The Sun.
London, England, 1857-12-04 00:00:00

DIR. BRIGHT AND THE SPECIAL SESSION OP

FARMAN' ENT.

Mr. Bright has addressed the following letter to Mr.
Lloyd, tho Chairman of his Birmingham Election Com-
mittee : _

" Rochdale, Dec. 2.
"My dear Sir,--As Parliament, contrary to expectation,
is about to meet before the usual time, I fear many of the
electors of Birmingham will feel some disappointment if I
do not make my appearance in the House during the pre-
sent week, and more so from the circumstance that my col-
league, Mr. Scholefield will also be absent.

"It is not necessary for me to explain to you or to the
gentlemen who communicated with me at the time of the
election why I am not likely to begin my Parliamentary
duties before Christmas. It was then understood that for
6 months—that is, until the time when Parliament usually
assembles—l was not to be expected to undertake any
labour connected with the position in which I was then
placed by the good opinion of the electors of Birmingham.
My own judgment and the urgent advice of my friends and
medical advisers compelled rue to make a resolution to
that effect, and those of my Birmingham friends with
whom I had any communication granted me a ' dispensa-
tion' for that period.

. -
"I do not suppose that any real business will be trans-
acted before February, and therefore I hope that nothing
which is entrusted to me will suffer from my temporary
absence from the house.

"It is because I wish to abstain as much as possible
from public affairs that I have not troubled my cons ituents
with any views I may entertain on the great subjects
which have been so much discussed during the past three
months on the question of India. Indeed, I feel that it is
almost rashness to utter a decided opinion, and I know
not whether one ought to regard with admiration or with
pity many of those who have written and spoken so confi-
dently on it since the insurrection. Judging from the
writings of the newspapers and from the rpeeches of pub-
lic men, I fear the country is by no means sufficiently
aware of the crisis which has arisen, whether i❑ regard to
the difficulty of restoring order in India, or the obstacles
which oppose themselves to the future government of the
country.
" Five years ago, when-the India Bill was about to come
under discussion, I thought I knew something of India,
and felt that I could give advice on the subject.
But the scene has totally changed, and that which was
easy to be done in fair weather may be impossible or of
little avail when th© storm rages. I presume, however,
that the days of the Leadenhall•street rulers of India
are numbered. Without character, without power,
it required but a vote of Parliament to give
legal effect to that which, I believe, the public
opinion of England has already decreed. if the coming
session shall establish the Government of India on a secure
and wise basis, so far as that is possible in the unnatural
position in which we stand to that country, I shall feel
that Parliament has not laboured in vain ; and if the
threatened postponement of a Reform Bill is a disappoint-
ment to me and to many others, I shall endeavour to con-
sole myself with the hope that the improvement of our
representation will hereafter be intrusted to more friendly
hands than those which now administer the affairs of the
country.

" Excuse me for troubling you with this letter, and be-
lieve me very sincerely yours,

.
"To Mr, Thomas Lloyd, Birmillghaw." BRIGHT.