The Sun.
London, England, 1848-07-28 00:00:00

FRANCE.

[The following appeared in our Third Edition of
last night] :
In the sitting of the Assembly yesterday, M. Thiers
read a report of the Committee of Finance on a pro-
position of M. Proudhon, relative to the tax on revenues.
The proposition, he said, tended to authorise the Go-
vernment to seize one-third of.the rents, and the Com-
mittee had been unanimously of opinion to reject
it. According to the proposition, a tax of one-third
was to be levied after the 15th of July, 1848, on
all property, one-sixth of which was to be given to the
lodgers and farmers, and the other to the Government.
M. Proudhon calculated that the produce of that new
tax would amount to at least 150 millions of francs,
and permit the suppression or reduction of other taxes,
particularly those on articles of consumption, the
most odious of all. M. Proudhon suggested that the
Government once in possession of those resources
might proceed to organize immediately discount banks
in all the districts of France ; create farming and
manufacturing banks, &c. M. niers stated that that
proposition had been discussed during several days in the
Committee, in a financial, moral, and political point of
view. The project originally published in a journal,
subsequently suspended for sedition, contained a direct
and avowed attack against property. It was presented
as a petition of a factious nature, since its author
declared that it should not be presented as a prayer but
an order. It was moreover founded on the denial of
the right of property, and was one of those engines by
means of which so many ambitious men sought of late
celebrity or power amidst the ruins of social order. M.
Proudhon,when examined by the Committee, declared that
he did not wish to destroy property, but merely to de-
rive from it a temporary resource for the benefit and
protection of property itself. The Committee, however,
had not considered the proposition entitled to considera-
tion. It regarded it as one of those indirect appeals to
citizens to turn against each other the arms that should
only be directed against the enemies of the couutry.
M. Thiers was of opinion that all those anti-social
doctrines should be discussed publicly and in noonday,
and that they should not be stifled, lest the modern
Erostrates should, like Galileo, complain of having
been condemned without a hearing. He next de-
monstrated the folly of the proposed scheme, and
maintained that it would be impossible to raise
the sum of 1,500,000,000 francs. In 1821 the Govern-
ment had ordered an inquiry to be instituted into
the revenue of the landed property of France, and
it was ascertained that it did not exceed 1,600 millions.
25 years afterwards a now inquiry was instituted, and it
was found to have increased by one-fourth, and to
amount to 2,000 mullions, or perhaps 2,200. To-day
that revenue would not be above 1,800 millions. After
recapitulating the different branches of revenue of
which M. Proudhon proposed to confiscate one-third, M.
Thiers showed that not more than 320 millions could be
realized.
M. Thiers contended that it was neither a system of
credit nor a new tax. M. Proudhon wished to establish
that it was an attack against property, as audacious as it
was ably combined; that if there were errors entitled to
pity and respect, there were others unworthy of any in-
dulgence; that the doctrines developed by M. Proudhon
deserved universal reprobation, and, in the interest of
society so deeply shaken, he called on the National As-
sombly to ratify the judgment of its Finance Committee.
M. Proudhon next asked that his proposition be dis-
cussed on Saturday.
M. Boutel, as Member of the Finance Committee, had
found fault with a passage of M. Thiers' report, in which
he said, that the project of decree on the progressive tax
had alarmed all the proprietors. M. Boutel was not a
partisan of the savage doctrines of M. Proudhon ; ho
indignantly reproved them, but he thought that M.
Thiers was not justified in attacking before hand a pro-
ject of decree presented by the Government.
M. Thiers replied, that M. Boutel was the only mem-
ber of the Committee who had objected to that passage
of his report. He had at first used the word " deeply
irritated the proprietors," but at the suggestion of M.
Boutel he had consented to substitute for them the word
" alarmed."
When M. Thiers descended from the tribune a great
tumult arose, which only subsided when General Ca-
vaignac appeared at the tribune.
General Cavaignac gave his fullest approbation to
every word of M. Thiers's report and thanked him in
the name of the country for the sentiments he had ex-
pressed. But he thought that M. Thiers should not
have condemned in advance a project of decree that had
After
a its
few wordsnot yet come under discussion.
M. Thiers maintained his right, and observed that the
Committee to which the project had been referred had
reproved
prieci
ple.from General Cavaignac, the inci-
dent was dropped.
M. Marie, Minister of Justice, next laid on the table
a project of decree relative to elections of Judges of the
Tribunals of Commerce. According to the decree, the
members of those tribunals should in future be elected
by merchants, licensed during five
years, and having re-
sided two years within the jurisdiction of the tribunal.
M. Marrast next read a letter from M. B ' Imo. who
tendered his resignation of the post of
the Assembly.
The Assembly afterwards resumed the
adjourned dis-
cussion on the 13th article of the law relative to clubs,
which had been referred, with the different amendments,
to the Committee.
M. Coquerel, the reporter, stated that the Committee
had carefully examined all these amendments, and thought
to substitute three articles for the 13th article.
properßy
the first, it was proposed to prohibit all secret societies,
and to condemn their members to a fine of from loof. to
500 f., and to an imprisonment of front three months to a
year. The penalty might be doubled as respected the

