The Sun.
London, England, 1857-03-19 00:00:00

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY OF BUCKINGHAM.

Gentlemen,—The House of Commons having, by a
solemn vote, in wb oh the leading men of Pll parties
concurred, censured the cruel and double-dealing policy
pursued by the agents of the Government towards the
Chinese, Parliament has been dissolved.
Since the announcement of the dissolution the Minis-
ter has declare I that his agents in China will be super-
seded, thus acknowledging the justness of the vote of
the House of Commons.
It is clear, therefore, that the plea for dissolution is a
pretext. What then is the real object
To waste a year.
Lord Palmerston is an eminent man, who has deserved
well of his country ; but as Prime Minister he occupies
a falie position. He is the Tory chief of a Radical Cabi-
net. With no domestic policy, he is obliged to divert
the attention of the people from the consideration of
their own affairs, to the distraction of foreign politics.
His external system is turbulent and aggressive that his
rule at home may be tranquil and nnessailed. Hence
arise excessive expenditure, heavy taxation, and the stop-
page of all social improvement.
His scheme of oeuduct is so devoid of ell political prin-
ciple that when forced to appeal to the people his only
claim to their confidence is his name.

Such arts and i esources may suit the despotic ruler of
a continental State exhausted by revolutions, but they
do not become a British Minister governing a country
proud, free, and progressive, animated by glorious tra-
ditions, and aspiring to future excellence.
" Tbe honour and the best interests of the country re-
quire that men should be returned to the rew Parlia-
ment with definite principlss. If you will confer on me,
for the fourth time, the high distinction of being your
member, I will, as heretofore, uphold our constitution
in Church and State, and support those popular and
aristocratic institutions which, in this country, have made
power a privilege, but have extended the possession of
that privilege to all who exert themselves to deserve it

—institutions which have educated a nation to aspire
and excel.

"The general policy which I would enforce at this
juncture may be contained in these words—Honourable
peace, reduced taxation, and social improvement.
" There is au attempt at the present day to play off
the parties which exist, and have always to a certain de-
gree existed in the Church against each other for poli-
tical objects. This is a dangerous course for Churchmen
to sanction. The Church which, irrespective of its
higher functions, is one of the great guarantees of Eng-
lish happiness, has foes enough without seeking for them
in her own bosom ; and it would appear to me that, in-
stead of quarrelling among themselves, Churchmen should
evince mutual forbearance, unite on the common ground
of ecclesiastical polity, and oppose all eff)rts to impair
the integrity of that Reformed Church of England which
is the best security for the religious liberty of all classes
and creeds of her Majesty's subjects..—l have the honour
to remain, your obliged and faithful servant,

" B. DISRAELI.

4‘ Hughenden Manor, March 17."
CARDIFF. —A. Freeman, Esq., L.n-liymn:y
Hall, has issued an address to the electors of Car-
diff, Cowbridge, and Llantrisaint, announcing his
intention of coming forward as a candidate to re-
present those boroughs in Parliament upon liberal
principles. Colonel Stuart has also issued a second
address, in which he promises to support every
liberal measure, vote by ballot, and an extension
of the suffrage.
DEVON (NORTH).—Mr. J. S. Buck has resigned,
and the only remaining candidates are Sir H.
Northcote and the Hon. Mr. Trefusis, eldest son
of Lord Clinton.

EXETER.-Sir J. Duckworth, the present mem-
ber, finding the Conservative party divided be-
tween himself and Mr. R. S. Gard, bas resigned,
so that the candidates now in the field are Mr.
Divett (Liberal) and Mr. Gard (Conservative). The
friends of Sir J. Duckworth are getting up a requi-
sition, asking him to come forward again as a can-
didate.

_Fiwsnuar.—A requisition is in cotirse of signa-
ture to Sir S. M. Peto, Bart., soliciting him to
come for4-ard as a candidate. Last evening a
monster open-air meeting was held on Saffron-hill,
in favour of Major Reed, who addressed the elec-
tors, and Mr. Sergeant Parry met his supporters
at the Lecture Hall, Spa-fields Chapel, Clerken-
well.

GREENWICH.—A requisition to Alderman Salo-
mons received 500 signatures in Woolwich and
Plumstead yesterday. There is little doubt that
the requisition will receive the signatures of at
least 1,500 electors, and it is expected that the ad-
dress of the Alderman will appear immediately on
his receiving the document. Committees to secure
his return were formed last evening at Woolwioh,
Plumstead, and Charlton.

