The Sun.
London, England, 1846-01-29 00:00:00

FROM[ THE MORNING PAPERS OF YESTERDAY,

POST.—Sir Robert Peel's plan is now before the country. We giv •
the details above, but the broad fact to be kept in view is, that the
Ministerial scheme involves absolute free trade in corn at the end of
three years. That all men of common sense and sound principle
will oppose this new device of the enemy, we assume. It cannot be
otherwise. But the opposition must be quick as well as vigorous.
All the reprieve that could be wrung font Sir Robert Peel is till
Monday the 9th of February, when he will positively bring forward
his odious measure for discussion. Everything, therefore, must be
done before :hat day ; and, above all, unity on the one great point
must be the object. Henceforth there must be no old-world dis-
tinction between Whig and Tory; the battle lies between Protec-
tionist and Nou-Pr•.tectionist. The tone given by agricultural
Members last night ought to be the one adopted by the country—
stern and uncompromising opposition to the scheme under all circum-
stances, accompanied by a protest against the fitness of the present
House of Commons to entertain it. If the Minister persist in his
measu, e, the nation must demand a dissolution of Parliament.
TIMES.—The long-expected project which has been the occasion
of so many Ministerial revolutions, public controversies, and secret
struggles, is now before the world, and, as far as merely concerns
what is called the great question of the day, it will not disappoint
the expectations of those who hoped for sornethinggreat, comprehen-
sive, and bold. Never, should we think, did it fall to the lot of a
Minister to propose a larger scheme. Never did the prosperity of a
nation give scope for so liberal a policy, and certainly it is not every
day that we meo t with men adventurous enough to seize that oppor-
tunity. Viewing Sir Robert Peel's plan simply in its commercial
bearings, to which it is necessary now to conSne our attention, it
amounts to an abolition of all protective duties. If in one point there
has been a shadow of a compromise—a concession for concession
sake, the Minister has amply avenged that enforced blot in his urea- •
sure by the universal character of the revolution. We cannot but ad-
mire the dexterity which has responded to the general feeling that the
whole protective system is practically involved in the protective duties
on cons. And now for the important question, is the agricultnrist to be
allowed compensation, as he claims, after the example of the planter ?
Indeed he is. We could almost wish that 20,000,0001. were given
him out of hand, to get rid of the grievance at once. But all Eng-
land is scarcely enough. It makes one nervous to contemplate the
social revolutions to be wrought under the name of agricultural com-
pensation. Everything is to be changed into compensation. Free
trade, c:othes, boots, shoes and stockings, sugar, and such small
things are not enough. As for Ireland, we are forthwith to enjoy the
first fruits of Lord Devon's Commission, by.paying the whole expense
of the constabulary force. -

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
THE APPROACHING SEASON.
The earlier arrival of the beau monde in the metropolis, and the
remembrance of the extraordinary feats of last season, have com-
bined to excite the most intense curiosity as regards the Opera
season. Information has been demanded before, as we should guess,
engagements were completed. Some of our contemporaries, drawing
upoo their imagination for their facts, have exerted themselves to
meet the demand for information We have been contented to re-
main quiescent, and igne. ant of what did not exist ; and the follow-
ing details will show we were right—they resemble in nothing that
which was most solemnly predicated.
Formerly the difficulty of pleasing the public at her Majesty's
Theatre was, that it had so bad a name, and that there prevailed so
gewral a conviction that it was a doomed institution. For this
season, on the contrary, the critics most friendly to this establish-
ment had misgivings, because last season too much had been done ;
and we were amongst the number. The spirit and fastidious sense of
enjoyment in society, like that of an overture, constantly requires, a
crescendo; and if in the last composition resources have been abused
—trumpets and trombones, double drums and ophicleides have
sounded their utmost—th-n defeat is certain. " When shall we see
such a season as the last again ?" Adieu to the pa, de quafre and the
other scenic wonders ! We have lived on the quintessence of good
things; now comes the "stale, flat, and unprofitable," said we, and
so said the world. Fortunately, having manifold other thoughts and
duties to distract us, we had forgotten that the Italian Opera House,
in spite of its apparent perfection and recent triumphs, was only two
or three years old in its vigorous " second infancy" of regeneration ;
and there was a maturity of power, in several directions, to be ac-
complished, independently of the pas de quatre and such feats being
now of more possible achievement. And so it has come to pass, if
we are to trust to our information.

