The Sun.
London, England, 1858-07-13 00:00:00

T 7 :e

LONDON, TUESDAY, JULY 13, 1858.

The, present state of the .lave trade, and the

Abortive nature of the attempts made to suppress
it, occasioned another discussion in the House of
Commons last night. It could not be denied that

there was still an unholy traffic in human flesh ;
that, notwithstanding the unremitting exertions
of Great Britain during a series of years, the
sums she has so liberally paid as a species of
" black-mail," and the still larger amounts ex-
pended in acting on and bringing into operation
the rights she has purchased at such exorbitant

prices,—there is still an organised trade, in which

large capitals are regularly engaged, and immense
profits realised. This is a truly deplorable state
of affairs ; and so long as the United States per-
sists ia what we cannot help considering
the most ungraceful enforcement of unques-
tionable rights—so long as she ' permits her

flag to be degraded by making it a cover,

whether iightfully or wrongfully used, for all
the abominations of the atrocious traffic--
so long as she refuses to tolerate the verification
of the national standard, lest some slight inconve-
nience might be sustained by some Yankee ship-

master, and refuses to establish an adequate
maritime police, to do herself what, in the true
"dog-in-the-manger" spirit, she declines to have
done for her—so long will these infamous trail..
actions take place, and outrages that make the
b)ood run cold, be perpetrated. We feel, deeply
feel, the full extent and magnitude of the existing
evils—acknowledge that the results cannot be rc-
garded as fair equivalents for the sacrifices, pecu-
niary and otherwise, that we have willingly sub-
mitted to. But, are we on that account to
inaugurate a retrograde policy ? Are we to relax
the exertions we have hitherto made, and which,
if persevered in, and increased to an
adequate degree, may eventually be blessed
with the success they so eminently merit ? Far
from it. GOD forbid that England should submit
to so deep a degradation, or withdraw a single
one of the impediments which she has heretofore
Interposed in the way of the horrible cruelties,
hateful in the sight of GOD and man.
Mr. BUTT alluded to the necessity, notwith-
standing the extraordinary moans for the pre-
vention of smuggling that existed, of abandon-
ng high, we might almost say prohibitory, duties

on such articles as spirits and tobacco. But
although smuggling existed, although we
could never completely put down the illicit trade
in these highly taxed commodities, was it not
restricted and dwarfed by our efforts ? " The
Customs" duties still produce more than
20,000,0001. sterling per annum. What would
they realise if, in obedience to arguments similar
Ito those last night pnt forward by Mr. HUTT, and
those who divided with him iu the attempt to
embarrass the Government, in the efforts which
they may yet make to get rid of the flagrant
iniquity ? We should strengthen our coast-guard
and revenue police.

The illustration from the Customs was in many
respects a good one. It proved the necessity of
directing our labours in another direction, of re-
ducing the temptation of the dealers " in sable
ware," as it has been termed, by cutting off their
markets. We have purchased the right from Spain
to demand its willing co-operation. We need not refer
to the exertions made on sundry occasions, in the
interests, we shall not say of Spain, but of its pre-
sent dynasty. We shall not refer to the gallant
deeds of the Iron Duke in the Peninsula, or of
the more recent efforts of Sir Da LACY Everts
and his Legion. Such small matters have of
course been long since forgotten. A Spanish
Act of Limitation has been enacted, anni-
hilating such small claims. But we have
paid 400,0001. hard cash for a substantial treaty,
and we are entitled to the full extent of the privi-
leges thus dearly purchased. The claims of the
almighty dollar cannot be ignored with impunity,
and we may justly demand the active co-opera-
tion which we have bought and she has sold.
The mere suggestion has created an extraordi
nary sensation at Madrid. There has been " a
storm in a washing tub," and we are gravely in-
formed that full explanations will be demanded
from this country, and threatened with condign
punishment if we object to devour the leek pre-
pared by Spanish bands. The British Lion must,
indeed, be deemed to have been completely
paralysed when the armed heels of the Spanish
donkey are thus made to threaten his head.

