The Sun.
London, England, 1851-09-23 00:00:00

(6 A mina gitit

LONDON, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1851.

If the meetings of every agricultural society went
off like that of the East Cumberland Association, we
should hail them as being in the highest degree con-
ducive to the national welfare and prosperity. There
was no unmanly whining after exclusive privileges,
no grasping after shadows, no indulgence in vain
anticipations, but a resolute and straightforward de-
termination to make the best of existing
circumstances, and to enter fairly into the
competition that every man engaged in any
trade or manufacture, must be prepared
to encounter. Such will speedily be the case in
every district where the farmers and occupiers of the
soil are exempted from the blighting influences of
the FOSKETTS, the CHOWLERS, and the BENNETTS,
and allowed to ascertain their true condition without
being encouraged to entertain unreasonable expecta-
tions, or to yield to undue despondency.
On the ono side, they should know that every man
is not horn a farmer, that there is no regal road to
agricultural science, but that those who desire to pros-
per, to m[;ke both ends meet, and pay their way with
agent and rate-collector, must be thoroughly educated
for that task, and must have at least a fair notion of the
mode in which he is to obtain the largest and most
valuable produce from his lands, at the least possible
outlay. A farmer of the present day cannot hope to
have his life one of unceasing amusement ; he cannot
afford to rise late, to indulge in horses and dogs, and
to neglect the cultivation of the soil, his
only legitimate source of income. No; he
must recollect that agricultural, like every other
description of " labour," is only properly and
efficiently executed " under the eye of he muster."
He must therefore be prepared to devote by far the
greater portion of his time to that superintendence
which is absolutely essential.

He must also enter upon the contest on fair condi-
tions, unclogged with restrictions, against which no
man could hope to struggle. lie must, in the first
place, hold his lands at a fair rent, not based on war
prices, when inconvertible notes, the worthless rags
at which the bullionists turn up their noses, were in
abundance, and the country possessed that great
desideratum, a circulating medium adequate
to its wants and exigencies. Nor caa he
have his lands charged with portions for a
numerous body of brothers and sisters, and be
called upon to satisfy large demands for interest in
each and every year. No ; the man thus encum-
bered must necessarily go to the wall, unless pos-
sessed of almost supernatural zeal and activity ! And
why should it be otherwise in agricultural pursuits
than it unquestionably is in trading, commercial, or
manufacturing occupations ? " A clear stage and no
favour," is what every free-born man should claim as
his birthright ; and if he obtains that, he will have no
cause to complain. _ _ _

Nor will he do so unless exposed to undue influ-
ences. Tell him that he is an ill-treated man, that he
is entitled to live witnout exertion, to have the pro-
ce of the soil made dear by artificial and restrictive
e'aactments, so that he will have at least a pound per
quarter more for his wheat than present quotations.
He will lend an easy credence to the too flattering
tale—believe that all classes should pay tribute to the
farmer, nay, for there are no bounds to human credu-
lity, will begin to think that he is a deeply injured
man, because the artisan or operative, toiling to ob-
tain a scanty provision for his family, ob-
jects to pay double price for his children's bread,
merely because it would be convenient and agreeable
to himself to receive it. Quod volumus facile cre-
dinaus. It is indeed surprising to know the capacity
of the swallow, the enormous gullibility that prevails,
and which may easily be brought to their utmost di-
.mensions when acted upon by a stentorian voice,
.apid volubility, and unblushing assurance.
But there is a bold manly spirit about our
yeomanry, a sound practical wisdom that, will incline
;them to better things when they find persons, in
'whom they can place confidence, giving more
salutary lessons than those above alluded to. We
find the Selby Agricultural Society listening atten-
tively to Lord BEAUMONT, the West Derby Associa-
tion cheering Mr. GISBORNE, the farmers of North
Lancashire rapturously applauding Lord DE TABLEY,
the men of Bucks receiving with enthusiasm the
judicious advice of their talented representative Mr.
DISRAELI, " not to look for the re-imposition of a
fixed duty or a sliding scale ;" and the East Cumber-
land Association approving of the sentiments of Sir
JAMES GRAHAM, and following in the path indicated
by the Right Hon. Baronet.

