The Sun.
London, England, 1861-05-28 00:00:00

THE PAPER DUTIES.

Favoured by that complex system which allows
near twenty discussions of any point in the progress
of la money bill, the house is once more on the
paper duty. We certainly had hoped to hear no
more about it, and will confess to a degree of
weariness in a controversy which has been now
decided, and which can hardly fail to abide by
that decision. But why is it that the controversy
does return, not only with pertinacity, but with
a positive increase of vigour? The paper duty
has nine lives, and each life is fiercer than the last.
There is evidently a weak point as well as a strong
point in the demand for the repeal. The strong point
is that an agreement has been come to between
certain high contracting Powers. It is understood
among men who have great influence upon this and
other questions that the duty is to be repealed,
and on the strength of this good understandirig the
Government can reckon on much valuable support.
There prevails a comfortable assurance that the
bargain will stand, and some very important re-
sults have been already discounted. We have ever
been accustomed to believe in these bargains, and in
this instance we no more expect that the paper duty
will be retained than that we shall ever see again the
duty on cotton and wool, or the excise on glass and
bricks. But what is the weak point of this measure?
It is that it cannot even pretend to be a popular
proceeding. There is absolutely no such thing as a
cry, or a cause, or even a public opinion in favour
of the measure. There has been nothing to indicate
that a single labourer, or artisan, or shopman cares
a straw about the repeal of the duty one way or the
other. The agitation is confined to Parliament.
street ; if you go southward into Lambeth, or north-
ward into the populous quarters of Broadway and
Tothill-fields, you will find no more known about it
than about the politics of the moon. The measure
may be a very good one all the same. The French
Emperor does some very grand things, but then he
does them without public pressure, and sometimes
without public fore-knowledge. If the House of
Commons passes this measure, it will be acting im-
perially rather than as representing the people.
When, then, it is asked, " What have the Lords to
do with the question ?" it should be remembered
that even the people have as little to do with the
question. This is the reason why the controversy
refuses to be laid, and haunts the house like a trouble-
some ghost. It owes its vitality not to the privilege
question, not to its own intrinsic merits, but to the
fact that the people care nothing about the matter.
We have heard a good deal about Privilege in the
course of the controversy. It has been supposed to
endanger the constitution, and at one time to set the
Lords over our heads, at another time to trample
them under our feet. We have had, too, so many
statistics and ingenious calculations, that we are not
permitted to eat, drink, or sleep, to walk, ride, or
talk, or do anything without feeling therein the re-
mission of the paper duty. It is made out to bring us
more easily into the world, to send us more cheaply
to our graves, and convey our souls more certainly
and expeditiously to heaven. There is only one
thing that has never been pretended for a moment,
and nobody would have the face to pretend it, and
that is that the people care about it, or are at all

nterested in it. Mr. M. Milnes, indeed, intimates

that it will cheapen bandboxes, and that in this re-
spect it becomes a relief to the million. We will
frankly confess that, not having got up the subject
of bandboxes, we are not prepared to give a flat
contradiction to the statement ; but, if we may be
allowed to forma conjecture from the habits of la-
bourers within our knowledge, and from the inte-
riors of cottages with which we are acquainted,
bandboxes may be cheapened as much as a penny a
dozen without greatly improving the condition of
the poor.

The controversy, strange to say, rather gains in
amusement what it loses in gravity. The civilised
world will be edified to observe that the greatest
Senate under the sun has been engaged two years

in the question whether paper should be taxed; but
the discussion as it narrows sets free the fancy and
loosens the tongue, so that it is scarcely possible to
say what speculation will next be engrafted upon
it. Indeed, we seem to have found something akin
to an inconvertible paper currency, in the shape of
a paper controversy reducible to no test, bound to
no conclusion, and incapable of a settlement. It
is all paper. This cannot be a wholesome phase
of the national mind. Surely the question of
£1,300,000 to be raised in one form or another
is not so very important ? To the public we are
inclined to think :that it is really a matter of
no importance at all. So let it be decided, as
it has been, on purely political grounds. There
is a considerable body of gentlemen interested in
it, so let them have what they want, especially as
it has been promised, and steps have been taken
accordingly. If anything prevents the intended
Lord
breach of mi
serss
at
promiseiodn,
It
ty he is threatened
curious defection in consequence of the
riiwwwnne
ehhlea
eadb:
prea,
,awal of the grant from the Galway Packet
esctwauhflaeei
that
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Company. This promises a curious variety of the
question, and if the cheap newspapers and the
Atlantic Royal Mail Steam Navigation Company
could be shut up in a cage to fight till they had
finished this controversy, we might hope for the
same finite and highly simplified result as in a well-
known incident. But we don't see how this is to
be done, unless it is accomplished in the shape of a
very attenuated majority next Thursday. Any-
how we hope and trust that will be the very last
day of this paper war, and from that day forward
every Englishman will not only have in his house
a cheay Bible, but also a penny newspaper, a
Cocker's Arithmetic, a Miscellany, a novel in weekly
parts, and a bandbox duty free.—Times.

