The Sun.
London, England, 1833-12-24 00:00:00

present them ought to be decided, viz., his wil-
lingness to let in bread from abroad to feed the
hundred thousand persons who are now an-
nually starved out of the kingdom.

To return to Mr. THONISON. He is fur.
ther reported to have said—

" I am satisfied that much of the misconception which
exists upon this subject arises as much from the exaggera-
tion of the friends to change as from the ignorance of its
enemies. lam satisfied that the cries which we have
raised for cheap bread—a cry raised by those who would
change the corn laws—does as much injury as anything
can do which is not strictly in accordance with truth."

We have to observe upon this, in the first
place, that the exaggeration would be productive
of no ill, were it not for:-the ignorance of those
to whom Mr. THomsoN alludes as being af-
fected by it. In the next place, it is not the
advocates of a free trade in food who raise the
cry about cheap bread, so much as the monopo-
lists. No doubt the argument that we should
have bread cheaper were there a free trade in
corn is incidentally urged ; but the main posi-
tions on which the free traders rest are that the
landowners have no right to say such and such
shall be the price you, the_ consumer, must pay
us, or you starve ; that they are fools for
thus attempting to cut up their golden
goose ; that they impede our prosperity,
prevent the extension, or cause the ruin and
demoralization of our population ; that they force
foreign countries to become our rivals in manu-
factures, by refusing to permit mutual exchange,
&c. But it is they who chiefly insist that they
shall he ruined by the cheapness of bread were
there a free trade in corn. Lord FITZWILLIAM,
and the great majority of the advocates of free
trade, argue, on the contrary, that the price of
bread would fall very little in consequence of
free trade ; but that the manufacturing popu-
lation would benefit by constant employment,
high wages, high profits (which must soon reach
agriculture somehow or other), extended com-
merce, triumph over foreign rivals and general
content.

With the exception of these two points, and
the general timidity with which Mr. P. THOM-
SON appeared to approach the subject, we con-
cur in every word he said upon it ; and we re-
peat what we urged on Saturday, that his, as
well as every other declaration we have had from
Ministers upon it, sufficiently indicates their
willingness to proceed with the question, when
they feel themselves sufficiently strong to over-
come the ignorantly selfish opposition of a por-
tio❑ of the landed aristocracy.

We have been favoured with an early copy
of the forthcoming number of the Westminster
Review, and have perused one of the articles
entitled "-Importance of Belgian Independence,"
with great satisfaction." If our limits permitted
we would give the article at length ; but as we
cannot do so, we must confine ourselves to a
few extracts.
The author, after some general observations,
thus alludes to the question of Belgian Inde-
pendence :
" In the first place, it has operated most beneficially as
removing the remnants of national jealousy, which would
always have acted upon a well-meaning portion of the
British public, and prevented their cordial acquiescence in
the deliverance of Belgium ; and so far has added to the
cementing of the common union of free states. The