chiefs. By the second article, the eitivns were to bA
authorized to establish circles or reunions, which were
not of a political nature, on giving previous notice of
their intention to the authorities. Finally, the 15th
article sanctioned the right of all citizens to hold pre-
paratory electoral meetings and to assemble for religious
purposes.
M. Vivien observed that the penalties against secret
societies were not sufficiently severe, and proposed not
only to increase the fine and imprisonment, but to de-
prive the members of such societies of their civil rights
during a period of five years at least and ten years at
most.

A discussion ensued on the nature of secret societies,
which M, Valtette was desirous to specify in the law.
M. Dupin stated that the fact of their secrecy consti-
tuted their culpability.

M, Flocon was left at the tribune, combating M. Du-
pin's opinion.

LIVERPOOL, MANCHESTER, AND
NEWCASTLE JUNCTION RAILWAY.
(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)
The opposition (petitioners) to this line having
been thrown out on Wednesday night by the Com-
mittee of the House of Lords, I send you the follow-
ing account of the line from its first introduction into
Parliament ;
" This line is intended to join the East Lancashire
line at Burnley, and run north into the York and
Newcastle line at Cowton (near Richmond), in York-
shire, crossing the projected Northern Counties Union
line, which runs to Bedale, and using twelve miles of
that line, the total length being fifty-six miles.
" The company was projected in 1845 under the
highest patronage; the shares were to be 80,000, at 201.
each, with 21. 10s. paid. Several other projects were
in the field to occupy the district; there being nothing
nearer than the Leeds and Thirsk on the east side,
the Northern Counties Union on the north side of the
proposed line, and the Lancaster and Carlisle on the
east side of it, into which the rival Northern Coun-
ties line ran. The only project which survived
was the Lancashire and North Yorkshire Company,
which agreed in committee in 1846 to amalgamate
with this line.
"The Bill passed most triumphantly in 1846, and
the amalgamation took place ; the capital then to be
70,000 shares at 201., and the shares were equally
divided, 35,000 to each company or
,body of pro-
prietors.
"This line shortened the route between Newcastle-
upon-Tyne and Liverpool 25 miles over any other line,
between Newcastle and Fleetwood 541 miles, between
Newcastle and Preston the same, between Newcastle
and Manchester 181 miles, and to Bury 38 mites ; it
commanded the traffic between those places, and of
course the north of Ireland via Fleetwood. The coal
and coke passing over the line was calculated at an
immense extent, and the line itself occupied a rich
grazing country : it shortened the communication
between the terminii considerably more than the.
Northern Counties Union line.
"Mr. Hudson had agreed to pay six per cent. on half
the capital for making the twelve miles running west
from Bedale to the Northern Counties Union line, in
other words, that part was to be common to both
companies.