Regard to the public at large, and to the noblemen and
gentlemen who have now become proprietors of boxes,
demanded serious outlay. It has been undertaken in
a style which, we suppose, may involve from 10,0001.
to 20,0001. before the work be completed. In its proper point of
view, the opera is a temple of pictorial, as well as dramatic and
lyrical illusion. The greatest artists have consequently been called
into council ; amongst, others, one who in the broad effects of scenic
painting, as well as in his own peculiar department of his daily
avocations, is unquestionably unrivalled. They consulted, and the
plans once matured, the younger artists mustered under their leaders,
and the work is on the eve of completion. No plan has been thought
more auspicious than that of uniting under the same roof the pic-
torial thougitt of the great masters Italy once realised in an heroic
age, and the works of the composers, the only produce she yields in
these days of woful decline. The marvellous frescoes of the palatial
abodes of Italy, still the objects of pilgrimage of every lover of art,
have conseque, tly been adopted as models. The other parts of the
works undertaken have given occupation to the supple industry of
our English mechanics ; and our manufactures have had their share
in the undertaking, through many thousand yards of rich tissue,
having beta ordered to be elaborated at Spitalfields. One of
the circumstances which has most efficiently promoted the
undertaking, is that, not only the great artists, but the most
eminent men of science, considering the Italian Opera as a
great temple of art, have been most prompt in affording their kindest
assistance. Our great scientific characters have most generously con-
tributed counsel and aid in improving the ventilation of this immense
edifice, from the vaults below to the gallery above, where the less
affluent, but most respectable classes of society, acquire the love of
exalted art, and crowd in such numbers, that the heat was hitherto
suffocating. We are happy to be informed for the sake of those who
come " spectatum," to behold the marvels of the place, and no less
for the fair votaries who likewise wish "sperlentur ut ipsce"—and we
confess that the living pictures in the box frames, must, whatever be
effected, eclipse the goddesses in fretted gold on the roof—that the
system of lighting the theatre has also undergone great additional
improvement. In' a word, everything has been done to make the
edifice reflect the directing spirit; correspond to the station of her
Majesty's Theatre, the highest in the world, and render it worthy of
its audiences, consisting of the most august, as well as the noblest
members of society,i and no less of all persons of good taste and high
refinement in every class of society. _ _ _

TIEBALD.—We have hitherto declined offering any decided
opinion upon Sir R. Peel's measures until the statement made by
the Minister himself on Tuesday night should have appeared. But
Tuesday has come, and we do not feel at liberty to pronounce a
" decided opinion upon the measure." Let us not, however, be mis-
taken : we affect not to deny that se far as it is possible to judge as
yet, the measure is uncalled for, and inconsistent with the principle
upon which the present Ministry assumed oflice. This fact was ad-
mitted by Sir It. Peel himself when he claimed the right of availing
himself of his experience during the last three years. But we decline
entering at present into a discussion of the question, and chiefly on
the ground that it would be impossible, without doing injustice to the
Minister, to offer an opinion upon a measure not yet viewed in all its
bearings. Betiire a correct idea of the effect of the intended changes
can be attained, it will be necessary to consider what operation they
will havd generally upon the interests of the country.
CitiLONICLE.—Sir Robert Peel's plan is at length before the
country. As he had given us reason to expect from both her Ma-
jesty's speech and his owii, it comprises more than a simple settle-
ment of the corn question. It touches all the great divisions of our
tariff, and applies to all the same large principles of free trade. For
the benefit of the entire community it deals vigorously with what is
called the protection of certain great interests; but those who ima-
gine that they are to suffer by the withdrawal of that protection ate
to find their just and true compensation in the universal
application of the principle, and the relief which they
will thus obtain as consumers. We cannot say that we
are in every instance satisfied with the application of the
principle. In the case of foreign brandy we must regret that the
Treasury enters into what looks likely to be an ineffectual competi-
tion with the smuggler, marring its praiseworthy purpose by the
timidity of its reductions. In the case of sugar, we must still more
strongly object to the maintenance of the absurd distinction between
the produce of slave and free labour. While Sir Robert Peel was
bidding adieu to so many of his former errors, and subjecting himself
to tile charge of inconsistency, it is to be lamented that he should
parade his constancy to about the Most flimsy fallacy of his days of
darkness. :Nor can we understand why in a plan which provides for
the extinction of all other restrictions on the importation of food,
an exception is made by the continuance of a somewhat high duty on
butter and cheese. Takinelt, however, with all its shortcomings
and faults, the plan proposed by Sir Robert Peel is one worthy of
the favourable acceptance and energetic support of the Liberal party.