We trust that Spain may demand redress.
It will be met by a counter claim,
and it requires no extraordinary power
of vaticination to predict the result. No efforts
on our part will be necessary. It will suffice to
withdraw the shield which we have hitherto ex-
tended over Cuba. We are told that " a hint
in tender cases is enough," and so it would be to
the Cabinet of Washington, that we bequeathed
Cuba to their tender mercies. They would
speedily deal with the Spaniards as ST. PATRIeIi
did with the Irish reptiles, viz. :

"Make them wise, and open their eyes
To a sense of their situation."

It is satisfactory to find that there are reason-
able hopes that the Government of the United
States will be prepared to co-operate with the Bri
tish, to prevent the abuses that must inevitably
arise from the indiscriminate and unauthorised
adoption of their flag. It was but yesterday
morning that a despatch was received at the Fc-
reign-office from Lord NAPIER, in which he wrote :
" General CASs stated to me that the course
taken by her MAJESTY'S Government was worthy
of a great and generous country—of one whose
unquestioned power and promptitude to repel
aggression were accompanied by the disposition to
recognise an error and redress an injury, if
inconsiderately committed. He assured me
emphatically that after the satisfactory declaration
that had been made by her MAJESTY'S Govern-
ment, the Government of the United States would
give their attentive consideration to any proposal
which her MAJESTY'S Government might suggest
for the verification of the nationality of vessels
and their right to the flag which they displayed."

We now hear that the United States' vessels
"despatched to the Cuban waters had been fur-
nished with the usual instructions issued to the
vessels employed on the coast of Africa"—in
other words, that we shall receive American aid
and co-operation. Under such circumstances it
would be a thousand pities if we aban-
doned a policy adopted from no sordid
motive, and which we have heretofore
maintained solely with the view of vindicating
the rights of humanity, and promoting Christian
civilisation. Let us rather redouble our efforts,
and, by a display of extraordinary vigour and
energy, establish a really effectual blockade on
the Cuban coast, and inflict a heavy blow and
great discouragement on the nefarious traffic.

For Lord STANLEY has been reserved the
honour of leading the Conservatives to unequivo-
cal victories. In the Lords they have their own
way ; and the largest majorities there are neither
felt as defeats by the Liberals, nor as triumphs
by the Conservatives. No loud cheers follow the
announcement of majorities there, either outside
the house or in it. The House of Commons is
the place where the battles of the country are
fought, where Ministries are installed and ousted,
and where politicians count anxiously the votes.
Happily this is Lord STANLEY'S sphere, and long

may it be so. We remember Lord DERBY was

1 satirically congratulated, by a Noble Lord, who
probably hardly thought his satire would so soon
prove to be sober truth, on his having a son in
whose hands he could with confidence place such
a weighty trust as that of the Home Government
of India. The event has shown that the Premier's
confidence had nothing of nepotism in it. At
the time none of his appointments gave us greater
pleasure, and we believe none has done more to
gain the goodwill of the independent Liberal
party. Lord ELLENBOROUGH, great as his abili-
ties are, is not a Ministerial loss. He is too
plainly not the man to work in co-operation with
others, and, apart from India, his political prin-
ciples are not just those most wanted to strengthen
a Cabinet with the country. The change, too,
which placed the Indian Minister in the House of
Commons, and gave Sir E. B. LYTTON a place in
a Conservative cabinet was every way advanta-
geous to it.

Lord DERBY must not, perhaps does not wish
to, conceal from himself the fact that his Cabinet
owes its position at the close of the session, pro-
bably owes its existence to the close, to the Liberal
part of it. The nation would not have endured
for a month a band of old thoroughgoing Tories,
although some of them might speak as well as
himself and Lord ELLENBOROUGH. The Chancellor
of the Exchequer was well known to be a Tory
by accident only, and no one believed that he
was a supporter of an antiquated policy except
from party necessity ; while Lord STANLEY, Sir
JOHN PAKINOTON, and Mr. WALPOLE were
known to be more sincerely liberal, under the
opposite party name, than half the members of
the PALMERSTON Cabipet. It is undeniable
that the standing of such Ministers with the
House and in the country, combined with
the just revulsion of the truly Liberal party
from the leadership of mock Liberals, has enabled
Lord DERBY to close this session very differently
to that of 1852. He has not now to go
to the country on a false issue, or indeed on any
issue at all. He is " master of the situation."
He has till next year to consider his policy and to
shape his plane, and if he does not by that time

diseein what the people desire, and make up his
mind to gratify them, he will have only himself
to blame. The Whigs have fallen because they
became more obstructive than Tories, and Tories
will fall if they, too, descend to the policy of
cajoling or opposing the people.

