The Sun.
London, England, 1851-07-21 00:00:00

At,„
/44,- 11,

LONDON, MONDAY, JULY 21, 1851

Marvellous and incomprehensible at the first glance
though it may appear, the National Assembly
has accepted and yet refused the project for a revi-
sion of the Constitution. The riddle, though ap-
parently bewildering, may nevertheless be very rea-
dily explained. Saturday last witnessed the division
upon the long-agitated question, immediately after
M. CHARAMAULE'S withdrawal of his amendment.
According to the numbers counted off upon their
division, there were found to be 446 in favour of the
revision, and only 278 against it, 724 having voted
altogether. Yet, with a clear majority
by this means of 168 in favour of the
revision, it was decided that the proposition had en-
countered a rejection from the circumstance of the
votes in behalf of the scheme of innovation not amount-
ing to three-fourths of the whole in the aggregate.
The supporters of the change in the Constitution find
themselves therefore by this time in the anomalous
position of men vanquished even at the moment
when seemingly victorious. No marvel that the re-
sult of the division was greeted by the Mountain
with shouts of Vine la Republique.
The political difficulties of France have by
the decision of the Assembly on Saturday
been marvellously simplified, and we doubt
not but that the effect will be very materially to con-
solidate her democratic institutions, stabilitating at
the same time the whole framework of the national
administration. Influence of the nature here hinted
at were of all others the most desirable, in order to
prepare for that great struggle which is to be wit-
nessed in 1852—the struggle between treason and
patriotism, between candour and conspiracy, between
the revolution and the counter revolution. Upon the ,
upshot of that momentous encounter will be dependent
the safety, the liberty, and the prosperity of France,
and not these only, but the peace, moreover,
and happiness of all the principal powers of Christen-
dom. It is with eager eyes, therefore, that the pub-
licist watches every new phase in the affairs of the
French Republic, calculating from each the proba-
bilities or improbabilities of witnessing the fulfilment
of his most ardently cherished aspirations. From the
latest of these fluctuations in the position of parties in
the Legislature much that is satisfactory may not
unreasonably be anticipated ; the result of the debate
upon the revision having long been looked to
as the index to the events stored up
in futurity. To the moderate Republicans
especially the consequence of the discussion must be e
source of delightful self-gratulation, the Constitutie,
being, as it were, the child of their loins, the palladiute
fabricated by them for the conservation of the new
Democracy. Removed though he is in a great mea-
sure, by this time, from the agitations of public life,
ARMAND MARRAST must receive the event which has
thus decided against any revision whatsoever with
profound and singular satisfaction. For upon
his head particularly has descended most of
the obloquy which the enemies of the Con-
stitution have directed against its more promi-
nent originators. Vilified as he has been
so grossly and pertinaciously as one of the authors of
the Republican Constitution, it must be exquisitely
gratifying for him to witness his vituperators
baulked in their efforts to subvert, by one spasmodic
effort of temerity, the produce of so much anxiout,
and patriotic deliberation. Henceforth, however dis-
tasteful to themselves, the enemies of the Republic
will have to bow in obedience to the ordinances of
the Constitution. They will have to defer to some
remote and as yet invisible opportunity the chances
of bringing about the modifications which they had
hoped to effect before this time, the modifications which
would have been used by them only to undermine the
democracy, and to open a breach in its institutions
large enough to admit of the entrance through it, of
another and yet more detestable Restoration. Orle-
anists looking alternately to the Comte DE PARIS and
to the Prince DE JOINVILLE; Monarchists directing
their attention exclusively to the Comte DE CHAM-
BORD; traitors of all colours and all principles, or of
no colours or principles at all, must consent, re-
luctantly it may be, but for that reason not
the less implicitly or inevitably, to the aban-
donment for an indefinite period of all their dearly-
prized dreams of domination. The Republicans
themselves, by bidiag their time, by allowing events
to take their own course without let or hindrance, by
watching the machinations of their antagonists with
an air of bewildering indifference, have in the most
effectual manner disarmed and crushed a very dan-
gerous opposition. Never, perhaps, has the justice of
a cause conduced more sublimely to its success, the
patriotic portion of the Assembly triumphing by
reason of its very quietude. While the advo-
cates of one faction or of another have
ascended the tribune in succession, and from that
rostrum inveighed in the moat inflammatory diatribes
against the Constitution of the Republic, the framers
of the Constitution have, so to speak, folded their
arms in confident anticipation of the result, and while
thus goading their enemies into yet more stormy dis-
plays of pas,,ion have thereby brought about only
the more surely the rejection of the project of revi-
sion. From this course of proceeding on the part of
the democrats in France, both within and without the
walls of the Legislature, nothing could by possibility
be more commendable. Reflecting, as it does, honour
upon their own civism, it has cast in so doing,
according to the holy aphorism, coals of fire upon the
heads of their calumniators.