••• • • •. • • LA•
agree to end their feuds by setting up a common •
interest
in the shape of a new family by marriage. Belgium is
the common daughter of the two great quarrelling com-
munities. On all the members too of the underground
alliance which is carrying on among nations, and particu-
larly on those who will be first turn' whenever the Euro
pean league begins to move forward against the barbarian,
the effect could not be otherwise than good. The reflect-
ing portion of the French nation may be the first appealed
to, whether the conduct of the Government which has
succeeded to the days of July has been in all respects such
towards friends and enemies, that nothing could possibly
be added to the confidence of foreign nations. It is at the
same time undeniable that the military transactions of the
French in Belgium have greatly increased the confidence
of mankind ; and there is the very lesson to be learned.
Would the apparition of the two great tricolours in the
Mediterranean, be less effectual than in the Scheldt
When the time comes for the delivery of Italy and Poland,
will Italy and Poland be less apt to grasp at the assistance,
because England and Belgium are there as guarantees ?
In the present condition of civilized Europe, the desirable-
ness of accumulating military power in vast states, is a
fallacy. There is much more to be hoped, from a mode-
rate extension among many. And the reason is, th it the
contest to be carried on, is oae that depends on
the exaltation of a common feeling which within cer-
tain limits is increased by subdivision, much more
than on the mechanical organization of the energies
of a few great powers. There is but one military
idea in Europe at present ; which is the driving back
the barbarian ' to his frightful deserts,' and the total
destruction of the insolent interference he has exercised,
through a league with the traitors of all countries, with
civilized communities. Men are born for it; some die
before they see it ; and the rest live on in hope. It may
come through military means, as the evil did ; or it may,
in a greater or less degree, be effected by the action of
gentler agents. But in one way or other, it is the thing
to be done ; and the man who does not prepare for it, is
a simpleton that cannot construe the signs of the times.
In this view it may be fearlessly stated to the honest and
the thinking among the French people, that any diminu-
tion of national importance or dignity arising to France
from the independence of Belgium, is compensated over
and over by the benefits accruing to that great cause, in
which France has always been and will continue to be
the leading actor."

Our sentiments with respect to Russia are too
well known for it to be necessary to say that we
highly approve of this passage as well as of
the following, with which we shall close our
extracts :

" The great fear of Belgian individuals at the present
moment—the bugbear in their streets—is Russia. The
barbarous powers, as in the days of Marathon, threaten
the civilized, and every free man is met by them in his
common walk of life. It is not for our interest,' say
the lords of the barbarian and the slave, ' that you and
other men should be free. It is of evil example, and
therefore you and other men shall not.' This is the policy
that presses upon the western European, from Warsaw to
Gibraltar. It is clear the Marathon must come ; and one
part of the machinery by which Providence has arranged
for the improvement of the less civilized portions of
human kind, is the stimulus which it has put upon them
to be always bringing themselves under the action of the
more improved. Barbarians might be let alone,
informed
if they
would not run their heads against their better
brethren ; but they never will—it is portion of nature's
provision in their behalf. And it is at this precise mo-
ment, that the Russians bethink themselves of threatening
England in India. The English Ministry must be ' with
opium drugged' or baser
i matter, if Mr. Babington Macaulay
rudimentsforhis lof a levee ,0 00/e. a.yeareeemasse
ls h
e t nottaking
reagainst
in
h RiBussia, in the po .ket the
shape of improvements in the government of India. And
the government there s not so bad, to begin with. A
huge empire like India, not bound to its rulers by national
prejudices, must have a salt somewhere that keeps it from
falling to decay; and that salt, without injury to great
capabilities for amendment, is simply the notion of justice
and integrity which despite disadvantages the civil go-
vernors of India contrive to carry with them through all
the passage to the Himalaya mountains. The theory of
preserving India from Russia is brief; give the Indians
all that England can give them and Russia will not, and
multiply Englishmen to be the distributors. The Russians

take India!—they had better think of defending Peters.
burgh. The Russian Empire will be split into six re
publics one and indivisible, before a Russian gives or re.
ceives the knout at Calcutta."

CITY ELECTIONS.-(THIS DAY.)

PORTSOKEN WARD.

The poll in this Ward was resumed at nine o'clock this
morning, before Alderman Johnson, to the right of whom
eat Mr. Scales. A number of the police were in attend-
ance, in case their services might become necessary ; but up
to one o'clock all had gone on quietly, with the exception
that two gentlemen, of the names of Smith and Golding,
from time to time gave the Alderman specimens of their
abilities in the blackguard line, and which he bore with
extraordinary forbearance. As a sample, we give the
following scene, which took place about one o'clock this
day :

Golding, addressing the Alderman abruptly—Why
don't you go home, you stupid fool ?—you have no bu-
siness here. You had better go to your nurse.
The Alderman, rising, and evidently mistaking either
the name of, or the person, who addressed him, said—Mr.
Smith, I will not suffer such language. If you—
Smith—What do you mean, you blind booby 9 I did
❑ot speak to you.

