The Sun.
London, England, 1850-11-22 00:00:00

THE SUN, LOLONDON, FRI DA Y EVENING.

the Governor, "I should be glad to be informed
whether, upon such pledges as have been regarded as
satisfactory in other colonies being given, her MA-.
Jusres Government would be disposed to aid Nova
Scotia with its guarantee of such funds as she may
find it necessary to borrow in England, in order to
construct this road. These would not exceed
800,0001. sterling, and would probably be secured
not only on the general revenues of the province, but
upon the road itself. Such a guarantee would enable
the province to enter the market upon the best terms,
and effect a large saving in the accomplishment
of the work. The revenue of Nova Sco.ia is
about 80,0001. sterling, her debt but 87,8921.
sterling, of which 47,8921. is represented by pro-
vince paper, on which no interest is paid. The per
manent and indispensable charges are about
40,0001., leaving about 40,0001. of surplus re-
venue available for public improvements. The re-
venue has increased 4,4004 within the present year.
The increase on the whole would probably be
10,0001."

From all that we have h&re remarked, it must he
sufficiently obvious that the period has at length
arrived vi hen her MAJFsETYI Government may re-
lease themselves from the pressure of colonial
difficulties by according a full and cordial support to
enterprises like the one here indicated. Out of all
which considerations we cannot but regard the ar-
rival of the Hon. JOSEPII HOWE amongst us, on this
important mission relating to the affairs of Nova
Scotia, as a circumstance inaugurative of a new and
happy change in our entire system of Colonial Go-
vernment.

Our impression of yesterday contained a full report
of the proceedings at the first annual meeting of the
Retford Currency Society, including the admirable
and instructive address of the Rev. JOHN TWELLS,
whose name will be received by our readers as
that of a familiar friend, with whose enthusiastic,
indefatigable, and, we may truly add, disinterested
exertions in the great cause of monetary reform they
are well acquainted. To his efforts may be ascribed
the success that has attended the society, of which he
may be regarded as the founder, and which
enabled the committee to issue a report in every respect
so satisfactory to its members at the termination of
the first year of its existence. It is, indeed, delight-
ful to witness in any infant association the full and
efficient performance of the promises made at the
time of its formation. Seldom, indeed, are the preli-
minary expectations realised—unexpected difficulties
will arise that but too frequently defeat the best in-
tentions, and afford ample excuse for comparative
failure. But on this subject the Retford Society
had nothing to reproach itself; it had to offer no
apologies, to seek no indulgence; it achieved more
than even its most sanguine adherents and supporters
could have ventured to anticipate. Oa no single point
was there a deficiency or failure. At the time of its
formation it was stated that its practical operation
would be—

1. To circulate information on the subject of the
currency by means of cheap publications.
2. To promote lectures on the currency.
3. To impress their representatives in Parliament
with the importance of an alteration in the exist-
ing laws.

These were the modes of action indicated as best
calculated to attain' that great desideratum —a large
and comprehensive measure of monetary reform,
which would afford the nation the inestimable bits-

sing of a currency adequate to its wants and ex

gencies. A brief and cursory glance at the report
itself will show how fully these pledges have been

redeemed.

On the firit point several cheap and simple,
but at the same time most useful and instruc-
tive publications have been published, of which about
15,000 have been circulated, and these, say the com-
mittee, " have succeeded in awakening much in-
terest on the subject." Much more might
have been truly said in favour of these
admirable little tracts without violating the
truth, or in any degree infringing upon the

laws of modesty, which forbid self-praise. We can
say that they contain a variety of sound in-
formation, conveyed in a plain and lucid style,
so as to be perfectly intelligible to every person of
ordinary capacity, and to afford a general insight
into the merits of a question that has been erronembly
stated to be of the most abstruse and difficult cha-
racter ; while even those who have studied the matter

in all its details will derive additional instruction
from these unpretending little works. It is, indeed,
delightful to find that there has been a demand for
15,000 copies, and that within so brief a period as has
elapsed since their appearance. We may fairly calculate
that, on an average, each copy has passes through at least
four different hands; here, then, we find no less than
60,000 persons whose " interest has been awakened
on the subject," which is shown to be of the most
vital importance to their own welfare and happiness.
It is impossible that any unprejudiced person can
rise from their perusal without at least being desirous
of investigating the matter further, and seeking addi-
tional information in case any doubts should remain.
Now this is all we desire as monetary reformers.
Convinced of the justice and expediency, the wisdom
and policy, of a thorough revision of that iniquitous
and inequitable code that double rivets the chains of
the debtor, and deprives industry of its legitimate
rewards, we only seek to excite a spirit of inquiry,
for where that exists there can be no doubt as to the
result.

" Magna est veritas, et prcevalebit."
Truth is great, and will unquestionably prevail
whenever there is full and free discussion. Oar
greatest enemy is that culpable apathy, the chilling
indifference which is but too frequently exhibited,
when persons, even men in comparatively--
high positions, who are perhaps looking for-
ward to a seat in the Legislature, ,profess
their total ignorance on by far the most im-
portant topic that can come before Parliament.
When, however, the various constituencies become
interested in the subject, when persons in the enjoy-
ment of the elective franchise have studied the ques-
tion and made themselves masters of its details, the
would-be representatives will be compelled.for very
shame's sake to refrain from such humiliating and dis-
graceful confessions, and to select a banner
under which to array themselves—to rank
themselves among the friends or opponents of mone-
tary reform. And this will be achieved if other cur-
rency societies similar to that of Retford be formed in
each district, and publications circulated in the lo-
cality calculated "to awaken the interest of 60,000
persons." On this point, then, no doubt can remain
but that the Retford Society has faithfully and effi-
ciently discharged the obligation it assumed of " cir-
culating information on the currency."
On the second point, we find that the
services of the clear-beaded and talented
JONATHAN DUNCAN, the efficient secretary of
the National Currency Reform Association, were
obtained. That gentleman delivered lectures—
which it is almost a work of supererogation to say
were "able," for what has ever fallen from him, in
speaking or writing, that was not " able" and perti-
nent to the topic under discussion ?—atNewark,Work-
sop, Lincoln, and Retford. Public meetings were
(two),9fulrlderton, at Retford (two),
Carlton in Linderic,
aanlsdo
ahtelldvnrakt
soTp,ux
Market Bosworth; and Derby, in which
Mr. TWELLS enlightened the auditors with those
admirable addresses to which it has so repeatedly
been our pleasing duty to direct the public attention.
It is unnecessary to say how the duties devolving upon
such men as Mr. DUNCAN and Mr. TWELLS were dis-
charged. Their assertions, sustained by the most
convincing evidence, the most logical arguments,
could not be controverted or denied, and it is not too
much to say that they induced many thinking men
to bestow serious consideration on this all-important
document.

On the third point various petitions to both Houses
of Parliament were adopted, which were numerously
and influentially signed, and which, we doubt not,
will have considerable effect in bringing the subject
under the consideration of the Legislature during the
approaching session. In every manner and on every
point, then, the Retford Society has faithfully per-
formed its promises, and we only hope that the in-
creased moans that must unquestionably flow to its
coffers, not only from the inhabitants of the vicinity,
but from all parts of the country, may be applied with
similar judgment and discretion, and be productive of
equal advantages to the good cause. We cannot