728868-1846-07-Oct-1846 — Page 4

THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE,

pulation and abhorrence of all that is Saxon, in against France, and war to foreign liberalism, still speeches in the English language! Ireland for as minister, he seized the opportunity of adopting the Irish, and why not Irish for the Irish, and the old yolicy, which circumstances had unfortun Irish only for Ireland Why do the herealely forged Lord Palmerston for a moment to contaminate their mouths with our Isnguage Is abandon. If Sir Robert Peal ran off with Lord

thin the intr

dation of an. John's coal, Lord Aberdeen slipt on that which porn enemy's language is more

the work of Lord Palmerston had unwarily thrown off, with a aubjugation Mr O'Connell will not wear a stitch dexterity and an apropos for which he hae reaped of English manufacture, his clothing is all patriot- Bill credit. rung ically Irish but he speaks English, and proclaims laking credit

it-polian-ancient-

Ireland for the Jush in a tongue that is not Irish on the truth and in the tongue of the Union Has not freland frum once should it

Among her beautiful possessions, so often catalo hronicle is doubly

gued in the Robins vein by Mr. O'Connell the The names is

monataina, the valleys, the rivers, the harbours, "Tuteers and being

and all the rest of it has the not also a rich, co Chronicle has not

pious, and ancient language of her own? and why still worse, Mimis-

do not her chiefs, who renounce everything Saxon defienos of all the and belonging to the Union, discuss the national That has been printed in

grievances nad the national demands in the gracefal the subject of the sugar cuties

mative tongue. Surely they should lose on time Lur years. The Chronicle, there

in preparing for the College Green debates in 11 air protests that it cannot be-

native Irish by practising it in Conciliation 'Holl; uble of deserting a. their formeE

ned how excellent will be the effect of seeing six 66... moaning foereby its own opinions, not

or seven cofumas of the "Times' in the strange language which we sometimes hear the stray bies the rank marialanerse of journalism. We

"benuties of in St Gile's 1 Until Ireland speaks The Olmen wie ktowa na much about the

Irish she has no right to cry Ireland for the Irish. and the Times as the Chroff is monstrous that she should utter this denand im We believe that the version of the sugar-

a borrowed tongue. She ought not even to under- y selllement to which we grecurrency last Sa- stand English, and should make it an argument day in our reliance upon the source whence we against theUnion that she cannot comprehend and

may be traced, like the revelations of the obey laws a foreign tongue. Timer, back to the circular of Messrs Trueroan and Cook, who told the gobe mouches of Micoing Jane what the Cabinet intended to do before there ayas a Debingi ngaxistence. With degree of enn-

dhur rarely and anong journalists, we confess that Lord Jalin Rasell has not informed as of what he intends to do, that we have not "the run of the of fices, and are consequently unable to learn from the doorkeepers what Ministers say and that we have not received from any housemaid, scraps of paper left on the carpet of the Council roum.

And yet we believe we can tell pretty early ho the augur duties will be settled. Loid John Kne well frankly told the House of Commons on Thurs- day evening the views he entertained respecting the ecclesiastical squabbles of Ireland, and his de- termination not to act upon them because public opinion was not ripe for such measures, This de claration is exactly in the spirit of what L Pal- merston indicated when he pointed out to his '1')- Verton constituents the important characteristic of The British Constitution, that it enabled even val able reforms to be thwarted, and thus postponed, until public opinion had recognise their value. In this spirit we believe Ministers ar prepared to deal with the augas dutice. They have their own opi- 3ione – not very congruous, perhaps, on the subject “but they will do what public opinion allows them to do.

We believe that Lord John Russell is more thoroughly master of the merits of this question than any of his colleagues-or any member of the late Cabinet: We believe, therefore, that such a mies- sures as he is likely to propose will be allowed to be substantially just by the majority of those who

Bre

lately engaged to any extent in the sugar

Ireland for the Irish is a beautiful proposition, and should be worked out to all extremities; from Ireland for the Irish, to province for province, county for county, town for town, street for street, alley for alley, houas for house, and lastly, each man for Packs man, or each his own governor, which is the ultimate conclusion and consumma tion; no one admitting the rihgt of any ciber to guide or control him, a result to which the oll name of anarchy has been given, and the new one of repeal.-Examiner, July 1s

FOREIGN POLICY OF THE WIGS,

The country has every reason for congratulation on the garments coming back to their rightful owners.--Examiner, Judy 11.

SIR ROBERT PES made his triumphal exit from office on Monday night, in a speech worthy of the occasion. Considered technically as a matter of merc oratory, bis speaking bas often shown traces of more pains, of more and structure, and more workmanlike elaboration; but such small paints were beside the occasion Many large questions of the past, solved and unsolved-of the future-crowd. at upon his utterance, and ill brooked the Barrow. limits prescribed to his discousse. And he evidently approached, his task with amall preparation of a special kind-with none, perbups, but so much as was implied in the deeds of the past and in a de- termined purpose. His judgment was allown in the admirable temper which animated the whole, and in the manner in which he took up his ground

for the future.

