The Sun.
London, England, 1857-06-02 00:00:00

THE BELGIAN ULTRAMONTANES.

An English resident in Belgium writes to a cou-
temporary as follows :
" Amid the din . and bustle of your general
elecdons events have occurred in Belgium which,
though hitheito disregarded in England, are calcu-
lated to exercise a momentous influence on the
future of that country. In order that your readers
may understlind the nature of the present crisis let
me recur for a moment to the occurrences of 1848.

"Prior t. the the French Revolution of February par-
ties were pretty equally balanced in the Belgian
Legislative Assembly, the Liberals and Ultramon-
tanes having alternately a small majority, rarely,
exceeding six or eight-. The Revolution found Bel-
gium in possession of a Liberal Ministry, and,
thanks to the wisdom of the King, the prudence of
the Government, and the loyalty of the people, the
country passed safely through the storm which
levelled nearly ever other continental Government.
Then came the reaction in France and elsewhere—a
reaction of which the Ultramontane party was not
slow to avail itself. The franchise being on a most
extended scale, the great majority of voters in the
villages and country districts, more particularly in
the Flemish provinces, are profoundly ignorant and
completely under the domination of the priests.
Called on to exercise the elective franchise they are
driven by the curs in flocks, like sheep, to the poll
in the fu!l belief that Liberals, Freemasons, and.
Atheists are synonymous terms, for so are they
taught hebdomadally. The intelligent populations
of Brussels, Antwerp, Liege, and Verviers have
struggled in vain against this priestly domination,
and some two or three years ago the Ultramontane
party obtained a decided majority intim Legislative
Assembly.
The King, who thoroughly understands his posi-
tion as a constitutional monarch, was compelled to
form a Government the opinions of which were in
accordance with these of the Parliamentary ma-
jority. The Liberal ministry was dismissed, and
that of M. de Decker, a mere tool of the priests,
appointed in its place. No sooner was this triumph
gained than intolerance and bigotry assumed new
developmen's. The most able organs of the press
protested in vain. The bishops replied by excom-
municating their readers. Pastoral letters were
issued warning pare.nes of the fate which awaited
those who did not patronise the Jesuit College of
Louvain, and the State Universities of Ghent and
Liege were put under episcopal ban. At length
the pear seemed ripe, and about two months back
the Government introduced the Bill upon Chari-
table Institutions, which was the immediate cause
of last week's rioting.
" The administration of charity in Belgium since
1830 has been completely secularised and con Fens
trated iu the hands of the civil power. Religious
congregations and members of the clergy of every
denominations are legally incapable of receiving or
distributing alms an bequests destined for the
poor. This distribution is made by two
institu-
tions specially appointed for
•the purpose—the A ct-
ministrations Hospitalteres and the Bureaux de
Bienfaisance. All bequests to religious
congrega-
tions are null and void, and all donations in favour
of the poor are remitted to the abovenamed insti-
tions. It will thus be seen that Belgium enjoys a
law more limited in its application than our Law of
Mortmain, but still affording a protection against
the priest to the dying citizen and his family.
" The Ministerial Bill proposes that theGovern-
meat shall have the power, by a simple decree
under the King's hand, of conferring on religions
congregations the rights of citizens, with all the
privileges attaching thereto, including those of
possessing, inheriting, and receiving all dona-
tions and legacies given or bequeathed to them.
On the other hand, they who wish to dispose
of their fortune in favour of the poor, or
for charitable purposes, will have the right
to name special administrators of such pro-
party as they shall devote to that end. In fact,
the proposed Bill practically repeals the existing
laws, and withdraws all protection from the dying
man, whom it leaves in the hands and at the mercy
of his spiritual attendant.
ct But, this is net all.. It is fraught with danger

