The Sun.
London, England, 1859-10-13 00:00:00

THE EMPEROR OF THB
BORREAUX.

FRENCh AT

The Moniteur of yesterday contains the subjoined
account of -Emperor's speech at BordeauA, which,
received -by submarine telegraph, was published in
.771.1'.. Sun of yesterday.

13ORDEAUX, OCT. 11.
This morning his Majesty roceived the authori-
ties. The Archbishop of Bordeaux delivered the
following discourse :

" Sire,—The clergy of this diocese, speaking by
me, is happy to renew to year Majesty the sin-
cere homage of its respect and devotedness. It is
with true French pride that vtry) contemplate your
Majesty, whose valiant sword has raised so high
the glory of our country. It is with joy that it
salutes the Mother of the Prime Imperial, and the
noble sovereign who so well co mbines firmness of
mind with goodness of heart, and who in days of
difficulty bore so nobly the weight of public cares.
" Sire,—When, eight years t To, the town of Bor-
deaux received you with so m uch enthusiasm, the
vault of our ancient basilica resounded with the
acclamations of the crowd; we, my priests and I,
were there, assisting with joy *A what seemed to us
the baptism of the new empire.. We then prayed
for him who had stayed the rising and swelling
waves of revolution, and had. secured on the brow
of the church and priesthood thl emblems of honour
which men were trying to tear from it—for him
who had inaugurated his greaq destinies by restor-
ing his city, his people, and his temporal power in
its integrity to the Vicar of C'arist.

"On this day, Sire, we pray again, and with yet
more fervour, if that is possible, that God may give
you the means, as he has given you the will, to
remain faithful to this Christi; in policy, which draws
blessings on your name, and i s perhaps the secret of
the prosperity and the source of the glory of your
reign.

" We pray with a confidene e and hope which de-
plorable events and sacrilegious violence have not
discouraged ; and the ground. of our hope, the realisa-
tion of which seems at this ti me so difficult, is, next
to God, 'yourself, Sire, you who have been, and
desire to be, the eldest son of 'the Church ; you who
have pronounced those men iorable words—' The
temporal sovereignty of the 'venerable head of the
Church is as much bound up IA ;ith the eclat of Catho-
licism as with• the liberty and independence of
Italy'—a noble thought, and in harmony with the
sentiments professed by the august chief of your
dynasty.
" Yesterday, when your Majesty set foot for the
first time in the beautiful city which has sprung up
as if by enchantment on a spot formerly desolate—
when your Majesty was seen kneeling in the as yet
unfinished sanctuary, it seemed to all that the imma-
culate patroness of the spot covered you and your
august consort, and your beloved son, with her
maternal protection. You will discharge towards
her a debt of gratitude in procuring a triumph for
her son in the person of his vicar. This triumph is
worthy of you, Sire ; it will put an end to the
anxieties of the Catholic world, which will salute it
with transport."
His Majesty replied :

" I thank your Eminence for the sentiments you
have just expressed. Your Eminence does justice
to my intentions without overlooking the difficulties
which obstruct them, and show that you compre-
hend your high mission when you seek to strengthen
confidence rather than scatter vain alarms.

" I thank you for having recalled my words to
mind, for I have the firm hope that a new era of
glory will arise for the church, as soon as all share
my conviction that the temporal power of the Holy
Father is not opposed to the liberty and indepen-
dence of Italy.
" I cannot enter now into the explanations which
the grave question you have raised would require.
I will merely say that the Government which was
the means of restoring the Holy Father to the Pon-
tifical throne will only give utterance to such re-
spectful counsels as are dictated by sincere devoted-
ness to the interests of his Holiness ; but it cannot
but be alarmed about the day, which is not far dis-
tant, when Rome will be evacuated by our troops.
For Europe will not allow that the occupation of
Rome by the French troops, which has lasted for
ten years, should be prolonged indefinitely. When
our army shall be withdrawn what will it leave
behind ?—anarchy, terror, or peace ? These are
questions the importance of which cannot escape
anyone. But believe me, in the times in which we
live, in order to resolve these questions, it is neces-
sary, instead of appealing to ardent passions, to
search with calmness for the truth, to pray to Pro-
vidence to enlighten both the people and the sove-
reigns upon the wise exercise of their rights, as
well as upon the extent of their duties.

