWAY SHARES BY PUBLIC SALE.

MESSRS. LAMOND and Co., RAILWAY
:HARE AUCTIONEERS, beg to thank their Friends
and the Public for their continued support anti patronage, and
to annwince that their Public Sales of Railway Shares, &c.
take place every TUESDAY and FRIDAY, at One o'clock, at the
[tall of Commerce, Threadneedle-street, London, to which place,
favours, containing instructions (with a reference), are respectfully
•equested to be addressed. _ _ _

All Scrip and Share Certificates must be deposited, the day
orevious to their being offered ; and advices of results will be
lorwarded by the first post after the sale, and the proceeds 'same-
diately disposed of according to instmctions.
021 cce, Hall of Commerce. Threadneedle-street. London.

THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LANE.
Last Night but One of Mademoiselle SOPIIIE FITOCO.
THIS EVENING

Will be performed Balfe's celebrated Opera, entitled TIIE MAID
CF ARTOIS. Marquis de Chateau Vieux, Mr. Durant ; Jules de
Mentagnon, Mr. D, W. King; Sans Regret, Mr. Burdini ' • Synnelet,
Mr. Weiss ; Miss Isaacs ; Isolinc, Madame Anna Bishop.

After the Opera, will be presented a new grand Ballet, Called
THE WAGS OF WAPPING (performed at the Academie Royale,
Paris, under the title of " Betty.") In which will appear Mdlles.
Sophie Fuoco, Louise, Benart, Mad Nile Giubllei ; MM. Iluguet,
Adrien, Paul, Tell ; Messrs. Howell, Priorson, &c.

THEATRE ROYAL, ILLY MARKET.
tinier the Management of Mr. B. Webster, sole Lessee.
THIS EVENING

Will be performed a new and original Drama, called TIIE
ROUND OF WRONG. Sir Arthur Foljambe, Mr. Stuart ; Lichen,
Mr. Rogers; Reuben Gwynne, Mr. Webster ; Ducks, Mr. Buck-
stone ; Harwood. Mr. Howe ; Lady Charlotte Willoughby, Mrs.
Clifford ; Mary Ryland, Miss Fortescue ; Jenny, Miss Wculds.
After which an original Comedy, entitled LOOK BEFORE YOU
LEAP; or, Woologs and Weddings. Mr. Oddington, Mr. W.
Farren ; Mr. Rashlcigh, Mr. Hudson ; Mr. De "ere, Mr. Hull ;
Mr. Brandon, Mr. Howe ; Mr. Hardman, Mr. Rogers ; Jack Spriggs,
Mr. Webster; T m Tilley, Mr. Bucksione ; Miss Brown, Mrs.
Glover; Claribel Oddington, Miss Fortescue ; Mary Oddington, Miss
P. Horton ; Elinor Mortimer, Mrs. Yarnold ; Fanny Hardman,
Miss Julia Bennett.

During the evenfug the Band will perform the Overture " Cl et it
de Bronze ;" " The Annen " (l'olka) ; Czarina" (3lazourka) ;
' Douro " (Walzer); and a New Overture.

To conclude with Bitekstone's Farce, entitled TILE IRISH LION.
Principal characters by 31eigrs. Ji:•indal, Ti:bury ; Miss P.
Ilorten, Mrs. Stanley, Mrs. Ettekin ham, Miss Woulds, &c.

THEATRE ROYAL, I.TCEHM.
Under the Mannement of Mrs. Keeley.
THIS EVENING

Will be performed a Drama, foumled on tit?. New Christmas
Annual of Charles Dickens, Esq., and adapted to the stage (by the
exclusive permission of the author, from the proof sheet.,) by Aibe
smith, Esq.. c.illed TILE 1;11FLE OF LIFE. Principal cha-
racters by Messrs. Leigh Murray (his third appearance here),Turner,
F. Matthews, F. Vining, Meadows, Kcetcy ; Mrs. WoollOge, Miss
Daly, 3iiss May (her first appearance here), Miss Grove, Miss
Foster, and Mrs. Keeley.