Invigorated and encouraged by recent events, the
moderate Republicans will go to the country with the
greatest likelihood of achieving a victory at the next
general election. Added to which, we may rest as-
sured that the excellence of their present positioa will
in no manner be abused by them through a fahe
confidence in the honesty of their antagonists,
experience having shown that a feeling of
this nature cannot be numbered amongst
their weaknesses. From all these considerations we
conceive that even the least sanguine may regard
themselves as justified in looking forward with newly
awakened hope to the period which must shortly de-
cide throughout France for or against her demo-
cratic institutions.

Among the measures relating to Ireland, of which
notice had been given for the present session, none
had been more anxiously looked forward to than
the Securities for Advances Bill. It was not merely
each person interested in the proceedings of the Com-
mission for the Sale of Encumbered Estates in
Ireland, who had anticipated the most fa-
vourable results from it operation ; it was not
each embarrassed proprietor, who saw the inherit-
ances, which he had derived from his ancestors,
Passing from his hands without leaving the slightest
residue, on which he might be enabled to wage
" the battle of life," or the puisne creditor, who
saw the savings of his industry, or the provisions
made by the prudence and care of his parents,
suddenly swept away, through the disposal
of the lands on which he was charged
for less than half their real value only,
whose hopes were excited. Every person in any
degree connected with land, whether as owner or oc-
cupier, or incumbrancer, or even in the more humble
capacity of labourer, were alike interested in the suc-
cessful progress of a measure which afforded more
favourable auguries for the regeneration of their un-
fortunate country, and the development of its won-
derful national capabilities, than any other that had
been introduced during the present century. It was
not merely that it would have occasioned increased
competition for the lands offered for sale, that it would
have made the demand more in proportion to the
supply, so that something approaching to a fair value
might be obtained at the almost daily auctions in
Henrietta-street. These important points it
would unquestionably have accomplished. But
it would have done far more; it would,
when generalised and extended to real pro-
perty of every description, whether encumbered or
not, have stimulated the national industry and pro,

vided a ready means for effecting the improvements
which are so urgently required, and the effects of
which would so materially affect the general prosperity
of the country.

