The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1848-04-05
q THE SUN
COTTON,

ders of ansincre asing declinesip the price
of cotton throughout the whole country,
consequent on the news brought BY the
Cambria from England. The transac-
tions in Charleston during the past week
were from l-2 to a 80 cents q pound.
UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGEsIN FRANCE.
A new feature in tile present French
revolution has developed ITSELF tba. ofuni-
yersal suffrage. Whenit is considered
that, for some time previous, the electoral
franchise in France has been exercised by
only two hundred thousand Of a popula.
ton Of thirty million, while, if we re-
member Alright, The patronage Of the gov
eminent embraced three hundred thou
sand Offices in its gift, it viii be al once
perceived that gigantic stride has been
taken from representation founded on pro.
perry qualification 10 an attempt to realize
the wild theory of ultra democracy.
From very limited electoral privileges un-
der the former government, the people un-
der this have already rushed to the ex.
treme Of democratic Liberties. Property
qualifications in voters have ever been
considered a great safeguard aguinst tho
extravagance of those members Of the
body polite who have nothing TO lose by
q change Of rulers. The Fr,nch people
appear to have acted without reflection in
their transitions from monarchy TO demo.
cracy and to have passed by the golden
mean Of republicanism. The lind own.
ers and moneyed citizens Of the state will,
we think, restore the proper balance be-
FIRE the lapse Of much time. They and
the leaders of the truly liberal party in
France have allowed The fury of the pop
ular storm tosweep by, and, not risking
nm overthrow by the tempest, viii ensleay-
or to repair the injury done and to- hold
fast TO the good effected by the removal Of
political corruption ana oppression. The
French are known as n very excituble
people. Soon mus, come reflection. AT:
one swoop they have destroyed monarchy.
Borne on by the excitement of contest and
the exhilaration of success, they attempt
the extremes theory and action. The
wildness of these extremes must soon
cease or lead to excuses revolving to hu-
manity and destructive to liberty, France
must remember her first revolution, and,
taking warning by TINT, be wise. She has
had her Napoleon; and, though exulting in
her glory connected with him, she should
remember that his was proscriptivc, con.
scriptive and military dynasty. The true
liberals and republicans have skilfully
avoided civil contest with the radical re.
publicans at presen, in power. AS men,
tai progress produced this revolution, we
doubt not that the true republicans by
mental power, moderation, and eqnanimi-
ty, will in time gain the nsoeDdancy and
guido the ship Of state Alright. A novel
spectacle is France for the world. Of
sufficient 2omuin, might and active power
TO form one Of the great powers Of the ci.
vilized world, she hns for tho third time at,
tempted the experiment Of selfgovernment
by the people with increasing success ON
each attempt. This fact nugurs well hrthe
power ofthe French national
mind in the principles of popular free.
dom. Should success in the good cause
finally crown her efforts, what may no. be
when France, formerly one os
the monarchical towers Of imperial Eu-
rupe, becomes an outpost> Of republican
isn't The Kingdoms Of Europe will be-
come the republics Of the people, and the
authority and sceptres Of royalty will be
welded by republican representatives.
The name and realities Of the "common.
.ceaAh" shall be known and felt by the
people, and the people, The people, iftrue
to themselves, shall enjoy the latest. the
last, and the uniailing experiment Of self
government.
CONGRATULATIONS TO FRANCE.
Mr.. Allen gave notice in Congress on
the 2sth ult,, that he should on the next
day ask leave TO introduce the following
resolutions. coaeatulatlng the people of
France on the success ofthe recent reyo-
luton in that country:
Resolped By the Senate and House of