The Sun.
London, England, 1856-12-16 00:00:00

I fields, and slaughtered populations, and all that
\is most terrible in foreign, complicated with
civil and servile war !"

marching onward to the bloodless conquest of the conti-
nent ; that cities and populous States are springing wilds,
if by enchantment, from the bosom of our western
and that the courageous energy of our people is making of
these United States the great Republic of the world.
These results have not been attained without passing
through trials and perils, by experience of which, and thus
only, nations can harden into manhood. Our forefathers
were trained to the wisdom which conceived, and the
courage which achieved independence, by the circumstances
which surrounded them, and they were thus made capable
of the creation of the Republic. It devolved on the next
generation to consolidate the work of the revolution, to de-
liver the country entirely from the influences of conflicting
transatlantic partialities or antipathies, which attached to
our colonial history, and to organise the practical operation
of the constitutional and legal institutions of the Union.
To us, of this generation, remains the not less noble task
of maintaining and extending the power of the United
States. We have at length reached that stage of the na-
tional career in which the dangers to be encountered, and
the exertions to be made, are the incidents, not of weakness,
but of strength. In our foreign relations we have to at-
temper our power to the less happy condition of other re-
publics in America, and to place ourselves in the calmness
and conscious dignity of right by the side of the greatest
and wealthiest of the empires of Europe.
In our domestic relations we have to guard against the
shock of the discontents, the ambitions, the interests, and
the exuberant, and, therefore, sometimes irregular im-
pulses of opinion, or of action, which are the natural pro-
duct of the present political elevation, the salf-reliance, and
the restless spirit of enterprise of the people of the United
States.
I shall prepare to surrender the Executive trust to my
successor, and retire to private life with sentiments of pro-
found gratitude to the good Providence which, during the
period of my administration, has vouchsafed to carry the
country through many difficulties, domestic and foreign,
and to enable me to contemplate the spectacle of amicable
and respectful relations between ours and all other Govern-
ments, and the establishment of constitutional order and
tranquillity throughout the Union.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Washington, Dec. 2, HU.

These are but faint specimens of the amenities
resorted to by the gentle PIERCE. The iron has
manifestly entered deeply into his soul, and he
avenges the unqualified repudiation of his claims
to Southern confidence on those who raised the
agitation that compelled his adherents to select a
more judicious pilot to direct the helm of the
State. He does not, however, notwith-
standing that deplorable desertion, abandon
the ungrateful party, but, " more in sorrow than
in auger," seems bent on showing them the value
of the " thick-and-thin" partisan whose services
they have forfeited. With this view he speaks of
the acts of the Freesoilers as leading "at once
and inevitably into mutual devastation and fratri-
cidal carnage, transforming the now peaceful and
felicitous brotherhood into a vast permanent camp
of armed men, like the rival monarchies of Europe
and of Asia." The Southerners, sweet innocents!
are driven by these atrocious onslaughts, but
merely in self-defence, into resistance. He tells
us that " extremes beget extremes ; violent at-
tack from the North finds its inevitable conse-
quence in the growth of a spirit of angry defiance
in the South." And thus any little escapades,
such as the wholesale murders and arsons
in Kansas, and the gentle remonstrances of PRES-
TON S. BROOKS, are softened down and explained
away. All the blame rests with the Northerns,
who wish to abide by the existing laws, and dare
to resist Southern aggressions. What right had
they even to hint at such a thing as the abolition
of the domestic institution ? How could any
specious philanthropist dare to afford assistance
to fugitive slaves ? And why should any persons
endeavour to maintain the Missouri compromise
when the slaveowners had signified their will and
pleasure that it should be repealed, and issued
their sovereign ukase to that effect. If an Eng-
lish Minister had ventured on such an inflamma-
tory appeal his tenure of office would be brief
indeed—even those whom it was intended to help
would unequivocally repudiate such aid. Mr.
PIERCE may, however, unconsciously be ren-
dering important service to ourselves by
showing them the unhallowed nature of
the opposition they have to encounter, and the
absolute necessity for the most energetic and de-
termined efforts to achieve the great object they
have at heart, the removal of the foul blot of
slavery from the national escutcheon.