This all-important subject has, however, been
shelved for the present session, and all the advantages
that would have arisen from its adoption, have been
postponed for another year. This, however, is not
the fault of the Learned and distinguished Judge by
whom it was introduced in the House of Commons.
It is not to any negligence or apathy on
his part that this untoward event is ascribable. No.
It was to the proceedings of " the Brigade," and the
almost interminable delays, and the factious obstruc-
ions which they opposed to the progress of the
Ecclesiastical Titles Assumption Bill, that this
calamity (for it is a calamity, and one of no ordinary
magnitude) is fairly to be attributed. They did not
prevent the passing of the Bill that excited their
animosity. On the contrary, the result of their pro-
ceedings was to render it far more stringent than it
bad previously been. But they did retard the con-
sideration of Sir Joust RoaxlLLY's Bill, and uselessly
and unnecessarily consumed the time that might
have been applied to such beneficial purposes. They
insured the defeat of Ministers, but it was when they
were contending on behalf of a principle which
should have insured the support of the Roman
Catholic Members, who may find their shafts recoil-
ing upon themselves with fearful effect.
Now, however, that the cause of dissension has
been removed, we trust that all parties will join,
heart and hand, in carrying the Bill. With few rare
exceptions, there is a singular unanimity in its favour
among the Irish Members. It is true that we hear
an occasional murmur, in which the word "assignats"
is whispered. A moment's consideration will, how-
ever, show that the insinuation is utterly uncalled
for, that there is not the slightest resemblance between
the assignat issued without any limitation, and which
was only receivable as a part of the purchase-money of
certain Crown lands,and the debenture contemplated by
the present measure, which is to be charged on certain
specified lands, and which cannot, by any possibility,
be created to more than one-half of the value of the
property on which it will constitute a lien. There
is, therefore, no pretext for the assertion that there is
the slightest similarity between the two ; and it is
right that the public generally should be disabused of
the impression that might otherwise be occasioned.
We invite the public attention, therefore, to this im-
portant subject, certain that it only requires a brief
consideration to be duly appreciated, and that its ex-
tension to England will be earnestly demanded by
ill who are interested in the welfare and prosperity
of agriculture.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris journals of Saturday
and of yesterday.
The debate on the revision was brought to a some-
what sudde❑ termination on Saturday, by M. Durix,
who, as President of the Assembly, forced on a di-
vision immediately after the speech of 111. ODILON
BARROT, when the motion, not having obtained the
Constitutional majority of three fourth., was rejected.
The following is the result of the division :
Number of voter5...
Cuustiturional majority of three-four; ha 543
For the revision . ..... 446
Against it . ..... 278
The proposition was consequently rejected.
Toe great speech of Friday was that of M. DUFAIIRE,
lab was against the revision, and was the most
alm , statesmanlike, and argumentative speech de-
ivered during the debate. Of this great speech the
Ordre, which is an avowedly Monarchical journal, and
which is opposed personally to M. DUFAURE, speaks
in the following eulogistic terms :--
4. This speech, the expression of the sentiments, the
wishes and the resolutions of an honest heart, will cause
deep reflection in the minds of a multitude of good
citizens, who only embraced beforehand the candidate-
ship of M. Louis Bonaparte, because they see in it a se-
cure means of maintaining order and public peace, at the
approach of the crisis of 1852. When they shall see on
the contrary, that the violation of the law would almost
infallibly lead to division, to war, to anarchy, how could
they take on them that terrible responsibility? As the
time for voting approaches, each representative begins
to interrogate his conscience more closely. The reso-
lution come to, and loudly announced by certain Bona-
partists, to bring about an unconstitutional re-election,
if the revision is not voted, causes men to hesitate who
are generally the most disposed to make concessions.
'they were ready to co-operate in a great act which
would call on the whole nation to decide on its own des-
tinies, but they do not understand that their vote, given
in good faith, should become in the hands of a faction an
instrument of agitation and of violence."

In commenting on this speech the National says—
"lt is known that we are not to be suspected of any
partiality for M. Dufaure. We must, however, loudly
proclaim that his speech, strong in argument, in logic,
and in truth, has given a death-blow to the revision. He
has refuted, we will not say all the reasons which have
been brought forward in support of that measure, for
none have been yet produced, bat all those by which it
may be sought to support it in the course of the discus-
sion. For our part we shall not add a word. It the
Constitution is not perfect, if it has defeats, it neverthe-
less, as M. Dufaure so well established, protects all in-
terests, and contains the germ of all progress. The re-
vision of it is not, therefore, a matter of urgency. It
might be thought of ten months since. What is urgent
!or our adversaries is not in reality the revision—it is the
prolongation, towards which the revision is the first step.
rho reason why wo oppose the revision is because we do
not wish to have M. Louis Bonaparte. Like M. Duf.ure, we
nave faith in the power of legality, and we do noc think
there will be found a people to violate it, or an Assem-
oly to sanction that violation. We accepted M. Louis
Bonaparte from the vote of universal suffrage, but we
will not accept him from a usurpation."
The Siecle announces that a subscription has been
entered into to print and circulate this speech, which
has inflicted on Imperialism one of the heaviest blows
and the greatest discouragement that it has yet re-
ceived.