RECEPTION OF SIR R. PEEL'S

Another reformation which we have repeatedly demanded for se-
veral years, is now to be effected. Instead of ungenerously seizing upon
operatic productions other theatres on the Continent have paid for, or
givin,, us the torsjours perdrix of old works, every barrel-organ has
grinded to satiety for a quarter of a century or more, we are to have,
at last, an Italian composer brought over, with a new opera, pur-
posely composed for ourselves. Verdi, the greatest amongst the
rising composers, is the man chosen. The subject of his opera Is
King Lear, and the great Lablache is to impersonate the hero I The
fact speaks for itself—all praise would be superfluous. Those who
remember—and who does not ?—the •• swelling sorrow" of tiic
re arie,raet
lyrical Titan in Ehniro, and his withering malediction, may Pp
loran extraordinary rendering of Lear's • Ilysterica passion," anti a
hurling of " Vengeance 1 plague ! death ! contlision !" with lightning
vehemence. An Italian librettist could not catch tho philosophical
beauties and delicate traits of Shakspeare, but these will be readily
interpreted.
The lyrical company will once more embrace the great artists of
former seasons—Grist, Brambilla, Mario, Lablache, Fornasari,
F. Lablache, Corelli. Castellan, so fashionable in the parts of youth-
tbl heroines, was engaged at the end of the last season to re-appear
during the present ; Signora Sanchioli, a prima donna well known in
Italy, is likewise engaged. Signora Sanchioli is now singing at the
Argentine at Itome. 'We hear from Italy that she is twenty-three
years of age, has a well-formed person, an expressive face, and in-
dependent of her vocal talent, great dramatic powers, to which her
ri superior education greatly contributes. A young comPrima a has
also been secured in the person of Signora Corbarl. Hopes are enter-
tained of poss:ssing flubinl for a few nights. According to his last
letters he will, at all events, visit his old friends and admirers in
London this season. Treaties are on the Lapis to secure the presece
of a certain illustrious composer, anti also some lyrical
European celebrity. artists of
The ballet will, in all probability, equal, if not surpass, its past
triumphs. Grahn, C. Grist, Gerito, seho have each separately
sufficed, since they parted here lasit ason, to fill continental
' theatres to suffocation, will meet ae n on our Anglo-Italian stage.
It is likewise most confidently expected -that Taglioni will come
°
once more, so that the marvels of th de quatre will be renewed.
San Carlo will part with its graceful rtseuse, Louise Taglioni, the
cousin of the modern Terpsichore. She is young and full of promise,
and comes from the best school—that of her father, Salvatore
Taglioni, the master of the revels of Neapolitan ballets. Madame
Petit Stephan remains engaged ; also, 31oncelet and her fair col-
leagues. To the latter are added the young and pretty danseuses,
Mesdemoiselles Honore, Julienne, Taveneau, Lamoreux, &c. St.
Leon is expected, and M. Carey, another male dancer, is engaged.
Perrot, the most graceful of male dancers, and the most original of
ballet masters, is already arrived, and is at this moment engaged in
ballet preparations. At the request of some of the most influential
subscribers, the interesting importation of last year, the little Dan-
seuses Viesnoises will re-appear once more at the beginning of the
season. . . . ..