Atter which, the laughable Farce of MRS. WRITE. Characters
by Mr. Turner, Mr. Oxberry (his third appearance in this company),
Mr. 11. Butler ; Miss Aden, Miss Vitiate, and Mrs. 11 igan.
To conclude with the successful Comedy of TO PARENT* AND
G CIA D ANS.

THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI.
UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MADAME CELESTE.
THIS EVENING
_

Will be performed a grand Fairy Spectacle, founded on the Ballet
of LA OISELLE, entitled THE PHANTOM DANCERS ; or, the
Wilis Bride. Principal characters by Mr. Wright, Mr. P. Bedford.
Mr. 0. ;:mith, Mr. Cullenford, Madame Celeste, Hiss Marian Taylor,
Mizri; Emma Harding, Miss Ellen Chaplin, and Mrs. Laws.
After which, the Comic Drama of THE MAID WITH THE
3.IILKING PAIL. Characters by Messrs. Wright, Selby, Boyce,
and Mrs. Fitzwilliam.

To conclude with a Terpsichorean Barletta, call. d POWDER AND
BALL; or, St. Tlbbs's Eve. Principal characters by Messrs. Lain-
ert, Worrell, Wright, Munys.rd, Mrs. Matthew, Miss Woolgar, and
311,s Brooks.

FRENCH PLAYS.—ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.
Lesgee, Mr. John Mitchell.
THIS EVENING
Will bu performed a new Vaudevile, entitled LA DOT VAC"
VER.' ;NI•:. Pierre, M. Dumery; Jerome, M. Paynter ; Madeleine,
Mdlle. Fouquet ; Felicite, Madame Dumery.
To be followed by the Vaudeville of L'AMBASSADEUR. Cha-
racters by MM. Pcrlet, Laugeval, Berou ; Mdlle. Celina Fouguet
and Mdlle. Brolian.
After which a new Comedy, entitled LES TROIS CRISPINS ;
on, La Famille Poisson. Raymond Poisson, M. Perlet ; Marianne,
Brohan.
To conclude with the first act of Regnazd's Play of LES FOLIES
AMOUREUSES. Albert, M. Cartigny; Eraste, M. Felix; Crispin,
Mdl!e. Vallee ; Lisette, Mdlle. Brohan.
Boxes, Gs.; Pit, 3s. 6d. ; Stalls, 35..; Gallery, 2s. Doors opened at
half-past Seven, and the performances commence at Eight.

ETHIOPIAN SERENADERS, ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.
The celebrated Ethiopian Serenaders, Pell, ►Harrington, White,
Stanwood, and Germon, will have the honour of repeating their
inimitable Entertainment at the above theatre TO-MORROW
EVENING, December 22, and every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sa-
turday evening, during the Christmas holidays. Due notice will
be given of their first Morning Performance.

The programme will include " Old Joe," " Lucy Neal," " The
Coloured Fancy Ball." "My sliff Is on the shore," and the cele-
brated Ita'lroad Overture.

The public is respectfully cautioned that the Songs and Melodies,
as sung by the above party, are published only at Mr. Mitchell's.
Doors open at eight, commence at half-past. Boxes, 45.; Pit, 2s. ;
Amphitheatre, 2s.—Private Boxes, Stalls, and Places may be engaged
at Michell's Library, 33, Old Bond-street, and at the Boa-office of
the Theatre.—Open from 11 till 5.

A STI.P.N"s o:l'_A T. _A XT_P_JI/TUR.4 a ktE ,
Albert, and Royal Family. Last Three Nights previous to the
Christmas Holidays.

- THIS EVENING
Will be performed a grand new Magical Equestrian Romance, en-
titled THE DEMON HORSE ; or, The Twelve Wishes and the
Charmed Bit. In which Mrs. Batty and the Equestrian Ladies will
appear on their trained steeds.

.New and entire change in the SCENES of the CIRCLE.
To conclude with the popular romantic Drama of 11013 Roy.
MACGREGOR ; or, The Mountain Outlaw.