" In 1847 the directors went to Parliament for the
Burnley branch, -so as to cut off an elbow, and to
effect other important deviations, and the line, as it
stands, was said to be constructible now for 800,0001.
only. The district had become matter of much dis-
cussion between the Manchester and Leeds Company,
the Northern Counties Company, and Mr. Hudson's
companies, and those discussions led to internal dis-
sensions, which had a serious influence on the share-
holders, especially as other companies held large
shares in this undertaking. It also appeared that
the allotments of shares in 1845, and the subsequent
transactions in them by directors and officials, had
called forth strong expressions of disapprobation, and
there is no doubt those irregularities (to use no
harsher term) had influence with the Committee of
the Loris—the solicitors promoting this Bill having
lately purchased several hundreds of shares at nominal
prices. In 1845, 20,000 shares had been originally
allotted to the officials, 6,000 only to the public, and
3,000 to Members of Parliament ! In 1845 the
shares were at 61. to 81. premium—in 1848 at as many
shillings! and large numbers were bought by the
promoters of this Bill.
" Above 170,000/. had been raised, and above
100,0001. spent ; so that there remained 70,0001., or
nearly 1/. per share.
'The public advantages of the line had been through-
out maintained by all sets of directors up to the pre-
sent application, and there is no doubt that that
weighed with their Lordships, as well as the private
considerations as to the conduct of the promoters, and
the share transactions, which appeared of the most
extraordinary character. The public interests cer-
tainly appear to furnish a fair reason for the making
the line in competition to existing routes on the
north or south, or the projected route of the Northern
Counties Union."

THE POTATO CROP IN IRELAND.
(From the Dublin Pilot of Monday.)
Unfavourable reports continue to reach us from some
quarters of Ireland; but there are districts in which a
single symptom of the disease has not yet manifested
itself. The Team Heratt states that it has not been
found, on the minutest inquiry, that there is the least
ground for the apprehensions which had become so pre-
valent in the past week. There is an encouraging para-
graph in the Tipperary Free Press, and also in the Cork
Reporter, on this important matter. The country mar-
kets appear to be abundantly supplied with potatoes of
the very finest quality. In 'Tam they are sold at 4d.
to 51 a stone, and
-in Cork from 6d. to Bd. a weight of 21
pounds.
We are happy to find these views corroborated by the
following extract from the letter of a highly respectable
Catholic clergyman:—
" SATURDAY, JULY 22.—Thinking that you would be
anxious to know the condition of the potato crop in this
part of the country, I have to say that, with a very few
exceptions, it promises well. Certain interested indivi-
duals are looking out for an excuse to circulate an unfa-
vourable report."
(From the Leinster Express.)
In our last we alluded to rumours which had been
circulated of the re-appearance of the potato disease of
1845-6, in various parts of Ireland. We have the utmost
satisfaction in recording our conviction that there is not
the slightest ground ter apprehension. Against the few
isolated reports of partially discoloured leaves and tainted
tubers, we have to place the cheering and encouraging
accounts received from a vast number of localities, in
which no trace of the blight has manifested itself. All
the discouraging symptoms said to have been observed
are, we firmly believe, traceable to the effects of the
weather, or of diseased seed, or of improper cultivation.
The conductors of the Farmer's Gazette have, in the last
number of their valuable journal, published in a tabular
form the result of their inquiries relative to the whole of
the crops, issued by circular to a great number of locali-
ties throughout the country, and this result is in the
highest degree satisfactory. We compile from this table
the report from such of the districts in our own vicinity
as are embraced in the return as follows:
BALLYCASTLE.—No appearance of disease in potatoes.
The crop has a most healthy and luxuriant appearance.
About four times the breadth planted this year compared
with the last. The appearance of the wheat crop is a
little complained of. For the last seventy years the oat
crop never looked better.
BALLYNAHINCIL—Dise so has appeared partially in
the potato crop even in the fields. There are, however,
no grounds for alarm yet. Four to one of an increase
planted. Wheat, oats, and barley look well.
Busfottees.—Not in any instance has disease appeared
in potatoes. Five times the amount planted over last
year. Wheat and oats an average crop.
COLERAINE.—The potato disease has not yet appeared.
A few tainted ones have been met with. The quantity
planted is four to one compared with last year. Wheat
and oats very good, but very long straw.
DONAGHMORE, COUNTY Dowse—No appearance of
disease in the potato crop, which never looked healthier,
or more luxuriant. About six times the extent planted
this year, as compared with the former. Wheat looks
well. Oats from all appearance will be short in the straw.
DUNGANNON.—No appearance of potato disease. The
crops never looked better this time of the year. Fully
tenfold more planted than last year. Wheat and boats
an excellent crop.
Dustmuner.—ln some districts a trifling appearance
of disease in potatoes, but the crop generally appears
safe, and promises well. Quantity planted treble that of
last year. Wheat not as weighty as last year, but the
oats seem a fair average.
liceurtcuv.—ln potatoes no appearance of disease.
The crop never looked more healthy. Fully five times
as many planted as last year. Wheat light compared
with former years. Oats a fair crop-
LARNE.—The potato crop in general never presented
a more beautiful or promising appearance than it does
this season. Quantity planted equal to that of years
betore the disease. Wheat and oats look extremely well.
Beans which are extensively cultivated, most promising.
LOUGHOALL.—No appearance of disease in potato crop.
Four times as many planted as last year. Wheat and
oats first rate, with the exception of some wheat sown on
ground not fit to grow it.
Persons connected with this journal have had, during
the past week, opportunities of inquiring and examining
into the state of the crops in the Queen's County, the
county of Kildare, and King's County. As'regards the
potato, the accounts are varied; traces of disease are re-
ported in many districts, while in some the crop is
stated to present a most healthy appearance, and though
suffering from high winds and other ordinary causes,
there is not the slightest symptom of taint. The other
crops are described as most luxuriant.