On Saturday M. ODILON BAREOT rose to reply
to the speech of M. DUPAURE, but his periods fell
pointless. lie felt that his speech, advocating a revi-
sion, the appointment of a second Chamber, and
hinting at the Presidency for life, was a failure, and
M. DOPIN felt so also; and therefore, when be saw
M. JULES FAYRE approaching the tribune to reply to
M. ODILON BARROT, he at once closed the dit.cus-
'ion, alneit he knew that M. DE MONTALEMBERT had
4 speech ready. And M. DUPIN was politic; the
erafy, equivocating, insinuating Jesuit is no match
-irher for the fiery, eloquent, yet logical JULES
FAYRE, who would have preceded him, or for the
high-principled LAMARTINE, who would have followed
aim, and therefore it was that M. Durlze forced oa
the division. The question cannot now be again
brought forward for three months.
The numbers who voted were the largest ever
known. The following members of the Reactionary
party voted with the Republicans against the revi-
sion :—M. Thiers, General Changarnier, M. Pisca-
tory, M. de Remusat, General Bedeau, General de
Lamoriciere, M. Combarel de Leyval, M. de Lamar-
tine, M. Delessert, M. Hernoux, M. de Lasteyrie, M.
de Mornay, and M. Roger (du Nord).
The following members of the same party ab-
stained from voting :—Messrs. de Baunay, Clary,
Dumas, Charles Dupin, de l'Espinasse, Etcheverry,
Gigon, Labertrie, d'Hunolstein, Keratry, Malboix,
Maze, Launay, de Keronet, Nettement, General de
Rapatel, General Regnauld de St. Jean d'Angely,
Mortimer-Ternaux, Vaseur Vavin, and the well-
known member of the Comte de Chambord's Council,
the General Saint Priest. _ _

-
The speech of M. BAROCHB produced such a da-
maging effect to the cause that he advocated, that, it
is said, the Ministry will resign, and M. ODILON
BARROT, as the reward for his speech of Saturday,
will be entrusted with the formation of a new one,
the basis of which will be the repeal of the electoral
law of 31st May, and the consequent restoration of
universal suffrage.
General MAGNAN has addressed the following order
of the day on assuming the command of the army in
Paris :
" Officers and soldiers !—Called by the confidence of
the President of the Republic to the honour of com-
manding you, I have to-day entered upon my functions.
Nothing will be changed in the instructions before given
to the army of Paris ; they have been dictated by the
experience of skilful generals my predecessors '• , I can
do nothing better than to maintain them. I ask you to
have the same confidence in me which you have placed
in them ; I have a claim to it by forty-two years of ser-
vice in your ranks. Like them I am animated with the
strongest sentiment of honour and of duty ; like them I
shall be constantly solicitous for your welfare and your
interests ; like them also I shall maintain with a firm
hand the execution of the regulations, hierarchy, and
discipline. Thus united by reciprocal confidence we
shall preserve intact in the army of Paris those tradi-
tions of devotedness to duty, obedience to the laws, re-
spect for order and tranquillity, which have always
formed its strength, and have acquired for it the esteem
and confidence of the country.
" The General Commanding-in-Chief,
(Signed) " MAGNAN.
" Head-quarters, Paris, July 17."
BUSINESS OONE IN FOREIUN RAILWAYS AT TUE
LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, JULY 19.
Boulogne and Amiens, 10%—East Indian, 183—Great
Indian Peninsula, Pi - Ditto, 314 ex in _Namur and Liege,
61A1 —Northers of France, 14% ex in..—Orleans and Bor-
deaux, 4% Paris and Strasbourg, lON Tours and
Nante9, 675.

We regret to state that Mr. Hume's absence from
the business of the House on Thursday and Friday was oc-
„wiped by indisposition, which still continues.