On SATURDAY next (Boxing-Night) ;1"ClOuble rotation of Eques-
trian and Gymnastic Novelties, and /Irk night of the Grand Comic
Fairy Pantomime, written by Nelson Lee, Esq., entitled THE
FORTY THIEVES ; or, Har:equin Ali Baba and the Robbers'
Cave, in addition to the present successful Spectacle.
Box-office open from eleven till five o'clock.—Doers open at six
and commence at half-past six o'clock.—Stage Manager, Mr. W.
Broadfoot.

THE WEATHER SUN OFFICE, DECEMBER 23.
THERMOMETER, Lowest, 34; Highest, 42; Noon, 39,
BAROMETER, 28.8.—WIND E., rain.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON-ERIDGE THIS DAY.
Morning .. 33 minutes after 3. I Evening .. 56 minutes after 3.

fact that 300,000 men are at present relieved by
public works, used the following language, in the
propriety and truthfulness of which every man of
common sense must at once concur :—"I am, how-
ever, de±ous of stating distinctly the conviction of
the Government, that they cannot, by any measures
within their power, meet all the cases of severe pri-
vation and distress which are to be found under exist-
ing circumstances in Ireland."

To return to Mr. WASON'S plan. It is as follows
—Proprietors, willing to reclaim their own lands,
and to mortgage them to the Government, stipulating
to repay advances with reasonable interest, at stated
periods, to be so assisted by the Government. Next,
the lands of proprietors, either unwilling, or inca-
pable cf bringing them into cultivation, to
be purchased by Government, under Act of
Parliament, :and resold to capitalists, ready to
develop the resources of the soil. Every pre-
caution is to be taken, under the authority of.
competent persons, that the required outlay will be
remunerative, so that the public funds shall not be
ultimately endainaged. It is computed that
10,000,0001. would suffice to render Ireland, in an
agricultural point of view, invaluable as an integral
portion of the United Empire. Such a sum, with
the certainty of repayment, is, upon a comprehensive
view of the subject, quite insignificant, compared with
the great advantages of the revolution, social and
moral, it would be designed to effect. Neither will
it be presumed, that, if a case can be fairly made
out, as we believe it can, to justify the expenditure,
Parliament, which so munificently voted 20,000,000/.
for emancipating the West Indian, would in any-
wise hesitate to sanction the required outlay. We
rejoice to find that Mr. RIGBY WASON, and that ex-
cellent Irish landlord, Mr. SHARMAN CRAWFORD, are
pretty much on a par in their respective views ;
and we rejoice all the more in that the Government,
by their latest Treasury minutes, have already
evinced a disposition to bring the material portions of
them, at the earliest moment, into effective operation.
Should there, however, be found any men in St.
Stephen's indisposed to co-operate with the Govern-
ment in their benign views towards Ireland, they
would do well to con over a paragraph in Mr. SIIAR-
MAN CRAWFORD'S letter to Lord JOHN RUSSELL, with
which we shall conclude :
"I have shown what the landlords have to answer
for. I have no disposition to screen my own class from
their due responsibility ; but they arc not the sole de-
linquents. 1 arraign the Imperial Parliaments, and the
ditlerent Governments which Inzve been in power since
the Union, with the commis sou t:f hid legislation, and
the neglect of good. They knew by the reports of their
committees and commissions, both the evils and the
remedies ; aid if the landlords of Ireland neglected
:heir duty, and the members for Ireland neglected theirs,
it does not absolve the Governments and the Legisla-
ture from participation in the continuation of bad sys-
tems, and the neglect of the remedies required to amend
them."

