The Sun.
London, England, 1842-04-25 00:00:00

THE PUBLIC SUFFRAGE.

Sixty-seven out of the six hundred and fifty-eight
Members constituting the "People's House," have been
found willing to declare that that House should become
in reality what it is in theory. Sixty-seven, and no
more ! The number is a memorable one, and must not
be forgotten. Nine-tenths of the House of Commobs
, have declared, either directly or indirectly, that the se-
cond Chamber of the Legislature—the power which, in
the theory of the Constitution, stands between the people
and the aristocracy, should be almost wholly denuded of
popular influence, one tenth of such influence, combined
with nine-tenths of the influence of the aristocracy, con-
stituting in a most fitting manner, as they aver, the de-
mocratic branch of the Government,

The speech of Mr. Shannon Crawford in support of his
resolution affirmatory of the right of the people to be re-
presented in their own House, was in: every way
worthy of the subject to which it was devoted. It
was temperate, statistical, and argumentative; it fairly
exhibited the constitutional right of the people to
a full, fair, and free representation in the Lower
House, while it exhibited, in a varied and forcible man-
ner, the numerous and practical grievances to which
they are subjected by the aristocratic violation of that con-
stitutional right. But, striking and unanswerable as
were his facts, and cogent and conclusive as was his
reasoning, no more than sixty-seven Members out of the
six hundred and fifty-eight, calling themselves the repre-
sentatives of the people, could be induced to vote in
favour of his resolution.

Here is Mr. Crawford's statement of the constitution
and. character of the present House:—
" On a careful review of the list of the House of Com-
mons, I have found that there are not less than 75
boroughs returning 107 Members, in which the influence
of a patron is irresistably paramount. The county mem-
bers of England and Wales, 159, and of Scotland, 35,
are, with hardly any exceptions, returned by the in-
fluence of the landed aristocracy;, and about one-half of
the Irish county representatives, amounting to 32 Mem-
bers, are returned by alike influence. To this may be
added at least 50 Members elected by means of bribery
and other undue influences. The list Rill, therefore,.
stand thus:—

" Members deeted by the influence of patrons in
boroughs
lt County Members of England, Wales, and Scot-
land, elected by aristocratic influence 194
" Half of the Irish County Members ~, ~ •32

•
3•!
" I shall not attempt to compute how many are re-
turned by bribery and other undue influences ; but it
may be truly affirmed that considerably more than half
the Members of the House of Commons have been
returned by other means than the free votes of the
people."
What mockery can be greater than that to which the
British nation is exposed, in the existence and operations
of a House of Commons thus constituted ?
In further, corroboration of. his statement. as to the
aristocratic composition of this branch of the Legislature,
the Hon. Member observed that " there aro in the pre-

It is wrthy of remark, that no attempt was made to
meet these startling statements be a direct contradiction.
Sir James-Gfaliam, in his feeble effort to answer the
speech of Mr. Sharman Crawford, thus twaddled upon
the subject—
" It was said that the representation was not real, be-
cause it was not universal ; but that it was merely vir-
tual. The Hon. Member for Coventry had gone into an
analysis of the numbers of various constituencies re-
turning members to Parliament, and had shown that
small constituencies returned an equal number of repre-
sentatives with with the larger constituencies. This he
frankly admitted was the case. It was not professed,
when the Reform Bill was introduCed, that the represen-
tation should rest upon numbers ; it was distinctly
avowed that it it was to rest upon property, If undue
weight was to be given to numbers in the representative
system, to the exclusion of property, he had no hesita-
tion in avowing his conviction that the result would be
the annihilation of the aristocracy, and the destruc-
tion of the regal power."

The quibbfing is worthy of the man who employed
it. No one proposes to give an undue weight to num-
bers, or to exclude property, in adjusting the principles
of Parliamentary representation.
Bentham has admirably disposed of the fallacies baud
upon the assumed claims of property against numbers in
a representative system
" The plain and simple rationale of the right of
representation, unembarrassed with the consideration
of what it may be one dishonest man's interest to de-
fend, or another's to acquire, is, that all should be ad-
mitted equally ; and that when all are so admitted, and
not before, each man posseses the full enjoyment
of all the influence his wealth, talents, or re-
putation can confer on him, without infringing on the
happiness of others. The principle of this is as clear
as that of the right of equal admission to the
market. The equality of admission does not make men
possess an equality of influence, when they are there.
On the contrary, it is precisely then that the rich man
has the just advantage of the influence, which there is
no intention to deny him. The fallacy is in stating,.
that the rich cannot have their proper influence in the
market, unless the poor are kept out besides. Property
should be represented • but then it should be every
body's property ; the fallacy is, that it should be only
the property of those who happen to have a great deal."
Even Sir Robert Peel, strong as must be his motive
for sustaining a system which has placed him, and is ne-
cessary to maintain him in his present position, and
plausibly as he can gloss over the weak points of a
case, would not attempt to defend the present limitation
and abuse of the franchise, upon other ground than that
of the necessity ,of resisting democratic demands, lest
they should be pushed to extremities.
" He admitted that the present representative systczn
was defective. But he must distrust the proposed plan
of remedying its defects. Ho expressed his conviction,
looking back upon the history of the Reform Bill, and
upon the present state of public feeling, that whatever
concession might be made now, a like concession would
be demanded ten years hence. lie would, therefore,
resist the motion."

A most statesman-like conclusion, showing with how
much knowledge and philosophy the world is governed.
But let us not despair ; how much spever present ap-
pearances may seem to militate against it, there is a law
of our nature utterly repugnant to every such oppressive
restraint as that which the dominant oligarchy seem to
think that they can maintain ad eternum, by denying the
enjoyment of their birthright to the millions, and which,
either by its silent operation upon the minds of rulers, or
by a hostile and overwhelming assertion of its might,
will effect such a modification of human institutions as
shall adapt them to the constantly enlarging capacities
of men, and the advancement of their moral and intellec-
tual powers.—Advertiser.

VELLUM-BINDERS and MACHINE-
RULERS' PENSION SOCIETY.
The first annual meeting of the Vellum-binders and
Machine-rulers was held on Friday evening at Ander-
ton's Hotel, Fleet-street, for the purpose of forming a
Pension Society for the support and relief of distressed
members, and the widows and children of such connected
with that trade.
JOHN SMITH, Esq., being called to the chair, he stated
to the meeting that the business which had brought
them together was so familiar to all, as to render any
introductory observations from him almost unnecessary.
Almost every other trade, he said, had formed charitable
associations, and had left the Vellum-binders at the
eleventh hour to come and reap a rich harvest from the
experience of others. He begged to remind them that,
their numbers being small, the calls upon them would be
proportionate to their numbers. In conclusion, he re-
quested the attention of the meeting to the reading of
the Report, and the Rides and Regulations which the gen-
tlemen of Committee had framed.
The Report was then read by Mr. Brett. It stated,
although the commercial. depression of the last year had
Offered almost insurmountable obstacles to the formation
of a Society purporting to draw upon the liberality of
persons engaged in.. trade, that the Committee had the
satisfaction to state that they had, in their appeals to
the persons connected with their trade, realised in al-
most every instance their most sanguine expectations.
Referring to the list of donors and subscribers, the Com-
mittee felt assured of the ultimate success of their de-
sign,particularly when it is considered thLt the Vellum-
binders' trade does not include more than four or five
hundred persons, and that the result of their personal
canvass has reached 250. The Report next set forth
the advantages of the Society, by which it appeared that
a member subscribing five shillings half-yearly would
be enabled to lay by a provision for old age, accident, or
disease, should circumstances compel him to seek relief
in such t case. It was also stated that a clause in the
rules provide that all donations and subscriptions for the
first five years after the formation of the Society should
be placed in the public funds for the formation of a per-
manent fund, which it was expected would in that time
amount to SOOL or, 900/., a sufficient sum to carry out
the purposes of the Society, which, being limited in its
numbers, would consequently be limited in its contin-
gencies. In conclusion, the Committee earnestly en-
treated every person feeling an interest in the Society to
aid and assist in forwarding the charitable object they
had in view.
On the motion of. Mr. SMITH, jun., seconded by Mr.
PHELPS, the Report was received and adopted.
Mesr. f l‘lt‘ the Secretary, then read the intended
which were agreed to unanimously,
n
The following gentlemen were elected for the ma.
nagement of tle< Society:—John Smith, Esq., aruld orderedohle i ISltg o°cD be enrolled.
nlled.
ro
Trea-
surer; Walter, Learmouth, R Hennington, and Samuel
Reid, Esqrs., Trustees; John Hindley and F. G. Moore,
Esqrs., Auditors.
A Committee was also appointed, and the thanks of
the meeting were voted to the Chairman in the usual
form.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.
BETTING AT MANCHESTER.—Farnay.
2,000 GUINEAS STAICES.-2 to 1 agst Meteor; 3 to 1 agst
Petulance; 6 to 1 agst Wiseacre ; 6 to 1 agst Timoleon ; 4 to
1 apt Lord G. Bentinck's lot (taken).
DEE STAKES AT CHESTER..-4 to 2 agst Marion ; the rest
as before.
CHESTER Cur.-8 to 1 agst Lanercost (taken); 9to 1 agst
Lord G. Bentinek's lot; 20 to 1 agst Jolly Tar; 12 to 1 agat
Marshal Soult ; 23 to 1 agst Retriever ; 25 to 1 agst Cruis•
keen; 25 to 1 agst Rhodanthe ; 25 to 1 agst Zelmyra (taken);
33 to I apt Portrait,. 33 to 1 agst The Young-'un ; 35 to 1
agst George. No other change.
DEREY.-6 to 1 agst Frederica c. (taken) ; Bto 1 agst
Attila; 13 to 1 agst Joanna c. ; 25 to 1 agst Robert de Gor-
ham; 35 to 1 agst Lord of Holdernesse ; 40 to 1 agst Tiptoe ;
45 to 1 agat Tripoli; 45 to 1 agst Meteor. The others as
before.
OAKS.-8 to 1 agst Dil-bar ;9to 1 agst Adela filly; 15 to
1 agst Fury filly; and 18 to 1 agst Pauline filly.
HUNTING APPOINTMENTS.
Mr. Robertson's hds. will meet on Tues. at Lorbottle House ;
Thurs. Brinkburn ; Fri., Whittingharn-1011.
Mr. Russell's hds., Fri., Thorneley Pit House-7.
Devon and Somerset stag•hds., Tues., Dulverton ; Fri., 1
West Molland-101.
Prudhoe and Derwent hds., Tues., Lintz Ford-7.
Pytehley hds., Tues., Brimptim Wood ; Thurs. Glapthorne
Cow Pasture • Sat., Boughton Paik-104.
Sir M. White Ridley's hds.,Wed., Nunnykirk ; Fri., Need-
dlass Hall Moor-10%.