It is indeed delightful to find a person, whose un-
questionable attainments and distinguished position
entitle his opinions to considerable weight, indicating
to his agricultural brethren the means by which they
will be enabled to meet their opponents in friendly
emulation. They must avail themselves of all the
lights of modern science, bringing the lands in their
occupation into the highest degree of fertility, and
economising every expense to the lowest point con-
sistent with the due cultivation of their holdings.
Sir JAMES is, indeed, an unimpeacable witness, for,
as he justly remarks, he is himself bound up with the
agricultural interest. On this part of the case we can-
not do better than quote the concluding words of the
admirable address of the Right Honourable Gentle-
man :

" I cm among the first to admit that the basis of our
national prosperity is the produce of the soil. If it were
not so I should be poor indeed, for all I possess is in
land, and in land of this county; you, therefore, have the
utmost pledge of my sincerity and my wish to promote the
welfare of the agriculture of this county; but you must
have it in a manner coincident with the welfare
of the community; and these are the objects and these
the modes in which to attain that end. Societies of this
kind appear to me to have that tendency, and I was de-
lighted to hear a sentiment which fell from you, Mr.
Vice-Chairman. You said you did not despair of the
prosperity of the agricultural interest. You said that
agriculturists must meet increased difficulties with in-
creased exertions. You added that Heaven always
favours those who help themselves, and that the agricul-
tural interest would not be the last interest to make the
requisite exertion. It is only necessary that the exer-
tion should be well directed. It is the duty of landlords
to lead the way in respect to all these improvements and
experiments ; the landlords of England must not be left
behind in the race of exertion, and, if we be a united
body, then I say,
Nought shall make us rue,
If England to itself do rest but true."'

Liberty of the Press appears to be just now at a
discount throughout the European continent. Whether
we look to the capital of a despotism or of a de-
mocracy we perceive everywhere the same intoler-
ance towards journalism on the part of their respec-
tive Governments. It is by this time, we conceive,
tolerably notorious that M. VICTOR HUGO has in-
curred the displeasure of the authorities of the French
Republic, and his ingenious tranformation of the
Evenement into the Avenement has become already as
familiar to the political circles among the Parisians
as the celebrated metamorphoses of the National,
immediately prior to the second revolution. Even,
as will be seen from our foreign intelligence of this
evening, the phlegmatic or cautious Journal des
Debats, has been excited by recent occurrences to such
a depth of indignation that it has protested, boldly,
and almost audaciously, against a course of proceed-
ing so arbitrary and intolerant as that which has of
late been evidenced in those official prosecutions.
According to the interpretations put upon recent
oc-
currences by the Debats, it bluntly avows ithat the
late rigorous condemnations pronounced on the press
prove, if they prove anything, that the journals, with
scarcely a solitary exception, are for the time being
very far indeed from being in the good graces of the
country. A strange
and somewhat startling acknow-