The Alderman—Mr. Golding, it is you I ought to
have addressed, but both you and Mr. Smith have been
using language towards me all this morning, which as
Alderman of this Ward ought not to be addressed to me.

Smith— You are no alderman. Who made you an
alderman? Did I vote for you ? You are an intruder,
and are robbing me and my children of the rights I have
bought and paid for.
The Alderman—l am your Alderman, and if you do
not desist I shall be compelled to exert my authority and
commit you.

Golding—Poor animal! only listen to him. He talk
of committing, indeed !
Smith—l don't care for your threat. Put me in cus-
tody ! you are afraid to do it.
Mr. Scales and Mr. Tyers both addressed the Alder-
man, and disclaimed any participation in the insults offered
to him, and addressing Smith and Golding, begged them
to desist, but in vain.

The Alderman told them that their friends had bespoke
his lenity, or he should have committed them.

Golding—That's what you tell me. I am surprised
at your impudeuce and ignorance, you wretched creature
you.

- Mr. Johnson, (son of the Alderman)—You had better
be quiet, or you will be turned out.
Smith—How dares your son tell us we have no busi-
ness here ? He is but a lodger himself.
..

Golding—lt be tells me so again, I'll pull him by the
ears.

In this manner these respectable housekeepers went on
some time longer, till an actual quarrel between them and
a gentleman whom they had insulted, was about to lead to
blows, when the beadle interposed and restored quiet, but
they were allowed to remain.
At one o'clock the numbers were—
Mr. Tyers
Negus 39 Findley
Saul
Parker ...... 31 Wright
Hoard 3O Death

THE MARKETS.-(THIS DAY.)

HAY MARKETS.—i At per Load of 36 Trusses.)
CUMBERLAND.

..._ _____ ...... --.
Coarse heavy lowland Meadow Hay £3 5 to £3 10
Clover Hay ss. per load dearer than last quoted ; prices other
wise stationary. Supply rather limited, and trade dull.
New ,I eadow Hay 3 5 3 10
Useful Old Ditto 3 1(1 4 4
Fine Upland Meadow and Rye-grass Hay 3 15 4 0
Clover Hay 4 5 5 5
Oat Straw ot 1 6to £1 8 I Wheat Straw... 1 8 1 10

SMITHFIELD.
Supply moderate,- trade dull, and prices stationary.
Coarse Heavy Lowianu Meadow Hay 3 0 to £3 5
New Meadow Hay...... ........... ....... ............... 310 4 4
Useful Old Ditto 3 5 3 15
Fine Upland Meadow and Rye-grass Hay.....„ 4 0 4 4
Clover Hay (extra fine)....£s s... Generally 3 10 4 10
rat Straw XI 4to X 1 61 Wheat Straw 1 8 110

EARL AND COUNTESS GREY'S PARTIES.
—The Premier gave a sumptuous banquet on Sunday
morning, in Downing-street, to the Marquis and Mar-
chioness of Clanricarde, Earl of Essex, Lord Howard de
Walden, the Dutch Special Minister, the Hon. Colonel
and Mrs. Dawson Darner, Mr. Charles and Lady Mary
Wood, the Hon. Colonel and Mrs. Cavendish, and the
Hon. Francis Mohnen:. The drawing rooms were also
illuminated for the reception of a very select party, con-
sisting of the branches of the family, Prince Esterhazy and
Prince Nicholas, the Prince and Princess Lieven, Baron de
Wessenburg, Baron Bulow, the Misses Cavendish,
Minister and baroness Biome, M. de Hummelaur (Aus-
trian Secretary of Legation).
The Bishop of Exeter has resolved to revive
the obsolete statute of Edward 111., which provides
that, in case a person presented to any living, and apply•
ing to the diocesan for institution, refuses to submit to
a private examination, or is pronounced by his Lordship
incompetent, the right of presentation shall fall into the
hands of the Bishop. If this statute be generally acted
on, it will put all the livings in England in the abs lute
power of the Bishops, who are not bound to give any
explanation as to tie grounds on which they may pronounce
a man incompetent, while they may dispose of the living
which has lapsed in consequence of their arbitrary decision
at their sole will and pleasure ! West Briton. The
Bishop has already acted on this plan, by rejecting a Mr.
Conryns, who applied for institution into the living of St.
Erth, to which he had been presented by the De in and
Chapter of Exeter. Mr. Cotnyns refused to submit, and
the Bishop has assumed his newly claimed right, by insti-
tuting another person on his own presentation.— Christian
Advocate.