There can be no doubt that the feats of Lord
STANLEY in battle with the two Wbig Lords
have materially strengthened the Cabinet and
proportionately depressed the Chesham-house and
the Cambridge-house cliques. His victories were
won so easily ; neither could it be said that they
were gained by subserviency to the Radicals ;
for, Mr. BRIGHT, while thoroughly friendly to
the Noble Lord, and preferring him as Indian
Minister probably to any man in the House, yet
honestly spoke against such clauses as he disap-
proved. No enemy of either can pretend that
the course of the Hon. Member for Birmingham
has not been honourably independent on the India
Bill ; yet Lord STANLEY carried every clause
which he desired to carry, candidly accepted
whatever he thought a real improvement, and took
his India Bid through the house, notwithstanding
almost frantic hostile divisions by the Whigs,
like a young Parliamentary HAVELOCK. To make
the analogy even more complete, Mr. DISRAELI,
though first in command, surrendered to him the
work which seemed to fall to the Indian Minister,
and on Indian business gladly acted as second in
command. Probably to none was it a greater
relief to have the Indian Minister in the Commons
than to Mr. DISRAYLI. As our readers know,
we are far enough from thinking any of the India
Bills what they should be ; perhaps, however, the
one carried was the best obtainable under all the
circumstances ; and we confess that it has been to
us a high gratification to see Lord STANLEY com-
pletely victorious in a task so new to him as that
of leading the House on the greatest question by
far of the session.

It must be confessed that the India Bill vic-
tories were in some respects more remarkable than
the defeat of the CARDWELL motion. Mr. Dis-
RAELI played his part, indeed, as leader, most
cleverly. Delay was the only thing wanted to
defeat the motion, and he very adroitly pro-
tracted the discussion till the welcome arrival of
Sir JAMES OUTRAM'S letter. But Lord STANLEY
had to fight the two old Statesmen of more than
double his age, not on a party motion, but on a
question of substantial legislation, and the young
DAVID, who bad never had such work before,
fought the two veteran Whig Goliaths with as
much composure and success as if he had been a
man of such war from his youth. To whatever
other causes this was owing, we think it cannot
be doubted that one was the readiness of the
• House, generally, to be led by Lord STANLEY.
The Tories cannot well repudiate him ; the better
part of them follow him even gladly ; while a
large number of the Liberals have very great con-
fidence in his righlmindedness and candour. They
willingly make allowances for his position, and
think his genuine Liberal bias more trustworthy
than the used up Liberalism of their old leaders.
Surely, Lord DERBY might take the hint, and
prepare for next year, under the guidance of his
son and the Liberal part of his Cabinet, and not
under the inspiration of the HENLEYS and the
THESIGERS. If he sees fit now, as in 1852, to
immolate himself on the altar of old Toryism,
why, of course, he must please himself ; but, if he
has the good sense to look upon all that sort of
thing as something which has had its day, and to
keep in office to carry measures which will be
carried soon, either by him or others, why then
there is a fair field for him in which, with such
coadjutors as his own son, he has as fair a chance
as any other of the Premier class.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA, COVENT-

GARDEN.

The performances last evening—the last grand
extra night but one—attracted the most crowded
and fashionable audience of the season. The opera
presented was Auber's celebrated "Fra Diavolo,'
in wl ich Madame Bosio, Signor Gardoni, Signor
Ranconi, and M. Zelger, sustained the principal
parts. The ability of these celebrated artistes is
too well known to need further remark than that
they each sustained their respective parts with their
usual taste, and renewed all their former triumphs.
The incidental ballet in the third act was much
applauded, the poses of Ivladlle. Zena, being of the
most fascinating and elegant description imaginable.
To-night Flotow's sparkling opera, " Martha," is
to be represented, with Madame Bosio, Madile.
Didi6e, and Mario.