HANTS (SOUTH.—A meeting of the freeholders
of South Hants took place at the Royal Hotel,
Southampton, yesterday, at which it was resolved
that H. B. arter, Esq., and Sir J. C. Jervoise
should contest the southern division of Hants on
the Liberal interest. Sir J. C. Jervoise's address
was issued in Southampton yesterday.
LEOMINSTER.—Mr. Willoughby, who was a can-
didate for the borough in 1.852, has issued an ad-
dress, in which he offers himself, and says :—" I am
firmly attached to our Protestant Church and insti-
tutions, but friendly to civil and religious liberty."
LZICESTBR..—Mr. Harris (the third Liberal candi-
date) has issued his address. The following is its
distinguishing portion :—" My estimation of the
Sabbath, not only as of divine appointment, but as
an institution of the highest importance in a social
point of view, especially to the industrial classes,
would lead me strenuously to oppose any legisla-
tive interference which would have a tendency to
assimilate it to continental usage."
LIVERPOOL.—A meeting of Mr. Ewart's support-
ers was held, on Tuesday night, at the Amphi-
theatre ; Mr. Thomas Brocklebank in the chair.
The following resolution was moved by Mr. Wm.
Rathbone, and seconded by Mr. T. M. Mackay,
" That the next meeting of Parliament must wit-
ness the introduction of a new Reform Bill and the
extension of political power among the people, and
more completely serve them iu the honest exercise
of their privileges, as well as of other questions in
which the sights and liberties of .the people are
chiefly concerned ; and it is the duty of liberal
electors everywhere to promote the return of men
whose opinions and independence will not fail them
in the time of need." Mr. Ewart addre sed the
meeting. He said he did not blame Mr. Cobden,
who had always been a man of peace, for making
his motion, and for his own part, he deplored any
event which could throw this country into war ;
but when he saw that advantage was taken of that
motion, by certain parties in the house, to create
a factious opposition to the Government, he (Mr.
Ewart) could not he-zitate about voting against the
motion, in doing which, he believed, he gave the
vote of 9-10ths of the inhabitants of Liverpool ; and
he thought it hard that his friend Mr. Turner, who
agreed with him, and Mr. Horsfall upon this mat-
ter, should put him and the town to the trouble
and expense of a contest. Mr. Ewart then referred
to the tea duties and income tax, declaring that he
would never be a party to any increased duties
being put ou the articles consumed by the working
classes. Ho bad always voted for the ballot,
though he did not believe it to be a cure for 'all the
evils of the country. He did hope the Government
would propose some proper measure of Parliamen-
tary reform which would be satisfactory to the edu-
cated classes of the community. Ho had voted for
Mr. Locke King's motion, and ho perfectly recol-
lected telling one of the most influential Ministers
of the Crown that he was astonished Lord Pal-
merston should ever think of making such a speech
against that motion of Mr. Locke King's, which, in
his (Mr. Ewart's) opinion, was perfectly suicidal to
his Government. Mr. G. Holt moved, and Mr.
C. Holland secondei, a resolution of confidence in
Mr. J. C. Ewart, pledging the meeting to support
him. Ward meetings of the friends of all the can-
didates are being held, and the contest is likely to
. fhtthei
in the -
be a close one.
M
cMilFasiTicElßies—teAr tcorookwMpldace
meetinglastn o
elec-
tors
Free Trade Hall, at which Mr. Gibson and Mr.
Cobden addressed the electors. Both gentlemen
were received with great cheering. Mr. Cobden,
in a powerful speech, after stating that. the cry
was the cry of Palmerston only, dissected at
upon which Government were going to the country
length the political career of the noble lord for the
after reviewing his
last fifty years, and• constant
opposition t) liberal measures, both home and
foreign policy, asked, great
"Is this the man to whom,
at the age of 73, the House of
Copunons is tosac-
rifice its independence 1 He, for one,
t. t
fall d (Great
own before the brazen image."
would
no
sheer-
ing.) With regard to the present election or Man-
cheater, he said it wall the electors of lUsucheator,