TIER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.—
M JIJLLIEN'S CONCERTS. Last
Night but Four.—Eighth appearance of Miss Arabella God-
dard, the celebrated Pianist.-33d time of the I' ew Grand
French Quadrille.
Programme for VHS EVENING (Tuesday, Dec. 16):—
Part I.—Overture, Oberon—Weber; Quadrille, from Ver-
di's Opera, Ernani—Jullien ; Symphony, Scherzo vivace,
from " The Scoteh Symphony " (receivQd with great applause
on the three Mendelssohn Nights)—Mendelssohn ; Fantasia,
Flute, on Airs from the opera of Il Trovatore (first time) Mr.
R. S. Pratten—Pratten ; Polka, The Minnie Polka (by de-
sire)—Jullien ; Fantasia, Pianoforte, Recollections of Ire-
land, Miss Arabella Goddard—Moschelles ; Valse, Adieux
(first time this season)—Julliea ; Recitative e Rondo, Pensa
ally Patria, from Italians in Algeri, Madame Eliza Poma—
Rossini ; the French Quadrille (33d tine), with varia-
tions for flute, flageolet, oboe, clarinet, ophicleide, and
cornet, performed by MM, Do Foliey, DeYong, Collinet,
Pratten, Lavigne, Hughes, and Koenig; Finale : Partant
pour la Syrie, Vive l'Empereur—Jullien.
Part 2.- Opera, Grand Operatic Selection from Verdi's opera
of " La Traviata," with solos by Herr Koenig, MM. Lavigne,
De Folly, Sonnenberx, Sonnenberg, Duhem, Le Hon, and
Hughes ; Fantasia, Pianoforte, from Rossini's opera Mose in
Egitto, Miss A. Goddard—Thalberg ; Polka, My Mary tun
(by desire)—Jullien ; Ballad, By the sad sea waves, Mme.
E. Ponia—Benedidt ; Miserere, from Verdi's Il Trovatore,
solos by MM. Koenig. Lavigne, and Hughes ; Valse, Faust—
D'Albert ; Galop, Eglinton--- Koenig.
Conductor—M. Jullien. To commence at 8 o'clock. Prices
of admission :—Promenade, ls. ; Dress circle, 2s. 6d. ; private
boxes, 10s. 6d., El ls., and upwards. Private boxes to be
secured of Mr. Nugent, at the box-office of the theatre ;
at all the principal libraries and musicsellers'; and at Jullien
and Ce.'s, 214, Regent-street.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
THIS EVENING, will bo performed
Sir Edward Bulwcr Lytton's comedy of MONEY. The...cha-
racter of Evelyn by Mr. Murdoch; Sir John Vesey,
Mr. Chippendale ; Mr. B. Stout, M.P., Mr. Buckstone ; Sir
Frederick Blount, Mr. W. Farren ; Graves, Mr. Compton ;
Lady Franklyn, Miss Talbot ; Georgiana, Mrs. E. Fitzwil-
liam ; Clara Douglas, Miss Reynolds.
After which, the successful new farce, A FAMILY
FAILING, in which Mr. Buckstone, Mr. Howe, Mr. Chip-
pendale, and Miss Blanche Pane will appear.
With Perea Nena and her unrivalled Company of Spanish
Dancers, in THE ALHAMBRA., being the last week of their
final engagement.
To conclude with MY LITTLE ADOPTED.

Financial subjects are entered into at consider-
able length. We are told of the flourishing state
of the public exchequer, and a wholesome recom-
mendation is given to reduce the extravagant ad
valorem duty on the importation of articles of
essential importance to the development of the
natural capabilities of the country. Thirty per
cent. on iron must operate as a great hindrance
to the construction of railways in a land where
they may be regarded as the forerunners of civi-
lisation, and where the promoters look rather to
the future than the existing traffic for remune-
ration.

THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI.
Genuine Success.—Unprecedented Attrac-
tion.—Second Week of Mr. Benjamin Webster, and re-
vival of the Great Adelphi drama of Janet Pride.—The grand
New Fairy Ballet Extravaganza, THE ELVES, in which
Madame Celeste will appear as the Statue Bride every night.
THIS EVENING will be performed the celebrated d.ama
of JANET PRIDE. Messrs. B. Webster, Wright, Paul
Bedford, C. Selby, Parselle, Garden, Bland; Mesdames Celeste
and M. Keeley. _ .