--
Since writing te fo-egoing, Iv, hilvn bo-u
Mr. Turpin, Muryborough, a sample of the ask leaved
kidney potato—a variety that has hitherto been but
little affected by disease—in which the taint was plainly
developed Other fields in the neighbourhood of Mary-
borough, Stradbally, Mountmelliek, and Mountrath, are
said tube extensively affected with disease similar to that
of the past year.

A COUNTERFEIT PRINCE.
Mention was made some time ago of an impudent
scamp having swindled an old soldier by passing him-
self off as Prince Louis Napoleon, The fellow has since
contrived to keep out of the reach of the police; but
a middle-aged man, named Mialhe, a bookkeeper by
occupation, who introduced the swindler to the dupe,
was arrested, and was yesterday brought to trial be-
fore the Tribunal of Correctioual Police. The dupe,
whose name is Chausse, and is now a weaver, related
that he fell in with Mialhe at a club of old soldiers, meet-
ing in the Ituede Lowry, and that he there told him that
he was in communication with Prince Louis Napoleon. at
the same time. showing him a manuscript address to the
electors, which he said was signed by the Prince. Some
time after he was drinking in a wine shop with Mialhe,
when the latter bolted ant, and returned in some minutes,
accompanied by an individual who he made complainant
understand by signs was no other than Prince Louis
Napoleon. Ou this Chausse invited the Prince and
Mialha to breakfast, and on the former graciously
ooncleacending to accept it, the complainant made it,
as he expressed it, worthy to be offered to the
nephew of the Emperor. In the course of the
breakfast the Prince asked him if he had known the
Little Corporal, and the complainant answered with
great emotion, that he had that " immortal honour."
" Well !" said the Prince, " having known him,
you must recognise these," and he showed him a
cross of the Legion of Honour, and another of the
Iron Crown, which, ho said, had bean worn by the
Emperor. On this the complainant, to use his own
words, " cried like a calf," and reverentially kissed the
cross of Honour. After breakfast, the Prince accom-
panied him to his own house, and there dispatched
Mialhe to seek for some papers, giving hint a warrant
under his hand and seal so to do. Hia Highness next
expressed a wish to partake of some Lyons sausages,
and the complainant procured him half a pound,
which he dispatched with Infinite relish, The
Prince then discovered that, in coming from Auteuil
that morning on horseback (he had, he said, a
residence at Auteuil), he had torn his trousers, and the
complainant offered him a pair which he deigned to
accept, and the Prince also condescended to receive a
waistcoat, a shirt, and two pocket handkerchiefs.
The trouble of dressing made the Prince thirsty, he
intimated that a bottle of wine would be acceptable,
and the complainant supplied him with one of the
best that could be found in the neighbourhood.
The Prince then showed an empty purse, and
graciously borrowed 3a francs from the complainant to
put into it. Hearing that complainant's sister and some
friends had gone out fishing, he proposed to go and eat
the fish they had caught, as be said he adored fish. In
returning, he tried to borrow 300 francs from the com-
plainant, but, as the latter had not so much, he
consented to accept 150 f. These were to be given
to him next day, but fortunately the complainant
was warned by the prisoner himself not to ad-
vance the money, and he took the counsel. Shortly
after, the pretended prince, who had been seen reeling
about very drunk, disappeared. The prisoner contended
that he had not assisted in duping the complainant, and
that he himself had been deceived into believing that the
swindler was really what he pretended; and as his
warning to the complainant to keep his money seemed
to bear out this story, the tribunal acquitted him.—
Galignani's Messenger.