SPEECH.

• The Premier's speech of Tuesday evening was received with cheering
by the free-traders, and with sullen silence by the protectionists.
whose looks evinced plainly that they felt the game of protection was
up. The cheering, which all came from the Opposition side of the
House, was neither so frequent nor so vehement as it was
on Thursday night, but the speech of Tuesday evening was
listened to with much greater attention than was that of Thurs-
day. It was a business speech, and it was listened to with
that thoughtful, silent, and profound attention with which men of
business are wont to listen to business statements. The approaches
to the House were crowded. Every trade had its representative, and
as any one emerged from the gallery, he was sure to be greeted with
a host of questions, "Is Sir Robert Peel down, Sir ? "He is."
" Did he say anything about tea or coffee ?" ask( d a short gentleman,
who evidently represented the grocers' interest. On hearing he had
not, the gentleman queried about sugar. What is he golngrto
do
with leather ?" asked a gentleman smelling vet, strontleyrso t
about
Carpenters were there, asking about timber;all butchers
meat; chandlers about tallow; in fact, whfts wweerr,e,
represented there save one. No oneasked
It seemed to be
the Premier's intention with regard
seemed
atthae
a full report of the whole
taken for granted by every
retTe
o'clock, and before nine
rn.
quarter after eight ; in The Sun, and dispatched I.y special
it_ciiitiushaedt figs
statement
corn-laws was sea'e€l. Sir Robert
of his speech was pnbils"' • f il way toevery part of the United
trains along the sciarloust=.° Tra.burgh, Germany, and various
ancdonnitfooenwt. The crowd of persons anxious to procure
pKairntgsdoo,finv„lohevire assembled in and around The Sun office was im-
"Peerse ..IC extended half way across the Strand, and resembled
riuntellier.a crowd waiting for admittance outside the doors of a theatre
on some grand night than a crowd of persons waiting
their turns to purchase a newspaper. For more than three
hours this crowding around The Sun office continued, and it was
considerably past midnight before the doors of the office could be
closed. Ile who had
procured a
_paper frequently became the
nucleus of another crowd, for proceeding by the light of a neighbour-
ing gas-lamp, to peruse its contents—persons would gather around
him, and eagerly inquire as to what the announceinent of the Minis-
ter had been. Since the night on which Lord John Russell first pro-
posed the Reform Bill never has any Ministerial statement produced
half the excitement that has been produced by Sir R. Peel's speech of
Tuesday evening.

SPORTING I
BETTING AT MANCHESTER—TUESDAY.
CHESTER CUP.
20 to 1 agst Best Bower—offered 40 to 1 agst Cataract—taken
22 to 1 agst Whinstone—t. 25 to 1140 to 1 agst }lope
22 to 1 aget Mickey Free—ditto 140 to 1 agst Warp
25 to 1 agst Sweetmeat—taken 50 to 1 agst Redstreak—taken
30 to 1 aget Miss Burns—t. 33 to 1
On Saturday and Monday r
backed for large sums, at all pric
Nothing done on the Derby or

linstone and Mickey Free -ere
from 25 to 1 to 20 to 1.
rewmarket Handicap.

LLOYD'S SHIPPING.

LONDON, JAN. 28.—Wind S., light airs and hazy, With drizzling
rain at times.

FALMOUTH, JAN. 27.—Wind W., strong breezes and squally.—
Arrd. Rossignol, Cherbourg for Senegal ; experienced very
bad weather, and has thrown all her guns overboard ; Johannes
Christophe, Grill, Hamburgh for La Guayra, leaky, bora• up from
lon. 10.