On Foreign Affairs the Message is of the ordi-
nary character. If anything, it is perhaps milder
than might have been anticipated from the nature
of the electioneering dodges resorted to by Mr.
PIERCE. As we predicted, they impaired his
chances, and he is probably indebted thereto for
his rejection from the White House, and the
choice -of the new tenant. The Sound duties
question he bequeaths as a legacy to his suc-
cessor—a comfortable bone for Mr. BUCANINAN'S
private picking. He hopes that the Allied Powers
may be induced to conform to Mr. MARCY'S
amendment on the proposition for the abolition
of privateering ; while gentle castigation is
administered to other less enlightened Republics,
intended, possibly, to pave the way to future
annexation,

After which, with new scenery and appointments, the new
fairy ballet extravaganza, Galled TRE ELVES, or the Statue
Bride, founded on the grand ballet spectacle, now perform-
ing with unexampled success at the Theatre Imperiale de
l'Opera at Paris, under the title of Les Elfes. Principal cha-
racters by Madame Celeste. Misses Wyndham, Mary Keeley,
Kate Kelly, Chatterly, Arden, Messrs. Wright, Paul Bedford,
C Selby, Le Barr, &c.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEA.TRE.I
THIS EVENING and drain.. the week
will be presented Shakspoare's play of A MIDSUMNIER,
NIGHT'S DII.RAM.
After which will be produced a new petite comedy, in two
acts, called OUR WIFE ; or, The Rose of Amiens. Princi-
pal characters by Messrs. Ryder, Harley, Fisher ; Misses
Murr?7 and C. Leelercq.
Mendeissohn's- celebrated overture to A Midsummer
Night's Dream will commence at 5 minnte3 before 7.

TFIENTRE ROYAL, SADLER'S-WELLS.
Under the Manigernent of Mr. Phelps.
THIS EVENTING, MICBF.TTI. Macbeth. Mr. Phelps ;
Macduff, Mr. H. Marston ; Banquo, Hr. A. Rayner ; Lady
Macbeth, Miss Atkinson.
To conclude with POOR PILLICODDIT.

We give the Message in extenso, as it is well
worthy the perusal of those who desire to see how
the affairs of the Union are administered in the
Model Republic. Englishmen will not find much
to regret in the knowledge that they are . not
placed under a similar regime.

OYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
Le9see, Mr. Alfred Wio,tu.
THIS EVENING, WIVES AS THEY WERE. AND
MAIDS AS THEY ARE. Messrs. A,ldison, G. Vining ;
Mrs. Stirling, Misses Swo.uboronzh and Herbert.
And the new farce, JONES THE AVENGER.
F.,Robson, J. Rogers, and Miss Marston.
Commence at half-past Seven.

Messrz

VPOYAL SURREY THEATRE.
;10 LPo4ees, Mes.ars. Shenli.rti and Creswiok.
THIS EVENING, .BIP.DS OF PREY. Charles Benne-
pont, Mr Creswick.
After which, TIIE WAITER. -AT CREIIOII,NE.
To conclude with THE OUTCAST BROTHER.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke.
THIS EVENING, Shakspeare's Tragedy of ),lACBETH,
with Equestrian Illustrations by Mr. W. Cooke's highly-
trained Horses, Macbeth, Mr. James Holloway.
After which, the Equestrian ACTS in the ARENA, in-
troducing Miss Kate Cooke and Miss Emily Cooke.
To conclude with AN AMUSING FINALE.
Doors open at half-past six ; commence at seven o'clock.
Pox-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr.
W. West. Equestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun.

NTERBTTRY TIALL. WeAtininmi-er-r0a.,1.
,‘--) OPEN EVETIY EVENING.—The follow-
'l company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of
Selections from all the popular Operas, Madrigals, Choruses,
Glees, Duets &c via. • —Miss E. Pearce, Mrs. J. Caulfield,
Miss Brtinell', anti Miss Summers • Mr. J. Caulfield, Herr F.
Jonglimans
Barker, w
R. G. r-cver, T. Rain'o: T. Farrant, S. Jones, J.
W. and P. Come : Masters Austin. Ben-
nett, and Corri; Mr. Sam Cowell and E. Mackney. Piano-
forte, c,
rte, J. Tlawway, R.A
d7ector,, :Mr. J ; harmonium, J. Caulfield, jun. ;
J. Caulfield: - Commence at Seven o'clock pre
eisaly. Suppers, dic., until twelve o'clock. In addition t:,
the usual Vow,
RELS
Enter.ainnnent the celebrated SPANISH
MINST
appear in costume' at Nine and Eleven
o'clock Every will
Evenitg,
and slug :some of their favourite selec-
tions.