" 1 doubt not that your prayers and those of your
clergy will-continue to draw down tde blessing of
Heaven upon the Empress, my son, and me."

GAS IN THE METROPOLIS.

A meeting of delegates from the various districts
of the metropolis was held yesterday afternoon in
St. Martin's Vestry Hall, to consider the propriety
of having a deputation to wait on the Home Secre-
tary, to ascertain the views of the Government
with respect to legislating on this important sub-

ject.
The chair was taken by Mr. Godson.

Mr JAMES BEAL (Hon. Sec.), in explaining the
objects of the meeting, said they were called to-
gether to consider the position of the various
gas 'companies throughout the city with respect
to the public. The acts of Parliament granted
to these bodies were given on the express under-
standing that the public should be protected by
competition, but by a combination among them-
selves they had secured the power of charging what
price they pleased. The object of the delegates
assembling there was to obtain the sanction of the
public to a bill to be introduced into Parliament
next session, the object of which was to protect the
consumers of gas. The provisions of that measure
included a fixity in the maximum price of the arti-
cle, which was the only remedy against the injuri-
ous effects of the present combination, and that a
limitation should be put to the dividends which
they now paid. The bill contained, also, a
provision for removing the power now possessed
of cutting off the gas without notiee, and of
charging the arrears of former tenants of houses
upon those who might succeed them. There
was another section to prevent improper re-
gistration. The special business of the meeting,
however, was to refer to a former interview which
they had had with the Home Secretary; and, in
another, to ask the right hon. gentleman if he
were prepared, on the part of the Government,
to state whether, in the ensuing session, they
were prepared to take the question into their
own hands, as they did with the water companies,
and take such further steps as might be deemed
necessary. The first resolution he had to propose
was, " That the Home Secretary, having promised
the deputation, on the sth of July last, that he
would consider the proposed Metropolitan Gas
Regulation Bill, with a view of judging how far
it met the alleged grievances, and inform them if
the Government would adopt and bring in the
measure, another interview be now sought for the
purpose,"

Mr. WARING seconded the resolution
A DELEGATE asked why it was the bill of last
session was not introduced, and that they were
now in the same position they had been more than
a year ago ?
Mr. BEAL replied that the dissolution of Parlia-
ment upset the arrangements of the committee, and
when it met again it was too late to introduce a
bill. Indeed, the Standing Orders Committee
would not permit them to do so, unless there was
a probability of carrying it through. The present
proposed bill was not the same as that of last ses-
sion, but it applied solely to the metropolis, whereas
the Sale of Gas Bill concerned the whole country.
The resolution was then passed.
Resolutions were next passed to apply to the Moue
Secretary to appoint a day for receiving the depu-
tation, and instructing the lion. secretary to em-
ploy a professional man to serve the usual notice.
After which—
Mr. liuG TIES, the engineer of the delegates, read
a very interesting paper on the price of gns in
London as compared with the provinces, and the
discrepancies existing in the metropolis, to the
disadvantage of the consumer.
Mr. DowDoN thought the maximum price of
gas should be 4s. instead of 4s. 6d., and inoved
resolution to that effect.
Mr. FARRER seconded the motion.
After a short discussion, the resolution was
withdrawn, and the usual vote of thanks o•
given to the chairman, the meeting adjourned to
this day fortnight.

THE NORTHERN REFORM UNION.

The following address has just been issued by
the council of thri Northern Union :

_ •
" Fellow Reformers,—According to the late
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Parliamentary Re-
form has been a popular question in this country
for the last twenty-five years ; for the last sixteen
years it has been a Parliamentary, and for the last
ten years a Ministerial question. Parliament after
Parliament has been dissolved, and session after
session has been prorogued, but the subject still re-
mains where the Whig Reformers of 1832 left it.
The members of the House of Commons, as a body,
are indifferent, if not hostile, to any legislation. on
the matter; and if we except fifty members, we
believe the remaining six hundred would rejoice
if it was abandoned altogether. Reform has, how-
ever, so interwoven itself with the leading questions
of the day, that all the parties in the state are com-
mitted to legislate upon it. Each pretends to be
desirous of carrying a satisfactory measure on this
subject, but they, at the same time, avail them-
selves of every trifling excuse for indefinitely post-
poning it.