THE CHRISTY MINSTRELS.

This inimitable troupe of melodists in a short
time quit London, in order to fulfil a great num-
ber of pressing provincial engagements ; therefore,
those who have not yet devoted an evening to this
entertainment must embrace the present opportu-
nity of visiting the Polygraphic Hal!, in King
William-street, Strand. To those who have not
yet heard the Caristy 'Minstrels, there remains a
treat of the richest and rarest description. The
entertainment abounds with melody, in the
strictest meaning of the term, and an immense
quantity of mirth-stirring peculiarities. Nothing
cin be more humorously absurd than the
burlesque of the circus, originated, without
doubt,. by the great success which has at-
tended the performances at the Alhambra Palace,
Leicester-square. The minstrels have, however,
in, the most amusing manner imaginable thrown
into parody all the evolutions of the arena ; they
balance each other, throw mock soinmersaults,
turn globes, and, finally, the darkies wind up with
" a walk oa the ceiling." The laughter provoked
by the performances each evening of its represen-
tation is immense, and we feel convinced, did their
engagements permit of their permanent stay in
London, their entertainment would invariably
attract crowded and delighted audiences.
Yesterday the usual Monday morning perform-
ance took place at the St. James's Music-hall, and
was attended by a brilliant and fashionable
audience, who appeared to enjoy the entertainment
most heartily.

His Excellency the Hanoverian Minister has left the
residence of the Legation in Grosvenor-place for Carls-
bad.

The Duchess of Satherland is expected to leave Staf
ford House to-day to join the noble duke at Trentham.
We are happy to learn Lird Albert Leveson Gower
has quite recovered from his late illness.
The Royal Charter, with 405,3281. in gold and sove
reigns from Australia, has now been 92 days at sea.,
The letters from. China by the present mail are ex-
pected to be delivered on Thursday, and the tea sales
which had been fixed for Wednesday have been post-
poned to that day.
The telegrams from India and Chinn `show no altera-
tion in the rates of exchange, hut the tendency, especi•
ally at Hong Kong, still seems towards a decline, and
consequently in favour of England. The exports of tea
to date are stated at 73,000,0011 b., showing shipments
to the extent of 5,000,0001 b. since the departure of the
previous fortnightly mail. Those of silk to date had
amounted to 67,000 bales. The last advices from this
side received at Hong Kong were of April 9.
THE MAILS, &C.—SOUTHAMPTON, July 12.—Tho steam
ship Cambria, Capt. Anderson, sailed hence to-day for
Malta and Alexandria, with the Australian and New
Z'..abind mails, 10 passengers, 501. in specie, jewellery
value 5,2001., and miscellaneous cargo. The Peninsular
and Oriental Comp iny's steamer Sultan, Capt. N. Cook,
left un Saturday with the Bombay mails, 28 passengers,
and general cal go, but she took ao specie. The steam.
ships Vanderbilt, Capt. Lefevre, and Saxonia, Captain
Ehlers, are expected on Tuesday from Now York. The
Northern Light, Captain Tinkelpaugb, leaves on Wed-
nesday, with the German, French, and English mails,
for the United States. The Alhambra, Capt. Steward,
is due on Wednesday with the Peninsular mails, and is
appointed to take out the return ma!ls on Saturday. The
Magdalena, Captain Abbott, with the West India and
Pacific melts, is .due o❑ Friday ; and the next outward
mails for the same quarter will be taken by the Orinoco,
Captain Bayntun, on Saturday, the 17th inst.
ST. BABNABAS, PIIILICO.—We have good reason to
believe—though the official announcement has not yet
been promulgated—that the Archbishop of Canterbury
has confirmed the decision of the Bishop of London as
to the revocation of the licence of the Rev. Alfred Poole,