THE FLINTSHIRE ELECTION.--The nomination
of the candidates for the representation of Flintahire, ren-
dered vacant by the death of the late member, the Hon.
E. M. Lloyd Mostyn, took place at Flint on Saturday.
There was a large attendance of freeholders and gentlemen
connected with the county. The show of hands
was at least three to one in favour of Lord Richard Grosve-
nor, and a poll having been demanded on the part of Mr.
Hughes, the high sheriff fixed the polling for Tuesday next,
and the declaration for Thursday.
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Mr. Hawkins, in stating the case, said that the
plaintiff, Frances Elizabeth Baker, was a young
woman living at Luton, in Bedfordshire, and she
claimed damages from the defendant, Charles
Cartwright, who had been in very respect-
able services, and had by industry, perseverance,
sobriety, and prudent habits saved a very consider-
able sum of money. He was now in the service of
Mr. ltemill3-, of Wilton-street, Piccadilly, as butler,
but he had previously been in the service of a lady
who had died, and had left him a very consider-
able amount. He had some friends named Pilgrim,
who lived at Pepperstock, near Luton, and he
visited them in the autumn of 1859, and was taken
by them to see the straw plait manufactory at
Luton. The plaintiff was one of four sisters, the
daughter of a widow, and she was employed in the
straw plait business. The defendant saw her at
work, and was much smitten with her; he paid
her considerable attention, he called upon her
mother, and Wellt out with the plaintiff once or
twice. This was during his short visit to the
country, and after his return to town he eon_
stantly corresponded with the plaintiff. So mat-
' ters went on until July, 1860, but on the 26th of
that month she received the following :
"My dear Fanny,---T received yours ; thanks for the
kindness it expresses. You will be surprised when yen read
the following, but don't judge me harshly. Plans are
altered, and I shall not be able to have the pleasure of see-
ing you here. lam very sorry the time was so near. No
whim of mine has caused the change, but it cannot be helped
now. I feel the disappointment most keenly. Itly regards
to your friends,—l am very affectionately,
" CIURLE :'
This letter having been replied to produced the
following:—

" August 1, 1860.
"Dear Fanny,-1 received yours; thanks for so kind a
letter. It was more than I could expect. With sincere
regret I beg to inform you that our correspondence must
be at an end. From circumstances which came to my
knowledge just before my last, I think it far better that it
should be so for us both. I assure you I write this after
mature thought, and I sincerely wish you a happy future.
I again repeat that I am very sorry to have caused you
disappointment, and I sliculd never have thought of writ-
ing you this without sufficient reason.—Believe me to hawk
been very sincerely yours, " CIIAS.CARTWRIGHT."
The learned counsel, in continuation, said that in
the early part of 1859 the plaintiff had been affected
in her intellect, but this was from physical causes
alone, and the jury well knew how some women
were affected at certain periods of their lives. In £l.
different position in life somebody would, under
such circumstances, have been appointed to look
after her, and in her own case it was thought that
the best thing was for her to go to Bedford Asylum,
where she remained for four months, and was then.
discharged perfectly cured, and there had been no
return of the affliction since, notwithstanding the
breaking off the match had caused her poignant
grief. But even if it were shown that this malady
was likely to return, though that would be a mis-
fortune for both of them, yet the loss to her from
the breaking off the engagement would not be the
less, and she was fairly entitled to substantial
damages.
Evidence for the plaintiff was then given.
Mr. Overend called no witnesses, but addressed
the jury in mitigation of damages, submitting that
the defendant had, under the circumstances, no
alternative but breaking off the engagement.
His Lordship said that the plaintiff was entitled
to a verdict, but the amount was entirely for the
consideration of the jury. lie spoke in terms of
praise of the good sense and good feeling which had
been displayed by the defendant, and especially of
the delicate manner in which he had acted when it
came to his knowledge that the plaintiff had been
in a lunatic asylum. lie had not mentioned the
circumstance in his letter to the plaintiff, and when
he sent down Mr. Goodchild, it was to communi-
cate not with the plaintiff herself but with her
mother. The case was a very distressing one, and
the jury would take all the circumstances into con-
sideration before giving their verdict.
The jury found for the plaintiff—damages £2O.

THE WELLINGTON, 160, PICCADILLY.
—Gentlemen are respectfully informed that the
SALOON DINING DINNERS, ow OPEN for the Sup
of LUNCHEONS and from One to Nine o'clplyock
p.m. Set Dinners and Dining from the carte in the most
varied form. Dinners from the joint, 2s. Whitebait is now
served daily. THOMAS PRICE, Superintendent.
- • •-

-- -
N.B. —The Dining Rooms will be Open as usual until a
late hour on the Derby and Oaks Days.