and not -the present members, who were on their
trial before the country. If Manchester wanted
to exchange the proud distinction it enjoyed of
having two men t,-) represent it who could grapple
with other men in that proud arena of intellecttial
gladiatorabip, the House of Commons, and enable
Manchester, at all events, to count as something
/
in the eyes of the world, then let the electors keep
their present members. If, on the other hand,
they thought they had acquired fame and distivo-
tion enough, and wantel to fall into utter insigni-
ficance, and to hear a hiss of scorn and indignation,
then let them return the two men who were the
new candidates for their suffrages. —The requisition
to Sir John Potter and Mr. Lowe has received only
about 2,500 signatures out of a constitutncy of
18,000 voters.
NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT. --Mr. Massey, the
Under-Secretary of State, and Mr. Kennard (Con-
servative), are to be opposed by Captain Mangles,
of the Royal West India Mail Steam-Packet Com
pany, and Mr. Buxton, son of Sir Fowel Buxton.
NORTHAMPTON. --Lrall Henley, Mr. Ot way,
M.P., and Mr. Wodehouse Currie, have severally
offered themselves iu pisee of Mr. Raikes Currie,
but they have now all retired in favour of Mr.
Charles Gilpin, who will stand in conjunction with
the Right Hon. R. V. Smith, as the only Liberal
candidate. It is expected that they will be opposed
by Mr. Hunt, Conservative.
OXFORD, Wednesday Evening.—The canvass of
Mr. Cardwell has more than equalled his most san-
guine expectations.
READING. —The present members, Mr. Francis
Keating, Q. C., and Mr. Pigott, have issued their
addresses to the constituency, offering themselves;
for re-election.

liarox.—Mr. William Beckett and the Hon.
Edwin Lascelles, the present Conservative mem-
bers, have very unexpectedly announced that at
the expiration of the present Parliament they shall
retire from the representation of the borough. At
an influential meeting of the electors, Capt. Smith
in the chair, it has been agreed to invite to become
candidates John A. Warre, Esq., of 54, Lowndes-
square, London, and John Greenwood, Esq., of
Swarcliffe Hall, near Ripley.
SHAFTESBURY. —This borough has suddenly been
thrown upon its resources for another candidate,
Mr. Berkeley Portman, the sitting member, having
determined upon offering himself for the county of
Dorset. There are not more than 590 electors in
the borough, and the seat is virtually at the dis-
posal of the Marquis of Westminster.
SOUTMWARK. —Mr. Apsley Pellatt has retired
from the contest, and has addressed a farewell to
his constituents. A requisition is being got up
calling upon the hon. gentleman to reconsider his
decision. Sir Charles Napier addressed the electors
last night and was well received. Resolutions,
pledging the meeting to secure his re-election,
were unanimously agreed to. A preliminary meet-
ing cf the friends of John Locke, Esq., was held at
the Equestrian Tavern, Blackfriars-road, last even-
ing. Mr. John Butterfield was called to the chair.
Mr. Locke's address to the electors having been
taken into consideration, and his replies to ques-
tions put to him being very satisfactory, it was
determined to support him, and the names of a
large number of influential gentlemen were handed
in to form his committee.

SHREWSBURY. —Yesterday Shrewsbury was pla-
carded with a joint a'ldress from Mr. Huddlestoi,
of the Oxford Circuit, and a Major Phibbs, who
offer themselves upon what they call Conservative
and Protestant principles. Mr. R. A. Slaney, the
Liberal candidate, has not yet returned from the
continent ; but his brother, Mr. W. H. Slaney,
has made a partial canvass of the electors, and the
promises obtained are more numerous than he an-
ticipated. Mr. Tomline's friends are also active;
and, with the influence they possess in the borough,
there is no do obt of his return, conjointly with Mr.
Slaney.
SLIGO (Bouoaun).—Candi la.t es for this celebrated
borough are becoming as plentiful as blackberries.
The last in the field is Mr. James O'Dowd, jun., a
member of the Middle Temple. Mr. O'Dowd is a
warm supporter of the present Government, and
there are some circumstances connected with his
appearance as a candidate which foreshadow the
probability of a close race between him and what-
ever number of candidates may be arrayed against
him.

TIVERTON. —Mr. Heathcoat, in an address to the
electors, says :
" Under ordinary circumstances I might have been
inclined to retire from the representation of your borough
and should have felt a pride in restoring to you (I hope
untarnished) the trust you gave into my keeping upon
the passing of the Reform Bill ; but I feel that the pre-
sent crisis calls for the exertion of every man who values
the position of his country among the nations of the
world. According to my views, the present govern-
ment of tile country deserves the support of every true
patriot ; and after having voted on the side of the. mino-
rity in the late division in the House of Commons, I am
desirous of having my opinion upon the great question
Alf—tlas- day confirsned by you, and:in this hope again
offer ousel as a candidat- for your suffrages."
The statement that Mr. Heathcoat Amory meant
to stand fur this borough is incorrect ; and Sir J.
H. Maxwell has retired.