" The Legislature correctly represents the opinions
held by their constituents upon Reform. The elec-
tors, who are in earnest on its behalf, are propor-
tionately not more numerous than are the thorough
Reformers in Parliament. The middle classes pos-
sess the power, if they choose to exercise it, of
making the House of Commons extend the fran-
chise to their industrial fellow countrymen. The
representation is in their hands. It is needless for
them to talk of aristocratic domination as the chief
obstacle to the extension of the suffrage. Aristo-
cratic influence would be comparatively powerless
in the House of Commons if not for their help.
Truth compels us to say that the present electors,
as a body, are as selfish as ever the constituencies
were before the passing of the Reform Bill ; and it
is from their desire to retain possession of exclusive
political power, that deters them from assisting to
raise the working men from the condition of poli-
tical pariahs.

The indifference and hostility of the electoral
body were never more clearly shown than during
the exertions of Mr. Bright last autumn. In a
series of masterly and eloluent addresses, he pleaded
for Reform in most of the large towns of the empire.
The support he received from the electors was out
of all proportion to the efforts he made, and the
objects he sought. The local associations that sprung
into existence in the town he visited died out when
he left, and the agitation he created subsided when
he became silent.

"We can understand moderate reformers' refus-
ing to support our programme. They can urge
against it the common-place objections usually raised
against Manhood Suffrage. Such arguments cannot,
however, be advanced agai.ist Mr. Bright's pro-
posal, which is extremely moderate. Nor can any
objection be found against him as their leader, as he
is a man of undoubted integrity, and his abilities
and courage have won for him the admiration of men
of all parties.

"We speak it, therefore, more in sorrow than
in anger,' that from the body of those who now
wield political power you can hope for little support.
The unenfranchised must work on the electors, as
the present electors worked on the boroughmongera
of past times.
" Cordially co-operate with all who will support
your demands. Oppose no honest measure of reform,
however moderate ; but still firmly and persistently
put your programme forward as the only sound one;
and make it manifest, that while you do not oppose a
moderate measure, you only accept it as an instal-
ment of your just rights. That portion of the mid-
dle class who are opposed to you, from false fears of
the revolutionary designs of working men, reason
with, and in a respectful manner endeavour to con-
vince them of the error of their opinions. But to
those who oppose the enfranchisement of the people
from selfishness, and who have forgotten that they
won the suffrage for themselves by your help, under
the promise that they would enfranchise you when
they were brought within the pale of the constitu-
tion, offer an unbroken and incessant resistance.
Let them know that the means you used to help
them to 'gain their political rights, you will use
against them to win your own. Such men yield
only to fear or compulsion. You are strong enough
if you resolutely combine to compel them to listen
to your demands. Those who are not for you are
against you.' Organise and agitate.
" The parliament that granted the Reform Bill
did not do so because of their belief in its justice,
but because the Birmingham and Northern Politi-
cal Unions had created such a public opinion out of
doors, as it was not prudent to oppose further.
The parliament that repealed the Corn Laws did
not do so because of being converted to free trade
principles; but because they saw that famine in
Ireland, and the Anti-Corn Law League, were pro-
ducing a commotion that threatened, if not stayed,
to sweep away all exclusive privileges, and to en-
danger the stability of the state. The people will
never be enfranchised till they have, by organisa-
tion and agitation, brought a kindred influence to
bear on the legislature. In all such matters, our
rulers yield only to the force of a public opinion
that will not be trifled with. Next session, and
and perhaps the next, will pass away with results,
so far as reform is concerned, no better than the
two last. Working men—if they want politeical
power—must be determined to win it themselvs.
" The Northern Reform Union has now been ill
existence nearly two years. During that time it
has held 200 public meetings, sent 85 petitions to
parliament, circulated 500,000 tracts and pamphlets,
and organised in the two counties of Durham
and Northumberland a vigorous and flourishing
association. The work we have marked out for
ourselves, between now, and the reassembling of
Parliament, comprises the holding of upwards of 60
public meetings, the collecting of 100 petitions in
favour of manhood suffrage and the ballot, and the
circulation of a million of tracts and other reform
publications. Our organisation was never so com-
pact and efficient as at present ; and we appeal to
our brother Radicals throughout the country to
organise their respective districts, so that at the
opening of next session we may be able to present
a determined and united front to the opponents of
the people's rights.
" Depend upon it no reform in the fiscal, ecclesi-
astical, or administrative departments of the state
can be complete or permanent unless the people
have a proper control over their representatives.
Reason, arguments, entreaties, the demands of mil•
lions, the material and moral interests of the empire
all are as nothing to the party leader who has
well-disciplined battalion of votes ready to march. into the lobby for the interests of faction, and not
for the welfare of the nation. Parliamentary.
re-
form ; free, fair, and full representation. This is
our demand. We must compel the governing
classes to comply with it. Intelligence and morality
cannot work out their legitimate ends by the rotten
instrumentality of political favouritism. Boldly
declare for right as right. Preach the great prin-
ciples of political equality. Cast yourselves upon.
i
truth, and confidently abide the
ssue. The work
may be slower than the impatience of our desires;
but it will be sure, safe, and permanent.
" By order of the Council,
"R. B. REED, Hon. Sec."