AIIINORD, Jaw. 26.—Arrd. Adr:ana, Connell, Liverpool for Benin.
part of the crew in a mutinous state; Leech, Evan, Liverpool for
Svransea, leaky, and loss of sails, anchor, and cables, having struck
OR a rock.

Cons, JAN. 25.—Acrd. Sir John Beresford, Tredgold, Liverpool.
for Ceylon, &c., bore up from lat. 44, long. 12, with damage to
upper works and spar, &c., having encountered heavy gales ; Reply.
Robinson, St. Domingo. Sailed, Cynthia Ann, Ballet, St. John's.
New Brunswick,
HAnwicn, JAN. 26.—Sailed, Sarah Scott, Butcher, Hobart Town..
SHIELDS, JAN. 27.—The Mary Anne. Melville, of Dundee'
putting to sea last night got on the ilead-land ; crew saved:h.
Conks, JAN. 27.—Arrd.-Nueva Yberia, Travino, litvZiaand.
OFF DARTMOUTH, JAN. 27.—Nymph, Thomas, IsTe";o:amer Cyclops
PLYMOUTH,JAN 27.—Wind N.W., strong.—li. M. 5'
Rio Janeiro,
lewfoundland.
JERSEY, JAN. 23.—Arrd. Pallas, Langict•
airs.—Arrd. Infants,
CROOKHAVEN, JAN. 23.—Wind
part of cargo thrown over-
Frost, New York, for Liverpool,
ce, arrived here lon
board, and having experienced
DEAL, JAN. 26.—The 'British 31
hurricane 12th inst., lat 40 N., lon,
Jamaica ; experienced a severe
stove in ; laboured and strained
and bulwarks
28 W.; had sails &PM,
much water.hT2rctwhe,atpberanr.
heavily, and made
2._
, 2 A. vessel's boat, 14 feet long, and painted
AM'
cover' I,7*a skylight of a small vessel, painted lead colour ;
an empty barrel, marked on the end, with red paint, " 2,088,"
of bulwarks have washed
in the Bay of Luce.
on shore
;;.Id-l7r;in-ile-d C. And G. ; also some pieces

There are many other plans and engagements in contemplation
but they are not as yet matured.
The preparations are going on apace. The Opera is the scene o
incessant motion, noise, and activity; every crypt and corner has its
busy inhabitants, and as soon as the whole is concluded the season
will begin earlier than heretofore.
If we are to trust to our own private sources on the Continent,
and those from the best informed, the season will begin with Sabucco,
Verdi's celebrated opera so successful this season in Paris, and a new
ballet, of which the plot is written by one of the most imaginative
poets of our times. At present, however, such is the flood of news
poured down upon us, that we can only say, like the Cardinals in
conclave when a new question is submitted to them, " Vedremmo .1"
One circumstance that will excite astonishment is that Signor
Costa is no longer the leader. We beg to refer to the letter annexed.
We have always done justice to the skill of this gentleman ; but
when cireumstances require the withdrawal of a leader, it would be
extraordinary indeed if in our age, where muslual talents, in his
Peculiar department, is so abundant, such a void should not be
easily remedied. The manner in which it has been filled up meets
with our wannest concurrence. Mr. Balfe combines with the na-
tive genies of his country a thorough familiarity with Italaiair.i
music. In Italy (at Rome), he spent the last six years
g of
hitsbere —The Lowlands have not
cox some fov years been •
tistic education, and as composer or singer, he has figured preteen of the cross-reade, so inundated as they are at this time. Ma n y
on which the bridges are bad, are impassable, e
on all the first stages, from Palermo to Milan. Such
X.
power of his genius, that he has moulded his style to tpii,Atth 4"altr the cent At re^.,,st risGermany, fbr .I k. The district known In Oxon as the " Otmoors,"
of .... which s many miles in extent, has the appearance of a sea, from
countries he has visited ; 'whether for the theetr"
I the vast flood which covers it.
the Opera Comiquet or or the4o:knife de 3111619";