While the public attention is distracted by so many
occurrences in different directions—by the accumu-
lating miseries of Ireland—by the complicated policy
of the French Cabinet—by the territorial thefts in
Northern Europe—by the approaching sessions in
Paris and Westminster—by the disjuncted state of
parties in the Swiss Confederation—by the pusil-
lanimity of Cashmere, the avarice of the United
States, the indecision of Mexico, the protracted
troubles of La Plata, and even by the paltry
squabbles of a Consul in the Mauritius—
it is refreshing to contemplate the small
and feeble glimmerings of hope by which the
gloom of the Peninsula is chequered. But
that experience has demonstrated the importance of
those indications of the future which are apparently
the most insignificant, we should be inclined to dis-
regard the circumstances to which we allude as un-
worthy of observation. ALEXANDER POPE IS not the
only individual who has indicated
" What mighty contests rise from trivial things."
All history has verified the fact; all biography has
been illustrative of its actuality.
Various circumstances have recently foreboded an
alteration in the political and social
,condition of
Spain. In defiance of French diplomacy, in defiance
of internal contention, in defiance of BRESSON, of
Louis PHILIPPE, and of CHRISTINA, there have been
these consolatory indications. So frequently, however,
have there been auguries or a similar character, and so
repeatedly have those auguries proved to be mere
gleacesc, suspicion on those which have recently made
their appearance. We regard theth as indications
only of a temporary change, not as forerunners of a
permanent reformation. Still, as inaugurative of the
most transitory movement, they deserve at the least
to he recorded. To these circumstances we shall
refer in succession. First, there is a rumour that a
serious misunderstanding has taken place between
Queen ISABELLA and Queen CURISTINA, a misunder-
standing so serious as to threaten the destruction of the
Afrancesado influence. Some accounts even mention
the retirement of the latter from the Peninsula as not
an improbable consequence of the disagreement.
Lon as this wily and unconscientious Princess
has domineered over her daughters, and
long as she has thereby fostered the evil
influence of France in her adopted country, the
period of her power seems to be approaching its
termination. It is not—it cannot be a matter of
astonishment that a woman cursed with such violent
and devouring passions, a woman withont shame for
the publicity of her immoralities, and a woman who
is estranged by her Neapolitan birth from the king-
dom of her departed husband, should have little
scruple in promoting her own personal interests by
sacrificing those of Spain. The character attributed
to step-mothers generally is proverbially odious.
CHRISTINA, by every act of hers during her widow-
hood, and subsequently, as the wife of the Duke DE
RIANZARES, has been a worthy representative of the
genus. her cruel domination over Queen Isanenna
and the Infanta Donna LUISA promises now, how-
ever, to close with her contumelious banishment.
Such, at least, are the surmises most prevalent in
Madrid, and those surmises are said to be deduced
from the fitful appearance of the Camara, though we
are fain to regard that Camara as a mere vehicle for
the reflection of the variable and passing opinions of
the day, and as, in more significations than one, a mere
Camera Obscura.
Secondly, there is a rumour that the Spanish
throne is no longer in a fair way of being
occupied by the INFANTA or her descendants.
It must, of course, still continue to be a sort of
" contingent remainder" to those members of the
Royal Family, but it will be a remainder of a
scarcely attainable character. The assertions which
have recently been so frequent as to the pregnancy of
her Majesty Queen IsarteLLA are now being uttered
with confidence; and, in the event of that assertion
proving correct, an inestimable blessing will be as-
sured to Spain, and a fearful misfortune will be simule
taneously prevented. All the perils which have been
courted by Louis PHILIPPE Rill thereupon prove
fruitless. The guile of M. BRESSON will he recom-
pensed by—nil. The marriage of the Due DE Morn,
PENSIER, with the exception of the magnificent dowry
of his bride, and her possible offspring—nil. The
rupture of the entente cordiale with England—nil. In
every respect the labours, and troubles, and dangers
of the recent machinations in the Tuileries will have
been commenced in selfishness and consummated in
disappointment.
While these various reports are being bruited
about the Spanish Court, while the capital
instrumentci te men t s ofof
Peninsularelectioneering,
and the provinces are engaged in all the ex-
citements t h
regenerationere a
ployed—a solitary pilgrim-1 str is
stively e anotherr_
anger— an English
manufacturer—a member of the British Parliament. Unnoticed by the contentious squabblers for place, Con-
DEN is travelling through Spain on his mission ofjustice
and humanity. The Apostle of the new Age, be is dis-
seminating throughout that
country the principles
which must not only produce commercial freedom and
monetary prosperity, but must ultimately secure to
mankind the benefits of political advancement and the
blessings of international cordiality. From Madrid
to Cadiz, from Cadiz to Seville, from Seville
to Barcelona, the ConTueror of Monopoly
has already proceeded, and his presence has
been everywhere acknowledged by the 'welcome
of the more enlightened Spaniards.
HIS words
have been listened to 'at the • banquet-tables,
and distributed from the printing-offices, of the
southern provinces, and the cause of Free Trade
has already advanced in consequence among

*lt‘.lß.l

the inhabitants, of the Peninsula. Little as the
Legislature of Madrid may regard these proceedings,
little as they may think of the enthusiasm evinced
towards the iltustrious Englishman, there is a mighty
engine at work among the middle classes of that
people, rooting out the prejudice of centuries and
planting in their stead the seeds of Reason and
Truth. The reception of RICHARD COBDEN in
Spain is no idle ovation.

The state of Ireland it is now universally admitted
will form the chief topic of diScussion during the
ensuingsession of Parliament. Measures of the
mostn
introduced; means will be taken to provide for the
elasregand
comprehensive character will be
adequate employment of the labouring classes, and
to compel the proprietors of the soil to provide for the
support and maintenance of the population of their
several estates. The doctrine " that property has its
duties as well as its rights," will be recognised to the
fullest extent, and enactments will be passed for the
purpose of enforcing the due performance of those
duties, of obliging the landowner to perform his part
of the implied contract which the original grantee,
the person front whom he derived his title, entered
into with the State when obtaining the property in
the lands. That property was granted to him for the
national benefit, it was conceded to him that he might
use it, and not suffer it to lie waste and unproductive.
Every man is so bound to act with respect to his pro-
perty that others shall not suffer either by his acts or
omissions. With respect thereto he is as much an
offender against the law, by omitting to do anything
which the common good requires, as if he committed
a direct act tending to the public annoyance. Com-
munities or individuals may be indicted for not
repairing a highway, if the duty is cast upon them of
so doing rationc &maw!, by reason of the possession of
property which is responsible therefor. Why may
not the principle be extended, and every person in
possession of lands be bound to improve them and
make them productive, or to part with them to others
who will have both the ability and the will to do so?
We do not desire unduly to interfere with what are
termed the rights of property, but it cannot be con-
sidered either just or reasonable that the interests of
those who fully and fairly perform all that can be
required at their hands should be sacrificed and made
subservient to any delicacy or scruple with respect to
the negligent and careless proprietor, or an unwiiling-
ness to go to the very root of the evil, and to remove
the real causes of the national distress by the most
active and efficient remedies.
In order to form a correct judgment as to the
measures that may be necessary for the welfare of
Ireland, it will be desirable to investigate the sources
from which by far the greater portion of the present
calamities have had their foundation and origin.
Why is it that in a country of extraordinary fertility,
possessing the greatest natural advantages, the soil
should be left unimproved, or not half cultivated, un-
drained, fenced only with rude banks of earth, with-
out suitable farm-houses, or offices necessary for the
proper management of the land ; large portions of that
land covered ssith rushes and weeds, remaining idle
for a series of years, while the remainder is exhausted
by scourging crops ; rivers, and water-courses, that
might, by a trifling expenditure, be turned to the
greatest advantage, overflowing their banks, and con-
verting rich and profitable meadows into useless and
unproductive marshes; the produce, such as it is—
not half; scarcely a quarter of that which might be
obtained under more prudent management—exposed
to the weather, and insufficiently secured, while the
labouring classes are insufficiently employed, in-
sufficiently fed, insufficiently paid, a burden to the
resources of the country, instead of being the pro-
ducers and creators of national wealth? In entering
into this investigation we shall, as far as possible,
abstain from any discussion of those abstract political
questions on which there will necessarily be conflict-
ing opinions, and inquire into the state of the law and
practice as to the occupation of land in Ireland, and
the causes which lead to that want of proper cul-
tivation of the soil, that inadequate employment rf
the population.
Perhaps the chief causes now in operation, by which
these lamentable results are produced, may be stated
to be the "insecurity of tenure" and the thraldom in
which real property is bound, the restrictions by which
its free transfer is fettered, what may be termed the
”..1.--airoarrassinelits and peCimiary difficulties by
which a large number of the landlords are encumbered
and oppressed, and prevented from applying the value
of the produce of the soil, or any portion thereof, in
the improvement and better cultivation of the soil
from which it is derived. If the first of these causes
was removed, if what Mr. STEW ART has happily
termed "a free trade in land," could be fully obtained,
the others would be removed in process of time.
Capital would be freely invested in the acquirement
and improvement of land, a class of small proprietors
the most valuable for the nation would spring up,
cultivate their own lands for their own sole profit
bringing all that energy and steady perseverance'
which men will apply when they know that they are
working for their own profit, that there is an absolute
certainty that they themselves, or their families, will
have the full and entire enjoyment of the fruits of
that industry without hindrance or drawback. In
confirmation of the accuracy of this opinion we may
quote the report of the Land Commission, which says—
" We believe that there is a large number of persons
in Ireland possessing a small amount of capital, which
they would gladly employ in the purchase and cultivation
of land, and a still larger number, now resident in
different parts of the country, and holding land for
. of
uncertain or limited terms at a rent, who would most
cheerfullyrietors. The gradual
t e
introductionopp orttiriitY
of such a class of becoming pro.
p
men would be a great improvement to the social condition
of Ireland. A much larger proportion of the population
than at present wuld become interested in the pre-
gainingno peace dod order, and the of admi ssis class of smalllandowners
would often stimulate the renting farmer to increased
exertion and persevering industry."
We must reserve the consideration of the means by
which these causes may be removed to a future
day; we are satisfied, however, that they can be fully
and entirely done away with, and that the most be-
neficial results to our sister island may be looked for
under an improved law of real property.