- - --.--> —eel-e'er
Ito the Crown, fora family disi ea..tekjiiit-Oopke-e\
0(
. ~.• te .... -, i 1, 7)-_, r,
'of a convent will tear nog Us/al° %arkls' tiligi-i
- li- -\'
King who his signed the decre .ev,,b*hyr,t, at- cone .e- •7-'
vent is rbielererl capable of inht! it,ing„lripd.vehereliYir:
they are ruined. 'We have lib yeeafpee-caelairk,a ee2.;l";
tt e Ministers and the priests, 4. 11. rf:Y,6fjakpiAe.L 'i'''''
lil:erty of meeting; let us, then, hiv.lilts'' lik
iharity C However, the Bill was leteuTat in.-, an
the dieeussions . were regarded with -the greatest . '.
anxiety by the public, who crowded the Tribunes
daily. The debates lasted upwards of a. month,
and ou the 10th ult. the principle of ,the bill vas •
affirmed . by --a majority of. 60 to 44, one member
declin'ng to vote, and five only being absent. A
noble stand was made dining the whole discussion
by Messrs. ROgier, .Verheagen, • Onto, Tesch, and
Fre_cre-Orban, who fought the ground inch by inch,
shivered the feeble areuments of their opponents,
and were loaten only by force of numbers.
" The principle of the Bill being carried the Op-
position proposed amendment after amendment.
Continnally 'defeated, they were ever at their post,
• supported by the great mass of the country's intel-
ligence. The applaese wherewith their speeches
were gree'ed from the tribunes roused the ire of
tl• e Ministerialists, who declared that the Assembly
was deliberating under deress.e, and three times
during the deba'e3 were the tribunes Cleared by
force. At length, on Wednesday last, M. Frere-
Orb an, having declared that the Government were
playing an ' indigne comedic' befor c the Chamber
and the country, was called to order by the Presi-
dent. He at once replied by accusing the Presi-
dent of partiality, the word 'infante' having been
applied. to him by a member on a previous occa-
sion, and passed uncensured by the President.
This sally was releived with immense applauyie
in The tribune=, and the President ordered thorn
to be cleared forthwith. Amid the groans and
yells of the occupants this task was slowly affect!)
Iby the gendarmes. The crowd then rushed out-
side the Chamber and hooted the Pope's Nun-
cio. They yelled at the Ministers, cheered. the
• Opposition members, and in the evening. paraded
the town in groups of 50 or 60. Next evening
they broke the windows of the Emancipation
office, a journal specially devoted to the priest party, ,
and likewise those of the Jesuits and other religious . _ ,
establishments: The troops-were kept in readiness, ,
artillery was stationed on the 'GrAncle -Place, and„
great excitement prevailed. On Friday the Burgo-
master issued a proclamation forbidding groups of
more than five to assemble, and in the evening
the mounted gendarme's dispersed those ICJ() en-
deavoured to evade its effect. Yesterday the King
published a decree proroguing the Chamber sine die,
and, in all probability, the Ministerial Bill will be
heard of no more.
" Meanwhile riots have occurred at Mons and at
Antwerp' at Ghent, an -I at Liege. The old spirit
is roused among the burghers, and they seem de-
t rmined tb resist any further attempts at priestly
domination. The resolution adopted by the King
is the wisest that could be taken under the circum-
stances. It will probably restore peace and order,
by giving the Government an opportunity of qttietly
dropping their obnoxious measure without the ap-
pearance of yielding to public clamour. Would
that the priests could profit by the lelson, but, like
the Bourboes, they learn nothing and forget no-
thing.

COUNT CAYOUR ON SIR B. PEEL.

In the sitting of the Sardinian Senate of the 26th
ult. Count Cavour made some very just observa-
tions respecting the policy of the late Sir Robert.
Peel. The policy of England having been quoted
as an example for the gradual introduction of free
trade measure., Count Cavour said :
" Before concluding I must reply to an observation
made yesterday by MM. &lops and Gallina. They
quoted thaexemple of England and the authority of Sir
R. Peel. M. Sclopis expressed big astonishment that I
had not followed the example of the illustrious statesman
of whom I have cften spoken with great respect, when
1 declared that I entertained the highest opinion of Eng-
lish institutions, of the example given to us by the
English people in political and economical reforms. In
tact, I more than once mentioned Sir R. Peel as one of
the greatest and most illustrious reformers of our cen-
tury. I have nri wish to retract the principles I have
often professed before you ; but, while I consider it ad-
visable for statesmen of every country, especially for the
statesmen of Piedmont, to study the institutions of E g-
land, it is because I think they may learn much to profit
by, and also how to avail many errors committed by
Englishmen. England was the first to advance in the
path of economical reforms, and for that very reason tihe
was obliged to advance cautiously. But, gentlemen,
when tie reform was accomplished, do you tl,ink that
those who opposed it declared that it was well to
have advanced cautiously I No, gentlemen ; and Sir
Robert Peel himself, when he said free trade had
calmed the crisis ef 1847, expressed his regret that he
had not had the courage to propose it 26 years earlier
to prevent the crisis of 1824. I therefore think that it
would be a folly not only to follow the example ef Eng-
leed in the reforms realised, but also in the manner of
accomplishing there. Let us learn by the experience of
others ; leSua be warned by the errors of other nations
not to commit similar errors ourselves, and when we be-
hold those -nations who have attained great prosperity
proclaim certain principles in an absolute manner, let us
adopt them, and apply them to as full an extent as it is
in our power to do. Many of the reforms which we
have boldly adopted were only accomplished gradually
in England. The Corn Law Bill only passed after a
struggle of 25 or 30 years. The struggle commenced in
1817 and lasted till 1846, when Sir Robert Peel caused
the bill to-pass. And here, while following in the steps
of England, we have yet adopted free trade at once; we
have even gone a-head of England, for she maintains
still a duty—slight, it is tine—while we have abolished
it altogether. And now I must reply to the quotation
of Sir Robert Peel as an authority. I repeat it, I enter.
tain the highest admiration for that statesman ; I believe
that few men have rendered greater services to mankind
than he has. Yet Ido not believe that Sir Robert Peel
vas always infailtble in his political career. It is
my opinion that Sir Robert Peel would have left
a much more illustrious name behind him if,
instead of having been compelled by circum-
stances to introduce reforms, be himself had ori-
ginated them. I think that S'r Robert Peel
would have left behind him a fame unequalled in history'
if, instead of proposing the emancipation of the Catho-
lics in 1829, he had proposed it in 1825 ; I think that
his' name would have eclipsed all those of ancient aed
modern statesmen if thereform of the corn laws had been
initiated in 1840—a good harvest year—instead of being
passed .in consequence of the famine which desolated
Ireland, and instead of being in some measure a cense.
ejuence of the potato disease. In fact, if Sir R. Peel had
been the originator of reforms, he would at his death
!lave left to his friends a political inheritance far different
from that which he bequeathed to them. If Sir R. Peel
load associated his name and his whole career with sec.
oessive reforms, there would be no need of recording at
ebe present time a strange fact which has taken place in
England—nainely, that a party consisting of eminent
men, including the most eloquent speaker in Parliament
and the most able legislators, has been completely routed
at the late elections. And this, gentlemen, is the fate
of parties who allow themselves to be led by public
opinion, and who wait to the lest moment to carry out
reforms which they have not the courage to introduce.
I trust that the Senate, convinced of this truth, will give
its support to the present Government, which, while
hollowing the example of Sir R. Peel, nevertheless de-
Tiates from the course he adopted by making itself the
eliginator of reforms, not wishing to grant them to any
tiopular pressure, nor to the pressure of unforeseen cite
mnstauces."

OPANINO OF THE CIMMLIN VIADUCT.

This magnificent structure was formally opened yea-
torday (Monday) in the presence of many of the princi-
pal engineers in the country, and a vast number of spec-
tators. Special trains ran from Hereford, Bristol, and
other parts, bringing with them more than the usual
complement of holiday makers. The Lord Mayor had
been invited, but his engagements rendered it impossible
for him to be present. The viaduct, by far the largest
in the rOorld, has been erected for the purpose of extecde
log the Newport, Abergaveany, and Hereford line to
Taff Vale, thus opening up the means of communication
between the rich mineral districts of Monmouthshire
and Glarnorganshire. Its height is 200 feet (that of the
Monument in London, it will be remembered, is 204 ft.),
tend beneath runs the Western Valley line of the Mon-
mouthsbire Railway and Canal Company.
exclusively constructed of iron ; the piers, which rise
t.
Dbove the va4ey beneath
to the elevation
!
taiosninegdu,lparrleyseliiigtihnt andg symmetrical appearance. The ge, in consequenco of the material used
aural aspect would lead a spectator to imagine the struc-
ture was a most fragile one ; but the tests which have
been employed conclusively prove that it is capable of
supporting a far heavier weight than can ever be brought
upon it in the ordinary traffic. Ttie centre piers consist of
au arrangement of 140 cast iron columns, each 17 feet
long and 12 inches in diameter, placed in tiers of .four-
teen columns each. The heads of the columns are re-
tained in their position by cast-iron girders, and the
area of base is 60 ,eet by 30 feet, forming an irregular
decagon, tapering upwards 24 feet by 16 feet, the whole
being laterally and vertically 'strengthened by a corn-
plate system e f cross-bracing. The first column was
fixed in December, 1853, by Lady Isabella Fifsmau-
rice, and is:thence ()ailed the Isabella pier. The entire
work has been planned and carried out, to the satisfac.
tion of every one concerned, by
Mr.en T.
Mr.NVL.
detnunaartidd,
of London. The engineers have
be
of Professor
the
undertaking Gordon.
, and,i
it
s saidnotwithstanding
o l) the magnitude
the
cheapest ever
yet effected. The quantities of material used aro believed
to be the following :.....Wrought iron, 1,300 tons, cast
iron, 1,250 tons ; masonry, in foundation and abut-
invieadaul wBoaos ned on
cubic
cYards Itimber,1timber, '25,000 cubic feet. The
Monday last for the purposes of ,
traffic, though the formal ceremony did not take 'place
till yesterday. When the first train passed over, a shout
from thousands of voices rent the air ; and the sight was
a most spirit-stirring one. A dinner was afterwards •
given by Mr.. Kennard, at which about 150 sat down.
The health of this gentleman was most cordially drunk
after the usual loyal toasts, and the whole proceedings
were of a most interesting description., A large number
of visitors from London were present.

~:

4 -,,:-7" ~

ITER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
Under the Immediate Patronage of her
Majesty the QUEEN, his Royal Highness Prince Albert, her
Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, her Royal Highness
the Duchess of Cambridge.
Mr. BENEDICT begs respectfully to announce that, in lieu
of his Annual Concert, he has made arrangements with the
Direction to give THREE GRAND MUSICAL FESTIVALS,
Dramatic, Classical, and Miscellaneous, on WEDNESDAY
MORNINGS, June 10, 24, and July 8.
The artis will include Madlle. Piccolomini, Madlle. Maria
Spezia, Nradlle. Angiola Ortolani, and Madame Alboni ;
Signor Antonio Giuglini, Herr Reichardt, Mr. Charles Bra-
ham, Signor Belletti, Signor Beneventano, Signor Napoleone
Rossi, S gnor Giovanni Corsi, and Signor Filippo Vialetti.
Instrumental Performers :—Pianoforte, Madame Clara
Schumann and Miss Arabella Goddard, Messrs. Andreoli,
Benedict, and Lindsay Sloper, Violin, Herr Ernst and M.
Bazzini. Violoncello, Signor Piatti. Double Bass, Signor
Bottesini. One portion of the Concert will be conducted by
Signor Bonetti, and another by M. Benedict, supported by
the Chorus and Orchestra of that great musical establish-
ment.

The Programme will include Mendelssohn's posthumous
finale to the Opera of LORELEY, performed for the first
time in England on the stage, and other important works.
Instrumental performers of the greatest eminence have
been secured. Full particulars will be duly announced. The
performances have been fixed to commence at Two, and ter-
minate at Five o'Clock.

Subscription Tickets (Transferable) for the Three Con-
certs :—Private Boxes to hold Four Persons ; Boxes—Pit
Tier, 61. 6s. ; Grand Tier, 8/. Bs. ; First Tier, 6/. 6s. ; Two
Pair, 4/ 4s. ; Upper Boxes, 31. 3s. ; Pit Stalls, 21. 2s, ; Pit,
15s ; Gallery Stalls, 10s. ; Gallery, ss. Pr'ci-,,s for Each
S ngle Concert : —Private Boxes to hold Four Persons : Boxes
—Pit Tier, 3/ 3s. ; Grand Tier, 41. 4s. ; First Tier, 31. 3s.
Two Pair, 2/, 2s. ; Upper Boxes, 1/. lls. 6d ; Pit Stalls, U.
ls. ; ; Gallery Stalls, ss. ; Gallery, 2s, ad. Appli-
cation for tickets may be made at all the principal Lib-
rarians' and Musicsellers' ; of Mr. Benedict, 2, Manchester-
square ; and at the Box-office of the Theatre.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA, LYCEUM.—
THIS EVENING, TUESDAY, June 2.
Second appearance of Mdile. Balfe.
LA SONNAMBULA.
Amina, Mdlle. Victoire Balfe (her Second Appearance on the
Stage).
Mesdames Tagliafico and Borgare ; Signori Ronconi, Polonini,
and Gartloni.
Conductor—Mr, Cost I.
• After which,
LA BRESILIENNE.
Mdlles. Cerito and Delechaux, and M. Desplaces.
Commence at half-past Eight.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA, LYCEUM,
Extra Night, next THURSDAY, Jane 4,

RIGOLETTO.
Polonini, Soldi, Zelger, Mei, and Mario.
Mesdames Bcsio and Didiee ; Signori Ronconi, Tagliafieo,

Sold i, Mei, Pol nini,and Mario.

To conclude with
LA BRESI MENNE.

?vtdlles. Corito and Dolechaux, and M. Desplaccs.
IL TROVATORE will be repeated ou Saturday next.

T ES BOUFFES PARISIENS—St. JAMES'S
ALA THEATRE. Triumphant Success of the
PRENC ET PLAYS.

THIS EVENING (Tuesday), Juße 2, the entertain
ments will commence at hall-past 8 o'clock precisely, bi
the production of (for the third time in this country), the
rew Operette-Militaire, en un Acte, DR GONE fTE. M
Ouyot, M. Tajan, Ijeonce, and Millie. Corally Guffroy.
After which (third time) Oporette-Bouffo, on nu Acte, LES
PANTINS DE VIOLETTE M. Pradean, Mdllea. Mareachal
and Dalmont, and M. Anthonini.

To conclude with Bouffonnerie Musicale, en un Acte,
.LEA DEUX AVEUGLES. M. Pradeau and M. Mesmacer

This Engagement being limited to one month, Performance,
will be given EVEZY EVENING.
Boxes, stalls, and tickets may be engaged at Mr. Mitchell',
Royal Library, 33, Old Bond-street.

HEA TR E-R Y A DRURY-LANE
Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smitti.

OPEN EVERY EVENINq.

GREAT EQUESTRIAN AMERICAN and CONTINENTAL
COMPANY, under the direction of Miss Ella,
Pecos—Pit and Promenade, Is; Boxes, 2s. fkl , 23„ and Is
; Galleries, 6d. Doors open at half-past 7. Commence
nt 8.

First Equestrian iirtistes in the World : Madame Schap-
laio, Madame Newsome, La Petite Wells, Signora Delavanti,
and Miss Ella ; Miss E. J. Wells, Mdllcs. Flora, Fabia, an,
and Marie, Misses Newsome, Moffatt, Delavanti, Potter, Jen•
rings ; the Manchester Boy, Masters J. Wells, A. Wells, E
Moffatt, Henrico and Carlo Delavanti, Sig. Felix Delavanti,
Mons. Becq, Mons. Ferdinand, Mons. Eugene, Mr. Toni
Sivaun, Mr. B. Fuller, Mr. W. Fuller, and the great Shake.
perian Clown, Wallett, will appear each evening in a series a
Performances, original and unapproachable. Director—Mr.
Stokes. Acting Manager—Mr. E. Stirling.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET
Lessee—Mr. J. B. Buckstone.
NEW ARRANGEMENT OF PRICES OF ADMISSION.
nth; EVENING, to commence at Seven o'clock, with
a nevi drama, in two periods, entitled THE HUSBAND OF
AN HOUR. Mr. Buckstone,
After which, the successfu, Classical Love Story, nn-
ler the Apple-lation of A t'AL INTA ; or, The Three Golden
Apples: in which Miss M. Oliver will appear; also Miss M.
Wilton, anti Miss Ellen Ternan.
Followed by a new farce, MY SON, DIANA!
CI including with A COMICAL ciOHNTESS,
In futftre the prices will be:—
Orchestra Stalls (which may be retained the whole of the
evening), 6s. each. (No charge for booking.)
First Price. S. d. Second price. s. d
Dross Boxes
Upper Boxes 3 0 Upper Boxes 2
I'it .
Lower Gallery 1 0 Lower Gallery . 0 6
*Upper Gallery 0 6No half-price to Upper Gallery.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE,
THIS EVENING will be performed
Shakespere's tragedy of
KING RICHARD THE SECOND.
King Richard H., Mr. C. Kean ; Queen, Mrs. C. Kean.
Preceded by a new Farce, In ono act, called
AN ENGLISHMAN'S HOUSE IS HIS CASTLE.

THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI.
Lessee—Mr. Ben. Webster.
THIS EVENING, will be performed PAUL PRY. Mr.
Wright, Miss Wyndham, &c.
Follow•,d by a now Farce, called FEARFUL TRAGEDY
IN SEVEN DIALS,
To conclude with the new and original domestic sketcb,
'Mined WELCOME, LITTLE STRANGER. Mr. Wright,
AIT, Paul Bedfcrd, &c.

no yA I, SURREY THEATRE,
Lessees, Messrs. Shepherd and Creswick.
CI 13-S EVENING will be performed THE BOHEMIAN
Itt. IT r. Haigh and Lucy Escott.
r_After which, THE VILLAGE SMITH. Mr. Widdicomb,
2" M. tbtirn 0, &C.

It°YAL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
14"66e, Mr. Alfred Wigan.
IN WOLF'ES C
Tr VENINO, will be performed A SHEEP
L
After whichOTHING., a Mr. Robson now drama, called DADDY HARDACRE.
, &c.
To conclude with THE WANDERING MINSTREL.
Commence at half-past Seven.

STLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE
AND OPERA. HOUSE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. w.
Cooke.
UnderPri the patronage of Her M ajest Land II
ill ItOpla Highness Albe.
of the Glt Cautioned and increasing 3itcle"l4B'hits lidway944 Opera.
Enormous attraction for
THIS EVENING (Tuesday, Jutlete2ku7Vser.ofra fasr.fanid
Opera. of IL TROVATORE ; The
atu Therltarialgeance
The Opera;
whole of the Music as performed
and Equestrian Illustrations.
Miss Rebecca Isaacs, Mr. Augustus Brabant,
Mr. Brookhouse Bowler, Miss M. Somers,
and Mr. Francis Kirby,
Mr. J. A. Leffler, and
Miss Fanny Huddart.
Mr. Borrani.
Conductor and Composer—Herr Meyer Lutz.
With a powerful Band and Chorus.
Manager and Director of the Opera Company—Mr. Augustus
YJraham.
After which, Mr. Wm. Cooke's Holiday programme of
novel and peerless SCENES in the ARENA.
To conclude with the tarot of SALLY SMART; or, The
Clockmaker's Hat.
Commence at seven o'clock. Dress Boxes, 4s. ; Upper
ilOxes, - Private Boxes, from 215., no charge for booking;
Pit, 25.; Gallery, Is. ; Upper Gallery, 6d.
Notice—Daring the Opera Season Half-pries will take place
at 9 o'clock.
...tat-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager,
'44 W. West. Equestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun.