The Sun.
London, England, 1857-03-17 00:00:00

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF
WESTMINSTER.

' GEN. TLEMEN,—
A Dissolution has been rather more hastily resolved on, in
the midst of the Session and season, than in my humble opi-
nion the real interests of the country required. As, however,
I took no part whatever in its supposed cause, it is not, per-
haps, for me to offer opinions on the subject.
But a few brief expressions from one or two of the most
distinguished supporters of Government may possibly be al-
luded to, illustrative of the extraordinary diversities of
opinion on this most vexed question. The Right Honourable
Edward Ellice, addressing his constituents, says that he does
" not approve and sincerely laments" the extreme measures
re.iorted to in China. " That reprisals should in the first in-
stance have been taken, and the ulterior course reserved for the
determination of the Government in England; that the question
of g,enerrl hostilities should have been reserved for higher au-
thority. It would seem (he says) fall time that this practice of
involving the country in wars in the East, except under the
pressing necessities of self-defence, should be brought more
directly under the control of Parliament."
And who is Mr. Ellice, who gives these formidable reasons
against his own vote i Undoubtedly one of the ablest, most
useful, and, I would almost add, most illustrious of the Whig
party—an ex-Whig Minister.
But, howeVer I may admire him, you know very well that
I have not the honour of being considered a Whi- and that

I am certainly neither an ex nor a future Minister.
Again, Sir William Clay, also on this occasion on the side
of Ministers, says to his immense constituency, which ho so
ably represents :—" The question whence has arisen the sup.
posed necessity for a dissolution, was one of the most diffi.
cult I have ever known submitted to the decision of the
Ffouse of Commons—one on which it was impossible to give
any vote without anxiety and doubt."
But being myself impressed with a strong feeling on the
matter, believing that a mistaken opinion had arisen upon it,
what must my doubts and perplexities have been—earnestly
urged, as I eventually was, by three sets of old and valued
friends, of vehemently different views—the one requesting
my approval, the other my disapproval, of these Chinese pro-
ceedings on so questionable an affair? I had already resolved
on the latter course; thus at least avoiding a violation of my
Own convictions, and I shall never regret having done so.
But two things must now inevitably be done—the lives and
properties of British and foreign merchants must be placed in
security—the prestige and ascendancy of the British arms re-
stored or established. It is most satisfactory therefore to
hear that a superior Government authority and some six
thousand troops aro about to be despatched to the scene of
conflict. Had this keen announced during the debates, or, bet-
ter still, two months ago, when the first intelligence of this
affair arrived, wo might have been spared a premature dis-
solution, and an enormous quantity of oratory.

It is true that on my ladreturn from the field my health
was much shattered. I was enabled, nevertheless, in that
session, while the war still continued, repeatedly t• take as
vigorous and efficient a part as any other man in Parliament
(perhaps more so)—in promoting the great national object of
that period, the reinforcement, by all possible means, of our
army before the enemy.
Iu the early part of the session of 1856 I energetically (some
thought too much so) called attention to the shortcomings
and mistakes of our War Department—to the great value of
the " report—to the undeserved treatment
by Government of those two meritorious public servants—and
to the mischievous p• 'valence of military favouritism.
In the latter part of last session I had the good fortune of
being the successful mover of the appointment of a Royal
Commission fur inquiry into the monster military corruption
and abuse—that of the system of sale and purchase of com-
missions. This system is at the root of all our military failures.
lam a member of that commission. We have collected a great
body of evidence. lam sanguine that the result will be the
accomplishment of the greatest measure of army reform that
can possibly be effected.
Gentlemen, I don't pretend to say to what it may be attri-
butable, but never have I seen the principles of Parliamen-
tary Reform so completely ignored as by the present House
of Commons. The less regret, then, should we feel on the
opportunity now offered for a declaration of opinion through-
out the country of electors and non-electors.
I came into Parliament, even before I had the honour of
being known to you, as a warm advocate of Reform. West
monster, long before that period, was the historical head-
quarters of this great cause. I have been faithful to it. I
will never deviate from it. Whatever party may be disposed
to promote it will have my adhesion, and, I am equally con-
fident, will have your anxious and powerful support.
Again respectfully tendering you my services, probably for
the last time, for a renewal of your canfidence,
I have the honour to be,
Your humble and obedient servant,

DE LACY EVANS.
Bryanstone-square, 11Th March, 1857.