The Angel of Peace seems determined to insist
on his so-called rights in respect to Neuchatel.
He is throwing out vague hints of sanguinary
results, hoping to fright the Swiss Confederation
from its propriety, and induce them to abstain
from trying the political prisoners, wlsich would
be a tacit admission of the disputed claims. It
is formally announced that Prussia considers that
the time is come when negotiation has shown it-
self to be fruitless, and that she is, therefore,
absolved from the obligation of not resorting to
other measures for the vindication of her rights (I)
The other Cabinets to whom this decision has been
communicated are not informed as to the nature
or extent of these " other" measures. There is a
grave reserve maintained, which savours of im-
pending hostilities, containing as much meaning as
one of the Burleigh nods in the Critic. The royal
Clicquot manifestly hopes much from this affectation
of mystery, which is the more suitable, as it allows
ample room for escaping the consequences of more
explicit threats. He seems to count on the
assistance, or at least the neutrality, of England.
Why should he otherwise deign to confer so much
honour on our sixteen-year-old Princess Royal
as to sanction a Prussian alliance? Surely, every
Englishman should appreciate the extent of such
unparalleled condescension, and hot do anything
to impair the glories of her future sceptre. The
assistance of Russia has also been duly paid for,
not merely by past important services, but
also by what has far greater weight with his
autocratic nephew,- " a lively sense of favours to
come ;" and something may be done to bring
round Lours NAPOLEON, and even FRANCIS
JOSEPH, their opposition to Prussia being neu-
tralised by their rooted objection to anything
approaching to free governments and the hated
name of Republic.
We do not, however, think that the Federal
as usual, a lengthy Government will yield a single inch. The
The President's Message is,
It Swiss,
lities.
document. There are no vague generain defence of their own independence,
enters into every point with the utmost particu-
caused their names to be respected
larity. There is no attempt at condensation. from the time of CHARLES THE BOLD. Even the
engagements to
very
Indeed verbosity seems to be the charm chieflymercenaries would abandon their foreign
aimed at. It is, fight to the last in defence of
their much-loved mountains. With all his land-
in fact, a prolix political engagements
pamphlet, intended to advance the interests o
we ir, FREDERICK. WILLIAM would have but little
hope of succeeding
the party with which the outgoing Presi-
kicking against the pricks." dent has been pleased to connect himself. The
phrisiokns.7 ilNluosrtratdioon
we
present Message, as we explained yesterday, is
more than usually one-sided. The interests and I believe that he has
any
serious notion
wishes of the slaveowners are solely regarded, and lof attempting
an invasion that must
a pretty sharp lecture is read to all those who, in i lead to very serious complications, and greatly
the peace and tranquillity the exercise of their constitutional rights and disturb of Europe.
privileges, have dared to resist what Mr. PIERCE That he may sympathise with the misguided men,
clearly believes to be the planters' established
whose Quixotic attempt to elevate the Prussian
ascendancy. Their attempts to stand by the
standard was so promptly and decisively put
terms of the Missouri compromise are character-
down, is very possible, and he may desire
iced as efforts of a revolutionary tendency, while rescue
to thorn from their impending fate.
"pretending to seek only to prevent the spread But the mode adopted is the very worst that
of the institution of slavery into the present or could be
Union—they are men devised. If the Federal Govern-
future inchoate States of the U t.recognised the plea to their jurisdiction
really (credo PIERCE) inflamed with a desire to there would be an immediate end to their autho-
change the domestic institutions of exietine. ray. When once a trial has taken place they
States." :-* " The only path to its accor:ri may exhibit a graceful act of clemency, and re-
plishment is through burning cities, and ravaged lease the prisoners. But that will not answer