The Sun.
London, England, 1851-09-02 00:00:00

SEPTEMBER 23 1851

1 It occupies a prominent place in the page of the poli-
tical history cf the last three years. With the pain-
ful experi nice of the past so fresh in the memc ries of
German and Italian revolutionists, and myriads of
their number being still suffering in their own per-
sons from the effects of the events which succeeded
the risings of 1848, it would indeed be strange were
the friends of popular progress in Germany and Italy
not to weigh well, in time, in anticipation of coming
convulsions, what they will do when those convulsions
have taken place. We are not in their secrets. The
precise course of procedure which they have resolved
on adopting is, we presume, known only to the few
who in all such cases lead the multitude. But
we cannot doubt that they have determined
on a definite course, and that all their plans for
carrying out their views are perfectly matured.
The friends of freedom in Germany, whether in
Austria or Prussia, have this reflection to invigorate
and sustain them, in whatever course they may
have fixed on—that they will not again have to en-
counter the hostility of those Conservatives who, in
1848, sided with the vanquished monarchs, with the
view of preventing the excesses to which they natu-
rally enough apprehended the triumphant Liberals
would carry matters. Men of intelligence and pro-
perty, both in Austria and Prussia, will now pursue
a very different course. The conviction has been
forced on them, that German monarchs do not profit
from the lessons of experience. And not only so, but
that they have no respect for the sacredness of solemn
pledges, nor even for the obligations of oaths deliber-,
ately taken. The sovereigns of Austria and Prussia
came under the most explicit and most solemn
pledges, to administer the affairs of their respective
countries in consonance with constitutional princi-
ples. And the Conservative portion of their subjects I
thought, that by so far siding with them as to pre-
vent the excesses to which the Democratic party
were disposed to push matters, they would be in-
suring the permanent peace and prosperity of their
country. They believed that their Governments
would in future be conducted on constitutional prin-
ciples. They have been cruelly deceived. They
must feel thoroughly convinced, that no faith is to
be placed in their Princes. They are a perfidious
race. When, therefore, the impending revolution has
been accomplished in Germany—in Austria and
Prussia both—the Conservatives will not again iden-
tify themselves with the upholo-1 of the existing
dynasties, but will allow matte; 0 to sake their course.
They may, and doubtless will, de '.ore the extremes
to which Democracy, when it hake again got the upper
hand, may carry matters; but they will deem that
the least of two evils. Tbey will cherish the hope
that any excesses which may attend the earlier days
of a new revolution will give way before the more
sober reflections even of Democracy ; whereas to re
store the existing Governments of Austria and Prussia,
even were that possible, would only be to sow the
seeds of other revolutions, each proving more terrible
than those which preceded it. And with regard to
Rome, all we have said with respect to Austria and
Prussia applies with equal force to the Roman States.
Even in 1848 the Conservatives of Rome could not,
by their own efforts, have restored the miserable im-
becile who fills the Papal chair. It was done by the
bayonets of France. France, we may rest satisfied,
will not repeat the game of 1848. She heartily re-
pents of her conduct on that occasion. It only tem-
porarily served the cause of the Papacy : it has done
herself irreparable damage. She will not interpose
on behalf of the Roman Pontiff again. When the
Pope is got rid of next time, he will be gut rid of
finally and for ever.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.
Si. ANDREWS.
The first, general meeting of this company wi35.1 held
recently at St. Andrew's.; lUr.W. Sinith in the chair.
The report stated that the actual sum subscribed for
was 17,1301, leaving yet 3,870/. to be subscribed for
in order to make up the capital of 21,000/, An
amicable settlement with the proprietors of land
along the proposed line was now being proceeded
with, and the directors fully anticipated that the
line would beformed without having one single lawsuit.
The CHAIRMAN stated that an agreement had been
entered into provisionally with the Edinburgh, Perth,
and Dundee Railway Company to work the lice for
a period of twenty-five years, the first charge on the
receipts being the maintenance of ways and works,
the taxes, salaries, wages, and interest of borrowed
money, and other expenses ; the second charge will
be 4fr per cent. on the capital of 25,0001. After
these two payments the Edinburgh and Dundee
Company will receive at the rate of Is. per mile per
train for working the traffic, a passenger-train not to
exceed five carriages, a mixed train eight carriages,
and a mineral train not to exceed ten waggons or
trucks, and for any additional number of trucks or
carriages a rate proportionally higher to be paid.
Any surplus remaining after these payments to be
equally divided between the two companies. The
business to be conducted under the superintendence
of a joint committee.
The report was adopted, the directors named in the
Act were continued in office, and after a vote of
thanks to the chairman the meeting separated.

COLCHESTER AND STOUR VALLEY.
The half-yearly meeting of this company was held
on Wednesday, at Colchester. ; Mr. T. L. Ewin in the
chair.
The secretary read the statement of accounts, from
which it appeared that 264,7871. had been received
on capital account, and 2C1,8601. expended, leaving a
balance of 2,9271., of which 1,969/. was lent to the
revenue account. The calls in arrear were stated to
amount to 13,9231.
The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the
statement of accounts, apologized for not having pre-
sented anything in the shape of a report. lie assured
them that the directors had been endeavouring to
bring matters to a settlement. He trusted the share-
holders would continue their confidence in the direc-
tors, and rest assured that they would exert themselves
to bring everything to a satisfactory conclusion. As
they were connected with the Eastern Union Com-
pany, they were influenced to a certain extent by the
proceedings of that company. Their affairs were at
present in the hands of a committee, and the state,-
ment of the capital account had been transmitted to
the Eastern Union Company, in order that the lease
of the line might be executed as soon as possible.
The motion was seconded and adopted, and after a
vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated.