The Sun.
London, England, 1845-05-15 00:00:00

ANTI-CORN-LAW BAZAAR.

We rejoice in the prosperity of this truly British under-
taking. In no other land, that we are aware of, would the
three motives which led to it have operated in the same way.
To raise money is of course its serious and commercial pur
pose, to afford amusement, at the same time, in such a man-
ner that the very partaker of it should express sympathy,
and, lastly, the great political cause for which the efforts are
made, are blended in the Anti-Corn-law Bazaar, as no other
people would be able to combine them. Such a mani-
festation indeed would probably be prohibited in every
other country. There is one effect which we should be de-
lighted to see this attempt produce besides the immediate
one to which it is devoted. The assemblage of objects is ad-
mitted, on all hands, to be interesting in the highest degree--
a trophy of our industrial skill as well as of our patriotic ap-
plication of the means it affords. For many years the French,
infinitely inferior as they are to us in all the most important
branches of manufacture, have done their utmost to stimulate
competition by a Government exhibition, in which the pro-
gress of improvement can yearly speak for itself, and at which
prizes are awarded for marked progress or skilful invention.
This may look somewhat like the nursingof skill in its infancy ;
but the Anti-Corn-law Bazaar proves to us that for more ma-
tured powers the constant comparison would be highly
beneficial. We venture to say that many a process and
many a fabric will be introduced for the first time to the
notice of many on this occasion. What then might not be
expected from organised competition, when mere private, un.
concerted contribution has produced so interesting a develop-
ment ? Many intelligent people look with mere wonder on
specimens submitted to them, and machines, which they be-
hold for the first time, quite unconscious of the purposes to
which they are applicable. Indeed, it is not unamusing
to watch the visitors to this part of the exhibition ;
and as .all is most characteristically explained by
the parties selling or showing the articles, it is
pleasant to witness the satisfaction of their auditory. The
only objection to such an endeavour would be the immense
bulk of the objects. Covent-garden Theatre, large as it is,
with all its accessory departments, can barely suffice to give
an idea of the Bazaar stock, and many who have gone once
round the promenade, find a second turn still more agreeable
from the great variety of curiosities they have been obliged
to pass unnoticed on the first. Crowded as the hall has been,
all parties have been so completely imbued with the spirit of
the cause, that it has rather appeared like a friendly assem-
blage at the house of some common acquaintance
than a public exhibition, and the civility and atten-
tiondn of the stewards deserve the most grateful notice.
Uer such circumstances many persons appear to make of
their visit a long and pleasant lounge, relieving their fatigue
with a view from the upper boxes, and preventing the calls
of luncheon-time by a visit to the splendid refreshment-room.
We can have no doubt that the undertaking will be more
successful than its best friends had hoped, and that the