A letter from Hamburgh informs us that the Senate
of that city has, on the application of the Consul-
General of Austria, issued an order, by which the
author of any publication criticising the Austrian
Government is to be fined 27 rix.dollars (87f.) It
is added, that an application was also made for the
expulsion from Hamburgh of M. CUUSELKA, who
has written a pamphlet against Austria, and of 111.
RONGE, who has founded there a German Catholic
Church, but this demand was rejected by a large
majority.

A letter from Lubeck informs us that the Danish
Government has at length, on the representations of
the Austrian and Prussian Governments, and to pre-
vent an appeal to the Germanic Diet, consented to
permit, on reasonable conditions, the Lubeck and
Hamburgh Railroad to pass through the Duchy of
Holstein, without which permission the railroad could
not not have been completed.

The Revue dc Gey---17;7:;7wmth states that the
report of the committee appointed to draw up a plan
for revising the constitution will be shortly termi-
nated. Mr. JAMES FAZAY has been named reporter.
The following are to be the bases of this document :
—First, an extension of electoral rights, as
several classes of citizens who, after the consti-
tution of 1842, were omitted, are now to be in-
cluded; secondly, the direct election, by the whole of
the electors, of the Executive Council, which is to be
for the future composed of seven members, and
the faculty for the electors assembled at a general
meeting to dissolve the representative council, and to
proceed to new elections in case of disagreement be
tween the two councils; thirdly, the re-organisation
of the municipal constitution, so as to place it in
accord with the new political organisation, based on
the recognition of the principle of popular sove-
reignty in its widest sense. In addition, the question
of the eventual revision of the constitution is to be
submitted every fifteen years to an assembly of the
electors.

The Grand Council of Berne held its first sitting
of the winter session last week. It was opened by
a speech from the President, in which he expressed
at some length his disapprobation of the conduct of
the Northern Powers in the affair of Cracow, and
his sympathy for the Polish cause. A statement
having appeared in one of the Swiss journals rela-
tive to an interview which the President of the

.
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