The Sun.
London, England, 1870-01-28 00:00:00

LYCEUM THEATRE

Tins EVENING. at 7, CORRUPT PRACTICES. After which,
CHILPERIC: Messrs M. Manus, G Vincent, Odell, Lapierre,
Coghlan, and M. Ilorv6; Mesdames Dolaro, Fitzlnman, Ro-
manelli, Nellie Nesbit, and Miss Emily Muir.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
THIS EVENING, at 7. AFTER DARK: Mr Vining. Followed
by THE STREE I S OF LONDON: Mr Vining; Messrs Philips,
Ashley, Stuart, Rignold, Taylor, Leeson, Eburne ; Mesdames
Barnett, Stoker, Brewer.

ROYAL STRAND THEATRE.
Sole Lessee awl Manageress, Mrs.Swanborough.
Tins EVENING. at 7.30, AMONG THE BREAKERS: Mr
Clarke. With THE TOODLES. And INO. Concluding with
THE CHOPS OF TfIE CHANNEL.

WOODIN'S CARPET - BAG AND SKETCH BOOK,
Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, every Evening (except Saturday) at
8; Saturday Mot nings at 3. Admission, Is, 2s, 3s.

CHRISTY MINSTRELS, St. James's Hall, Every Night, at 8
Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3 and 8 all the year round.

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, Regent's-park, OPEN daily (ex-
cept Sundays). Admission, ls.; on Mondays, Gd. Children
nnder twelve, Gd.

ROYAL ALHAMBRA PALACE. THREE BALLETS
Promenade Concert. Band of 60. Begin at 8. U. Box-office
open from 11 to 4.

01:3:Lijit ;
,

LONDON, FRIDAY, JAN. 28, 1870.

The relations between England and her Colonies is
a subject that just now engages general attention,
and is, indeed, one of paramount importance. It is
interesting to notice the opinions of eminent men on
the question, and the letters which were sent to the
Emigration meeting the other day may well furnish
matter of reflection. The Poet Laureate wrote to the
effect that he could not believe Ministers entertained
the suicidal policy which had been attributed to
them, and thathe entertaineda strong conviction of the
value of the Colonies to Great Britain. Mr. FROUDE
Said, " Your figures add demonstration to what was
before as clear a 3 mathematics." He went on to de-
clare that England was governed by the moneyed
classes, whose first idea was cheap labour, and they
dreaded anything which might tend to promote emi-
gration. "The history of England can produce
no parallel to such preposterous conduct. You
are welcome to put my name to your peti-
tion if you think I can be called with pro-
priety a working man. Perhaps, however, I may
be more useful standing alone and fighting the
battle in reason and prudently as long as there is
anything left to fight for." It is well that the Go-
vernment should have an opportunity of hearing the
opinion formed of their conduct by those who are so
well qualified to express their views, but it is to be
hoped that Lord GRANVILLE stands alone, or
almost •so, in the strange course he has
thought fit to follow, and the perverse
policy he seems determined to pursue. His colleagues
may think better of the matter, and refuse to endorse
his views, which would, indeed, be a satisfactory
solution of the affair, and one devoutly to be wished
for. The Melbourne Argus has a leader on the sub-
ject of colonial relations, in which it is asserted that
the greater part of the population of Victoria are
proud of their connection with the mother country,
although some jealous feelings may occasionally be
aroused on the subject. The notion of establishing
a small republic does not find general favour, and
the doubtful advantages of an independent rule
cannot be weighed in comparison with the decided
benefits conferred by British rule. At Melbourne
great interest was excited by the discussions of the
Social Science Association on the question of the
Colonies. The Argus seems to favour the scheme of
a grand Federative Council of the Empire, so that
all parts should be represented. The power and
dignity of the Empire will be best consulted by
strengthening the ties of union instead of loosening
or severing them. In case of war those dependencies
of the Empire might prove of immense service to Eng-
land, and form natural allies to improve her position
by augmenting her naval and military forces. The
Argus is firmly convinced that the desired end might
be gained of preserving the unity of the Empire, at
the same time that the self-government of the colo-
nies is not unduly interfered with. To do this, it
advocates the formation of a Committee of Council
for Colonial Affairs, to be composed of representatives
sent from the Legislative Assemblies of the several
colonies. This seems to be a good idea, and at any
rate it possesses sufficient merit to deserve a trial. Let
the Government take heed in time, and not trifle with
a matter which is of weighty importance, and inti-
mately concerns the best interests of the community.