THETFORD.—No opposition is expected to be
made to the re-election of the Hon. F. Baring and
the Earl of Euston, the present members.
WEST NORFOLK.--The report that Mr. W. Bag go
will retire from the representation of this constitu-
ency continues to receive currency in the district.
Mr. Brampton Gurdon, of Letton-hall, will be
brought forward as a candidate by the Liberal
patty, and is expected to be returned without op-
po-ition with Mr. G. W. F. Bentinck, the other
sitting Conservative member. Mr. Gurdon is an
elder brother of Mr. J. Gurdon Rebow, who was
lately returned for Colchester.

REPORT ON THE CUSTOMS DEPART-

ME.NT.

There has been issued a blue book, of 100 pages
and upwards, containing the first report of the Com.
missioners of Customs on the Customs Department.
The report, of which, from its nature, it is difficult
to give a digest, treats on the origin and formation
of the Customs Department itself—the members,
cost, and functions of the department, the facilities
and diminution of Customs work, the facilities and
concessions given to trade, on smuggling, and on
the increase of commerce and revenues. The report
gives a resume of the alteratiOns and charges ef-
fectedlastyear. There are copiousand valuable appen-
dices to the report. The commissioners (pp. 37 and
38) refer to the vast increase inthe commerce of Great
Britain, under the simplification of our tariff, the
reduction of duties, and the facilities afforded to
merchants and shippers. They show that between
1831 and 1834 the first extensive steps were taken
towards the removal of prohibitions and the reduc*
tion and remission of duties. These were followed
in 1842 and 1844 by still bolder advances
in the same direction, culminating in the vastly re-
duced and simplified tariff of 1853. Now, the net
aggregate of these reductions amounts to above
10,000,0001., and yet, notwithstanding, the re-
venue of the Customs has scarcely varied for the
last 20 years, steadily ranging from 22,000,0001. to
23,000,0001. In 1835 the gross Customs indult:,
was 23,149,0001., and in 1855 23,482,0004, or
nearly identical. "In order to produce such a re-
sult," observes the report, "it is obvious that both
the industry and the consuming power of the mass
of the nation must have augmented in an extraor-
dinary ratio." Statistics show that the official values
of our imports have increased from 31.4 millions
(in 1814-15-16) to 121.6 millions in 1853 4-5, the
official value of our exports from 5343 to 248•1 mil-
lions, and the real value of our exports of 'home
produce and manufactures from 46'2 to 97.2 mil-
lions. The same encouraging tale of commercial
progress is told by the tables of shipping. Thus,
the average tonnage annually added was for
1823-4-5, 98,900 ; in 1853-4-5, it had risen to
413,900 tons, and this after the repeal of the mai-
gation laws. " Under a continuance of the same
wise system," continues the report, "we may hope
for a continuance of the same satisfactory results.
By a further reduction of duties on all articles of
general consumption, as the condition of the
finances may suggest and permit, and by extending
to commerce the utmost possible facilities compati-
to insure a
ble with the security of the revenue we may hope,
as that of the recent past."
progress in future as rapid and as sips!
with the reduction of duties, and "smuggling pro-
per" is now almost entirely confined to tobacco,
spirits (the duties on which are still notoriously ex-
orbitant), and watches. passengers from the
business
in
tinent will still do a little
sinliggloinngthe decrease,
lace and silk, but all these
be'i'sgeSuarecontraband atti.
although the habit of Pa,Zive-s,
cles within the folds
of
reeable disputes. The value
dresses still prevails
end occasions v 01141535 g
was 117,402,366/. ; and that
including 226;920,2621.
of our importS„i;;24,394/.,
of our exports
of our own produce and manufactures, 31,504,132/.
offoreign
enter
goodds. The tonnage of the total number
inwards and cleared out
wtrds in
The 1 8900. Th
registered tonnage of
856 was 21, , ,
the empire in
1855 was 35,692 vessels of 5,250,553
tons,
and carrying
261,194 men.
of ships 5e

MADAME TusstirD'S EXHIBITION.—A highly int( rest-
jog portrait model 01 the noble Premier has been placed
of this popular establishmen'. L ri
riciprestbted. in the usual court dreB4 cf the
FiPnai rtiulshteeMr sitnnins great
i°ui
s r
Minister of the Crown—dark blue coat splendidly
embroidered with gold, and decorated with the most
noble Order of the Garter This portrait cannot fail to
create great interest to the visitors at this particular
time. _ _ _

TEA AND SlLK.—Theliogsblusk kis arrived off St.
Alban's Head with 318,700 lbs. tea and 2,126 bales of
silk on freight.