ledgment in reference to that journalism which, in
1848, was allowed on all hands to have
constituted a Provisional Government in the
Hotel de Ville, if it did not actually subvert a throne
and transform a monarchy into a republic. " It is
useless to deny the fact," says the Journal des De.bats,
"we are not popular." Allowing, for the sake of
argument, that such is actually the case, the recent
prosecutions are not upon that showing, it must at
the moment be allowed, by any means whatever jus-
tified. On the contrary, it would appear that from
that very reason only a frivolous waste of power
to be thus employing a tyrannical energy
for the punishment of organs which, one
might imagine, to be sufficiently punished, also,
by the unpopularity. " Public opinion," continues
the Dads, "is in one of those periods of reaction
which always succeed irregular commotions." Upon
that understanding it is worse, immeasurably worse,
than an idle expenditure of the energies of the Exe-
cutive to be dealing thus harshly with the journals of
Paris, inflicting upon their gerants or redacteurs at
pleasure penalties, fines, or imprisonments. By
acting in this arbitrary manner the Government is
adopting the most effectual course imaginable for the
reinstatement of those newspapers, and the individuals
conducting them in popularity, acknowledged to be a
caprice on the part of the population. Render the
most unpopular journalist in the country an object of
general sympathy, by placing him in the position of
one who has fallen a victim to the severity of an un-
merited and despotic prosecution, and you endow
him with that very influence in an aggravated form,
both as to its intensity and its magnitude, which you
are solicitous i❑ reality to diminish or to annihilate.
Precisely after this fashion are the members of the
French Government acting under the present emer
gency, enhancing the very power they would deterio-
rate by acts of oppression as ill-advised as they are
altogether unjustifiable.
Transferring our scrutiny from the direction of
Paris to that of Vienna, turning from the Republic
of France to the despotism of Austria, we perceive
at the present moment the same rash interference
with the press on the part of its insolent and domi-
neering Government. Among the most recent and
most flagrant evidences of this violation of all the dic-
tates of right reason is that of the virulent prosecu-
tion of the editor of a facetious periodical called the
Iluniourist. What Punch is in London, and the Om-
rivari in Paris, the I lumourist is in Vienna, a vehicle
for drolleries of the most subtle or of the most bizarre
description, having a social or political tendency, ac-
cording to the inspiration of the contributors. For
the perpetration of a joke which, if published in the
volumes of Punch, might only have provoked a smile
on the lips of her MAJESTY'S Ministers, the unfor-
tunate conductor of the Humourist was very recently
condemned to no less than two months' imprison-
ment! While, however, the writer might be punished,
it proved on the trial that the wit could not by any
possibility be dumbfoundered, M. Sarum, the person
in question, demanding naïvely in open court whether
it was treasonable to repeat the Lord's Prayer, seeing
that " deliver us from evil" might he construed into
an aspiration for the overthrow of the Government ?
It would appear, in truth, that despotism is ever
demented in its dealings with a power which defies
its authority more effectually, the more frequently,
and the more vigorously it is assailed. From the
period when MILTON raised his majestic voice in be-
half of the press, until our own, the arguments in
favour of its remaining unfettered have only been
multipled with every additional instance of persecu-
tion. And journalism, as if in testimony of this, has
risen scathless from every attack, and not
only scathless, but with a vigour materially enlarged
by its contentions with its assailants. Ultimately the
fact of this consequence must become so manifest to
the more despotic Governments of Christendom, that
with an eye to their own security they will be induced
to refrain from any similar indulgence of their ani-
mosity. Journalists will then be alike denied the perils
of prosecution and the glories of martyrdom.