-
FLANDERS AND DUTCH MAIL.
BRUSSELS, APRIL 21.—The average price of wheat last
week was 23f. 71c. and that of rye 12f. 63e., so that'wheat is
still exempt from import- duty, and rye pays an import
duty of 214 50e., and both may be exported at a duty of
25 centimes for 1,000 kilogrammes.
ANTWERP, APRIL 10.—On Saturday last a trial was
made in the British Queen of Belgian coal, which were
found to be superior to English coals. This steamer,
therefore, takes in a stock of Belgian coals.
BRUSSELS, APRIL 22.—The Nouvelliste de Bruges has
the following article
It is well known to our readers, that the 'mails be-
tween Ostend and London are now forwarded from each
place four times in -the week. In order to render the
communication between England and Belgium more easy,
and to derive from the railway all the advantage possible,
both to travellers and to commerce, it is greatly to be
desired that the mails might be forwarded every day.
We are informed that the Government is disposed to this
risk. The negotiations for the establishment of a line.
of steam-boats for the conveyance of merchandize are so
far advanced that we may congratulate the merchants
and manufacturers on the success which will be the re-
ward of their exertions.
" A Belgian Society is on the point of heing formed
for performing this service by steam-boats. Three-
fourths of the sum required are already subscribsd, and
the plan will shortly be organised for two departures
every week. These steamers are not only to convey the
mails, but likewise goods and travellers. The latter
will find every advantage in the Belgian steamer's so-
lidity, convenience, and moderate fares."
In consequence of the refusal of the English Govern-.
ment to recognise the validity of the Convention between
the New Zealand Company and a German Colonization
Company for the purchasing of Chatham Islands, the
Provisional Committee of the German Society has de-
clared all the obligations entered into with it to be
null and void.

THE HAGEE, APRIL 20.—N0 further accounts have
been received up to this afternoon respecting the health
of his Majesty King Frederick William, Count of
Nassau.

By his Majesty's orders,_ a circular, dated the 19th
instant, has been sent to all the ministers of the Pro-
testant Church, inviting them to put up prayers for the
King, his father.
A similar circular is addressed to • the Jewish Syna- •
gogue, and another to the Ministers of the Roman Catholic
church.

THE HAGUE, APRIL 21.--Accounts from Berlin up to

sent,Parliament 144 sons and brothers of Pcers,_ and 97
Baronets' and Knights and their sons"—a statemtnt
falling far below that which he might with truth hare
made, touching the aristocratic connexions of the people's
House.

the 17th have been received this morning, which are
rather 1053 alarming, stating that though the situation
of his Majesty is still precarious, some more favourable
sj;mptorns had appeared. Two bulletins of the 16th
and 17th, signed by Dr. Dieffenbach, are subjoined to
the report. The conclusion of the last is, "In the
course of the clay the state of the august patient has
been better, and his Majesty has slept some hours, and
taken some refreshment."

THE' HAGUE, APRIL 22.—According to the accounts
received to-day from Berlin, no perceptible change had
taken place in the health of the Count of Nassau. The
bulletin of the 18th says—" His Majesty, the Count of
Nassqu, has had a restless night, interrupted by frequent
fits of coughing:. After midnight, his. Majesty slept some
hours : the fever is moderate, and the august patient has
some appetite.".—,Stauts courant.

FRANKFORT, APRIL 18.—Yesterday evening there
was a collision on the Taunus Railway, at the station of
Hattershicm, between the two last trains from Frankfort
and Mayence. Several carriages were dashed to pieces
by the dreadful shock, and 30 persons more or less it
j tired