THEATRE-ROYAL, LIAYMARKET.
Lessee, Mr. J. B. Buokstone.
THIS Ey-EI:ZING, the performancesZlNG, will commence with
a new and original Comedy, entitled BLACK SHEEP.
Mr Buckstdne, Mr. Compton, Mr. Howe, &e. ; Mre. Wilkins,
Mrs. Charles Young, Miss Lovell, &c.
Atter which, will be revived, with entirely new scenery
and effects, and all the original music by the late Sir Henry
Bishop, the melodrama of I'HE MILLER AND HIS MEN.
Commence at 7.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.--
Lessee and Manager. Mr. A. Harris.
THIS EVENING, TRUTH AND FICTION. Supported by
Messrs. F. Matthews,Widdicombe, Shore, Cathcart, Garden;
Miss C. Leclercq, Miss R. Leclercq, and Miss M. Harris.
After which, KING LEAR. King Lear, Mr. Phelps :
Edgar, Mr. Edmund Phelps.

E W THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELP HI.-
Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster.
Reproduction of "The Colleen Bawn. " The Adelphl
" Census " every Evening.
_ _ .

THIS EVENING, the successful new Farce, entitled A
TURKISH BATH. Mr. J. L. Took. Mr. P. Bedford.
After which (191st time), THE COLLEEN BAWN. Mr.
D. Boucicault, eisher, Billington, Falconer, Stephenson,
C. J. Smith Romer, Howard, Ward ; Mrs. Boucicault, Miss
Woolgar,bars. Billingr,ton, and Mrs. Chatterley.
To be followed by a new apropos Sketch, THE CENSUS.
Messrs. J. L. Toole, Eburne, Romer, C. J. Smith ; Miss
Sate 2Celly, Miss E. Thorne, and Mrs. Chatterley.
Doors open at half past 6—Commenee at 7.

FRENCH PLAYS.-ROYAL ST. JAMES'S
THEATRE.—Under the Direction of Mons. Lambert
Dennery.—THlS EVENING, LE FEU AU CONVENT.
Messrs. Gravier, Larieu, Fabien, Leduc Sls ; Miss Anna
Milher.
After which, .T'AI COMPROMIS MA FEMME : M.
Geoffroy and Mdlle. Alice Therie.
To conclude with LES TREMBLF,URS. Messrs. GeOffroy,
Bertrand, Fabien, Leduc Ills Madames Leduc and Pommier,
and Mdlle. Delphini.
Commence at a quarter before 8 o'clock.

ASTL'EY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.—
THIS EVENING. Grand Equestrian performances—
The:Great Excitement for the Race Week only—The Rocky
Mountain Wonders on the Flying Trapez, the Ladder Feat,
and their extraordinary acrobat performances -Concluding
with the New Ballet, entitled " The Chamois Hunter ;or the
Fiend of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water." Reduced Prices.
Grand Complimentary Benefit on Thursday. 30th May, to
Mr. Henry Magilton, of the Rocky Mountain Wonders, who
met with the deplorable accident at the Alhambra, on which
occasion the Christy Minstrels and a host of talent will
appear.

A STLEY'S.—THURSDAY, May 30.—A COM-
PLIMENTARY BENEFIT to Mr. HENRY MAGILTON,
who met with the deplorable accident at the Alhambra. The
iollowing artistes have volunteered their services :—The
Christy Minstrels, Messrs. Murray and Holland, the Brothers
Berri, Thos. Handford, Mr. Young and his Dogs, the Ro:6,lcy
Mountain Wonders, and the celebrated Clown, Mr. Bibb.—
Box-office open daily.

CANTERBURY - HALL CONCERTS
AND FINE ARTS GALLERY.
EVERY EVENING,
A Grand Selection from Verdi's new Opera,
UN BALLO IN MASCHERA,
(First produced in England at this Establishment),
With a Chorus of Forty Voices.
Also, Verdi's IL CORSARO, never performed at any
other Concerts.
Solos on the Cornet-a-piston, by Mr. Levy.
The Comic Department comprises the Brothers Conrad (in
their new and inimitable entertainments), Mr. Wood and his
talented little Son, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Hol-
lingsworth, and .hiss Rose Howard.
Musical Director, Mr. F. JONGHMANS.
T E

0 X

F 0 R D

6, OXFORD-STREET.

Mr. LEVY, undoubtedly the best performer of the day on
the Cornet-a-Piston—Grand Selections (oa the most complete
scale) from Dinorah, Martha, Stradella, &c., and other vocal
and instrumental music, by Miss Russell, the Misses Stuart,
and Miss Ernst, Messrs. Charles Greville, Fornari, Kimber-
ley, Bernard, Beaumont, Bervon, Huish, Signor Tivoli, and
Mr. Henry Herbert, with full band and powerful and selected
thorns, conducted by Mr. F. Jonghmans.—The following
Comic talent, Messrs. W. Randall, J. Blanchard, W. H. Wie-
land, Hollingsworth, E. Marshall, Harvey, and French, and
the Brothers Conrad in their latest and best entertainment,
every evening. Admission, Hall, sixpence; Balcony and
/Stalls, one shilling. Private Boxes, 103. 6d.