A respected Irish Contemporary, Saunders's .News-
Letter, states that a very influential company has
been formed in England, at the head of which is the
PRINCE CONSORT for the purpose of buying up lands
in Ireland. It adds that the purchases are expected
to be on a most extensive scale, and that persons in
their employment are now bu6ied in obtaining infor-
mation on the spot as to the position and value of
various estates. Although we willingly acknow-
ledge the early information and general
accuracy of our Contemporary, and its caution
against lending the sanction of its name to any un-
founded rumours, we fear that in the present in-
stance " the wish is father to the thought." We
receive the announcement, fearing that it is " too
good news to be true." Whether, however, the
account may be relied on or not, of this we are cer-
tain, that an undertaking more profitable to the
shareholders, and beneficial to the community at
large, could scarcely be devised. It would, in-
deed, be but following out the advice of Sir ROBERT
PEEL, so emphatically tendered, the result of his
deliberate and unprejudiced judgment. We heard
much at the time of the intentions to act on
these judicious suggestions. The corporation of
London took the matter in hand, and for a time all
appeared couleur de rose. Unfortunately, however,
the enthusiasm subsided, and nothing practical was
achieved by any public body, or, with some rare and
honourable exceptions, by private enterprise. We
still saw valuable estates submitted to public com-
petition, with a certainty that no reasonable
offer would be refused, and under circum-
stances as to title more favourable to pur-
chasers than had ever previously been offered, without
producing any corresponding effect. A species of
panic hung over the market, the supply largely ex-
ceeded the demand, and although capitalists freely
acknowledged that each successive lot was disposed of
far below its real value, and that excellent bargains
were in every instance obtained, they could not be
induced to come forward, appearing to think that
Irish estates were "a drug in the market," that
could be obtained at any prices that the
consciences of bidders might induce them to offer,
and that ten, twelve, or even fourteen per cent., was
only a fair return for money invested in real estates
on the other side of St. George's Channel.
Many will, hereafter, have cause to deplore
this strange delusion, to regret the golden opportuni-
ties they have let slip through their fingers ; but it
is not yet too late to repair their mistake. Bargains
may still be obtained,"although not at the ridiculously
inadequate prices that have heretofore prevailed ;
well circumstanced estates cannot now be obtained at
ten years' purchase, but they may be had at two-thirds
of their actual value, which, we.; have no doubt,
will be willingly paid for them in a very few
years. Everything at this moment is calculated to
improve the value of land in Ireland. The super-
abundant population is rapidly thinning, and the flight
across the Atlantic will speedily complete what
famine commenced and pestilence continued.
There is now a rage for " emigration." Every one
that can accomplish it is now flying from his father-
land, and the movement is not restricted to the
peasantry, but substantial farmers, the very thews
and sinews of the country, are participating.
There will be ample room for the new corners,
who will be cordially welcomed by their Celtic
brethren, and with energy, determination, and a mo-
derate amount of capital, we venture to say that
active men can now do better in Ireland than in any
part of Great Britain, or even in another hemi•
sphere, far removed from all their early friends and
associations.

TUB METROPOLITAN ROADS.—The following is an
abstract of a document just laid before the Marylebone
vestry, by Mr. Scace, the surveyor, as to the cost of making
and keeping in repair some of the most important roads in
the parish for the last twelve years :—The New-road, mea-
suring 26,400 yards, cost, for twelve years, 20,4431. ; average
per year, 1,7031. 131. Edgware-road, for the same period,
14,300 yards, 14,3181.: per year, 1,1931. Portland-road,
4,080 yards, 2,5381. 7s. 7d. ; or, per annum, 2111. 10s. 7d.
Great Portland-street, 4,690 yards, 2,545/. 2s. sd. ; average
per year, 212/. Is. 10d. Baker-street and York-place, 8,400
yards, 3,014/. ss. ; per year, 2511. 3s. 9d. Orchard-street,
1,210 yards, 6731.45. 7d. ; average per year, 561.25.

Mr. Birch has resigned the situation of preceptor
to the Prince of Wales. H© is to be succeeded in his office
by Mr. Gibbs, barrister-at-law, and Fellow of Trinity Col-
lege, Cambridge.—llerald.

THE HOP DUTY.—Measures are being adopted in
Sussex to renew the agitation for a repeal of the hop duty ;
and at a meeting just held at Hastings it was resolved :
'• That the small crop of hops inlthe present.season in Sus-
sex and the Weald of Kent render it necessary to Apply to
the Government for a postponement of the next instalment
of the duty."

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris journals of yesterday.
The prosecution of the press by the Government
seems to have aroused at last the indignation even of
the Journal des Debats, in whose columns have ap-
peared some energetic arguments against those pro-
ceedings. The circumstance is the more significant
from the fact that hitherto the Journal des _Mats has
carefully avoided every chance of being mixed up in
the possibilities of a prosecution. In spite of this
caution, however, it speaks out at length with a
chivalrous emphasis.
The National upon the same subject speaks as
follows :

