The Sun.
London, England, 1857-12-05 00:00:00

LONDON, SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 1857.

Well, as yet we have not received much benefit
from the display of the " Collective Wisdom."
Sir G. C. LEwis made a long and dreary speech
in introducing the currency question, which gave
but little information to the community. Of
course, he wants an act of indemnity for the vio-
lation of the law. It required po degree of pre-
lenience to foresee that result. It was the very
matter for which Parliament was avowedly con.
vened, and which was of course indispensable.
But we have gained nothing from the speech of
the financial Minister, which was just as vague
as, and if possible more dreary than, any of his
former harangues. He uttered a number of pom-
pous platitudes respecting panics, and announced
the great fact that one might take place in Ham-
burg, where there was a pure metallic circulating
medium. It is the limitation to the issues—
the prevention of the expansive power so urgently
required—the total repudiation of discretion, that
creates the chief mischief !—so long as converti-
bil4y is maintained.

We have frequently explained our views en
that point, and cannot therefore be misjudged.
The Act of 1819 occasioned the evil which that of
1844 so fearfully aggravated. If, therefore, we
speak on behalf of a less favourable representative
of value, it is under protest, and rather accepting
the change as an instalment of justice, than as a
permanent monetary code, which would render
the country prosperous and give fair play to in-
ttestry. We are strongly opposed to bullionism,
tut for the present the battle is to be fought with
" the hard calculators," who have dropped their
distuiaee, and are at the eleventh hour appearing
In their true colours. The great point now to be
achieved; is to insist on immediate legislation, so
as to get rid of the dodge for further inquiry.
tinsnc,
There are ample materials for legislation. The
topic has been exhausted. The report of the
Lords' Committee showed the mischievous cense-
serious dangers a •
fineness and
Although cirerlsmig ta from
now
at hn ea
action of the law.
are different, they only show it in an altered,
if possible a stronger, light. The evidence of the \
majority of witnesses has been corroborated,
and may now be acted on with perfect
safety. If procrastination is permitted, the
matter will be shelved until a large proportion
of the community become apathetic and indiffe-
rent on , the point, in which, beyond all others,
they are mainly interested.
Mr. DIURAELI was in one respect right in draw-
ing the distinction between the monetary require-

ments of foreign and domestic trade. The latter
should not be crushed for the purpose of a very
doubtful benefit to the former. If we look to the
terrible list of failures—the black catalogue of
those who have been compelled to suspend payments
although with ample assets to meet every liability—
who have been the victims of the Act of 1844, we
must universally acknowledge the fearful error
into which, in sanctioning that iniquitous and im-
politic law, we have fallen.

Oa Friday next the re-appointment of the com-
mittee is to be moved for by Sir G. C. Limns.
We are glad to find that it will be resisted. It is
a specious pretext, a transparent humbug to de-
ceive the community. Let the intentions of Mi-
nisters be fairly announced, but do not permit
them to shelve the question for an indefinite pe-
riod. We trust that Lord DERBY, and Mr.
DISRAELI, and Mr. HENLEY, will satisfy the Go-
vernment of the danger of acting in accordance
with the views of the hard calculators, otherwise
the time may speedily come when the 'nation will
call for a very decided change of Ministry.

Sir C. CRESSWELL has pronounced his opinion

respecting the very important question of the
validity of a marriage with a deceased wife's sister
in a country where it is fully recognised and