_
WEYIIILL HOP FAIR.—Yesterday (Wednesday)
this celebrated hop fair was formally opened for the sale
of hops. There was a large attendance of factors, growers!
&c., from every hop county. The number of
pockets of
hops pitched this year exceeds that of last fair,
and will
nearly approach 5,000. London was largely represented
by hop factors and merchants, and the chief brewer/
sent agents. At the commencement of the fair very felt
sales were effected. Hop growers asked an advance ore
recent prices made at country markets, &c., and, buyers
being unprepared for this step on the part of hop planters*
business began slowly. Large growths were purchased on
speculation, and will be retailed out. Sussex supplied
some well-grown and well preserved hops. Kent brought
pockets of her choicest gatherings, which met a good in-
quiry. Mid and East Kent obtained the highest price.
Wealds commanded a sale at late prices. Worcester and
country hops were in request, although prices asked pre-
vented active business. Farnham, as usual, formed the
chief attraction of the hop fair, and the eager demand for
this description of hops caused good prices to be made.
The samples were in excellent condition. The annexed
were the prices made :—Sussex, fine growth from choice
plantations, made from 43 to 43 lOs per cwt. , an many
growers held over rather than make abatement Kentd hope,
Wealds, sold at from £3 10e to £3 18s and £4 per cwt. Mid
and East Kents realising £4 to £4 lOs and £5 per ditto;
Worcester and country pickings varied in price from £3l2s
to 44; Farnhams fetched from £5 18s to £6 6s, and primest
samples £7 per cwt. In the aggregate, a large amount of
business was transacted, although there was no activity
displayed, as business was principally in the purchasing of
whole growths, and which will subsequently be submitted
for sale in lesser proportions • in fact, the fair cannot be
said to be more than formally opened, and hops aro still
being brought up. The hop fair will bo resumed this day
(Thursday). In the cheese and provision fair there is a
brisk trade. There is a good demand for best cheese and
well-cured bacon. Prime Cheddar cheese made 62s to 70s
and 80s per cwt. Gloucester, good doubles, 545 to 68s, and
single, 44s to 50s per cwt.; choice made Stiltons, £4 4s to
3 per Cwt.; 'niftiest description of old realised is per lb.
Bacon—Flitches of well-cured bacon made 7d to 9d per lb.
CAUTION TO MUSHROOM EATERS.--LaSt week
an elderly man in in the marshes near Midhurst, who had
been previously- in robust health, was suddenly seized with
violent vomiting, &c., which caused his wife to send off
for their medical attendant, who, on arriving and having
made, the requisite inquiry, without hesitation pronounced
the symptoms to arise from the man having 30 hours
bolero, eaten a quantity of large, or what are commonly
called " horse mushrooms," After a short stay the medi-
cal man left his patient comparatively tranquil; a few
hours after, however he was again sent for, but before he
reached the house the poor man had breathed his last;
and this in less than 60 hours from the time of eating the
mushrooms. The appearance of the corpse was remark-
able as indicative of the cause of death; inasmuch as be-
sides considerable frothy exudation from the mouth, which
smelt strong:y of fungine, advanced decomposition had
taken place within 24 hours. The body was of a dark
purple hue, and so frightfully swollen that not a single
feature of the cottutena,nee was discernible.