" The day of the 19th September will count as one of
the most fatal for the republican press. Let our col-
leagues, struck in combatting, receive the painful
expression of our sympathies ; our heart vibrates
at all the blows directed against them. Let us con-
fess besides, since such an avowal becomes a peril,
that the whole democratic party is engaged in the
struggle supported by the different organs of de-
mocratic opinions. Guardians of the law, sentinels of
the Republic, the constitutional journals form a sort of
rampart. If it bo beaten down, the field will remain
free for all excesses. Do we not already see the lengths
to which the zeal of the writers who represent parties
hostile to the fundamental compact carries them ?
What insults, what a permanent insurrection against
the laws of the country ! What would it be then on
the day on which they should be masters, in which they
should be alone in the field that we defend? This day
is no doubt far off. The liberty of the press has sur-
vived attacks which were perhaps more violent, if not
more persevering and more numerous. It has had its
defeats, but has passed triumphantly through all trials.
All the powers which have engaged in a struggle against
it have boon destroyed."

A report of the murder of some gendarmes at
Lyons has happily been contradicted by two of the
local newspapers.
By a decree of the PRESIDENT of the Republic,
M. HEDati WELTER, Mayor of Beaune, has been dis-
missed from his offic.
The Assemblie National has a curious notice of an
article in the Voix du Proscrit, in which the year
1852 is spoken of for the overthrow of all the thrones
of Europe.
General CORNEMUSE, Commander of the 3d bri-
gade of infantry of the 3d division of the army of
Paris, has just been appointed by the PRESIDENT of
the Republic head of the staff of the army of Paris.
The PRESIDENT of the Republic rode out on horse-
back on Saturday, accompanied by an orderly officer.
The day being very fine, there was a large crowd of
persons round the Elysee, and a considerable number
of promenaders were on the side walks of the Champs
Elpee. The PRESIDENT proceeded at a foot-pace
towards the Barrfere de l'Etoile, and was most re-
spectfully saluted by persons of all classes. There
was no shouting, but almost every head was uncovered
as he passed.
The Bourse was animated, and the speculators ap-
peared to have completely recovered from the panic of
Saturday. The Five per Cents. opened at 91f. 20c., and
closed at 91f. 85c. for the end of the month, being a
rise of lf. 15e. as compared with the closing price of
Saturday last; the Three per Cents. closed at 56f. 45c.;
Orleans Railroad Shares, 860 f.; Rouen, 573 f. 75c.; Havre,
2501.; Great Northern, 460 f.; Avignon, 205 f.; Vierzon,
425 f.• Basle, 150 f.; Bordeaux, 381 f. 25c.; Paris and
Straburg, 353 f. 75c.; Tours and Nantes, 262 f. 50c.;
Amiens to Boulogne, 260 f.

BUSINESS 1)0P..1,: IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS Al"rti.E
LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, SEPT. 22.

Boulogne and Amiens. 101/4—Luxembourg, 56—Ditto, 1%
Northern of France, 1376—Orleans and Bordeaux, 4% cx d.
—Paris and Strasbourg, 101,1—Tours and Nantes, 61.

SPAIN.

Madrid journals of the 17th have arrived.
A Cabinet Council had been held on the Cuban
invasion, the Ministers immediately afterwards re-
ceiving kr. MARTIN, editor of a Spanish journal in
New York, who had brought over dispatches, and
who gave information as to what had taken place in
that city. The next day Mr. MARTIN had an inter-
view with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. It was
said in political circles that important instructions had
been sent off on the subject to the Ambassadors at
London and Paris, and that 8,000 men were to be
forwarded forthwith to Cuba. According to the
Herald() the affair still continued to create an extra-
ordinary sensation throughout the capital.

It will be observed that the Cabinet Council above
noticed took place a month after the day on which
the last conflict took place, in which General ENNA
was killed, and in which General LOPEZ obtained his
last illusory success.
MADRID BOLSA, SEPT. 17.—The Three per Cents.
were done at Madrid at 35 cash ; the Five per Cents.,
161; Coupons, 8 ; Debt without Interest, 51.