HOOK'S NEW WORK, " Love and Pride,"
has, we understand, set all the world gues.sing at the
originals of his fancy portraits, and the Age says, " We
are requested by the Marquis of A-y, to contradict
the report, of the Marquis of Snowdon being intended
for him."

ROYAL FITZROY THEATRE.—We under-
stand that the Queen's is about to be opened as the Royal
Fitzroy Theatre, under a new and liberal management,
which has already engaged a most talented company, in-
cluding Mr. Charles and Miss Mason, nephew and niece of
Mrs. Siddons and John Kemble, who so long appeared
together before delighted audiences. The house has been
newly decorated throughout ; and four new pieces, in.
eluding a grand Pantomime, will be produced on the
opening night. Everything in fact will, for the first time
at that end of the town, be on the scale of the Adelphi and
Olympic.

RAMSGATE, DEC. 22.—(From a Corre-
spondent.)—Prince Talleyrand landed yesterday, about
noon, at Ramsgate, out of the Firefly, Government
steamer, which could not get into Dover owing to the
boisterous weather. This circumstance caused his High-
ness to land at Ramsgate. On his last coming over from
Calais, the Prince was pleased to express himself in high
terms of the facilities which the Royal harbour of Rams.
gate offered in such straits (where vessels, it seems, can
enter at any time of the tide), wondering that passage.
boats Were not established between Ramsgate and Calais,
as a certain mode of conveyance. A Steam Packet Corn-
pray is forming at Ramsgate for such purpose, under the
auspices of Sir W. Curtis, Bart. Shares have been taken
to a large amount, and an order given to build two first-
rate ateam-boats, which are to commence running early in
the Spring. Prince Talleyrand was landed in his carriage
by means of a crane of great power, and, without at all
alighting, proceeded on for the metropolis.

THE MURDERERS OF MR. HEIVSON.-
Five persons have been arrested, upon a charge of being
concerned in the atrocious murder of the late Rev. Mr,
Hewson, of the county of Kildare...-. Cork Constitution.
It is said in the City that the underwriters
of Lloyd's have not suffered so severely for the last thirty
years as they have within the present by the violent gales.
MANCHESTER, DEC. 19. Yarn is id.
per lb. higher than last week. For low hand cloth the
demand is very great, and prices arc higher.
AN ENORMOUS GANDER.—Joseph Ed-
wards of Tilston.heatb, in this county, has a gander,
hatched in June last, which now weighs 221 b. He in-
tends to feed it for a month longer, by which time it is
expected to be the largest " moss gander" ever fledged
among the quagmires of Tilston Moss.— Chester Courant.

ASTONISHING INSTANCE OF LONGEVITY.
A gentleman, who has lately been on a visit in Somer-
setshire, has obliged us with the following, copied by himself
from an inscription on a tombstone in the church_yard of
BrieHugon in that county :—" 1542. Thomas Newman,
aged 153. This Stone was new faced in the year 1771,
to perpetuate the great age of the deceased."-- Warwick
Advertiser.

The ensuing Sessions are fixed as follows :
Westminster, Dec. 26 ; Southwark, Dec. 30; Middlesex,
Dec. 31 ; London, Jan. 1 ; Old Bailey, Jan. 2.