The Sun.
London, England, 1860-04-02 00:00:00

NAPOLEON is not the man to want a pretext if he
wants the neutral territory—nor, if pretexts fail, to
hesitatct to say, I will have it right or wrong.

We have much satisfaction in observing that the
Hertford Building CoMpany is now fairly esta-
blished. The object proposed by this company, as
our readers are probably aware, is the construction
and improvement of dwellings for the working-
classes. The wretched state of the agricultural
labourers in their crowded, ill-drained, and ill-
ventilated hovels, is among the crying evils
of the country. The injury and misery oc-
casioned by such a state of things is almost
incalculable, but it is at once apparent to
every thinking mind that the health and
morals of the working classes must suffer to a
frightful extent. Where decency and comfort are
entirely disregarded in the hovels they are com-
pelled to inhabit, it is absurd to preach morality
and sobriety to the labouring population. Unfor-
tunately, as one of the chief speakers at the Hert-
ford meeting observed, " there is a prevalent opinion
amongst landed proprietors in this county, and,
indeed, in the country generally, that the erection
of cottages on their estates has the effect of creat-
ing a burden on the land in the shape of poor rates,
instead of enhancing its value." In answer to this
theory,Mr.CH ssuirstE,the speaker alluded to, quoted
a letter from Mr. NEVILLE addressed to the Times
some years ago, which satisfactorily disposed of the
argument. So long, however, as this selfish and
unjust notion prevails among landlords, so long
will the condition of the agricultural labourer be a
disgrace to England. It is therefore the more
necessary that private enterprise and benevolence
should be engaged in this matter, with the hope
that, by proving to the landlords that good cottages
can be built at a small cost, without future loss,
they may be induced to have some regard for
tie comfort of their workpeople, finding it is
not opposed to their own pecuniary interest. The
Hertford Building Society has been started with
these objects, and owes its origin to the active bene-
volence of some gentlemen of the county. It arose
out of another society, "The Hertford Labourer's
Friend Society," originated by Lord RAYNHAM,
which suggested to Mr. ROBERT DIMSDALE
that one of the best and most practical means of
befriending the labourer was to erect model cot-
tages. It is intended to commence operations on a
small scale, and the company will probably restrict
their first experiment to the number of six or eight.
But they are not without hopes, from the general
interest expressed in the matter, and the cordial
support they have received, that their efforts will
soon be more extended. Various parishes in the
county have communicated with the directors,
desiring the erection of model cottages in their
neighbourhood. As Mr. DIMSDALE, one of the
directors, remarked, " The Strand Union Company
had just paid a dividend of 41 per cent., and he did
not see why they might not obtain a similar return
and confer great benefits on different localities.•
We trust [the benevolence and public spirit
of these gentlemen will meet its due reward
in the success of their undertaking, which well de-
serves the attention and co-operation of all who are
I interested in the social welfare of the labouring
slasses, and desirous of assisting a work of sound
practical charity, productive hereafter, we may
hope, of national benefit.

NEWS.

ing :

RAILWAYS.