He does not go into opposition. So we under- stood him to imply four or five months ago, and his farewell speech confirms that impression. There has been a good deal of wrangling as to the inter- pretation to be put upon that portion of the speech which relates to affairs of party-some nicely bat. ancing words, and insisting that they pladge the speaker to nothing; others insisting that they must be considered in reference to their geners! tenour, The latter is, no doubt, the just view. The speech was one of gencralities, and not of specialties. And to exped that the rodent Minister would vo- lupteer a schedule of particular details to which be should be pledged, (o supposition involved in the complaint that he does not stand pleged on par- safar points,) is puerile. His intent was sa clear 4 possible. As we understand him, he is bence- forward to consider questions that come before him in reference to their circumstances, their amerits, and their pratical effects. It into be ob served that such a course would set aside the deuils of some past measures to which the late Cabinet may have been committed; making him free to take them up de now with the full lights of the time and on their own proper grounds. Isting spot what he said, we should not be surprised if Sir Robert Peel were even to abstain from crossing over to the Opposition Bencues, and were to take lus seat on the Ministerial side as an independent supporter of the Queen's Government. It must be allowed that such a departure from routine would be as starting as any of the more substantial innovations which he has made in the conduct of party; though it would quite accord with the spirit of Lis change from the service of party to that of his country.

If one could be indifferent to the claims and me rits of party, one might come to the opinion that these relays of statesmen which the representative systein prepares and weepa ready at differem stages and halls of the political road, and which are har- nessed fresh in the conch in lieu of a worn out and breathless tearn, are a most excellent invention. An old Tory set of hacks may tog out of a rat of up a bill, which more sensitive Whigs might shy and boggle at We should be sorry indeed to see the day when John B-11 becomes reckless of what leans he drives, provided they obey the whip and ge him on. One should regret to see statesman. ship failen in compl tele to the condition of horse- flesh. And we should ike that, even if the state- driver became indifferent me to his teams, he might at least not mis the n. To get rid of the grey wheel horse because he was a starter, and replace him by the roan, spoils harmony of pace as well as sym metry of colour; whilst, if oue yokes a gount, ra! tailed, restless horse Hranehm for example,

One of the questions on which his probable with a well conditional and easy-pace three, it is

course has given rise to great speculation is the but booking passengers for a break-down.

Sager duties. Bir Robert. presuming Lord Joba In no set off the political harness is the spem of Russell to be the new Minister, promises his sop- relays more useful than in that of the Foreign De.port in carrying forward the same commercial prin. partment. We not only like, but want at times, a

ciples as those which have recently guided the spirited steed to spauk slong the road and nake us

Government but in doing so, he makes reserva- enjoy the consciousness of power, superiority, and ions agains the "derangement" of "great in- celerity. At oiber times and on other roads as easy

terests," with more of the same kind. The suspi. pnce is very desirable, a meditative walk, & quiet

cheeus construe that reservation to mean, that Sir amble, or, at most, an easy cauter being to be sup-

Robert Peel Will abide by the differential Sugar- ported. Britannia mas have been animated by the

duties on the Anti-slavery pretext, We bebeve in lore and desirability of such a charge, whom she po such interpretation. Sir Robert, no deabl, kept two such steeds as Palmerston and Aberdeen, feels that there are moral considerations mixed up and, according to her komour, exchanged one for

with the financial one of the Sugar-duties; not only the other.

the Black interests, which ance monopolized the philanthropy of this country, but the Colonial interests the interests of that property which was so lavishly wasted by our wild legislation. Bis Cabinet endeavoured to satisfy justice, det rather to satisfy appearances, by adopting Captain Denman's new plan of African Yet who, that remember the Belgian question decade, and by a hesitating sanction to Cooly and and its difficulties, can consider Lord Palmerston Negro immigration into the West Indies. The either hasty or rash. Iferer there were times and immigration is growing in spite of official obste. circumstances pregnant with war, it was then. cles, kept up to the very Test-date of Me. Glad- France and Europe were on tiptoe, all armed, ready Blone's incumbency of the Colonial Office, obsta. for a rush at each other. It was clear that a slip.oles not, indeed, originating with him, but not a fault, or irritating word, would have produced in- evitable collision and confusion. Lord Abenleen, by a system of quiet inertia, has procured peace with France and with America, allaying the fiery pre- sions of both during his four or five years' adminis on this question. As to the general tration. But no vie inertia could have sufficed to The measure un one has any doubt as to

preserve the peace of Europe in 1831. I required 1 be: — Imunediate equalisation of the action, vigilant interference, a bold attitude though gn slate grown and free-labour sugar, conciliatory. A weak minister in England would cal equalisation of the duties on Brit-have lapsed into the hands of one side or the other

the course of a limited pe Lord Palmerston kept a natural and strong position three, and we fear by between them. And the century of peace, which ham fivo years. We wish we we are enjoying and are likely to enjoy, thust be

gar dalies a measure was likely to gregor Laird's

We believe that what pleases them will be in reliance upon their more intimate and extensive knowledge of the subject by the bulk of the mercantile community engaged in other pur. suits. Lord John's measure hus every chance to be received by the great commercial interests us a safe and eligible one They being satisfed, there will be little difficulty, with the rest of the nation. Men want at this moment release from party strug glesa pormanent, useful, moderate Ministry, They will not be easily moved to diminish the chance of their finding such a one in Lord Jabu Russell's by rejecting bis first measures, They will not op pose a sugardoty acttlement that is well thought of by men of business, to please political adventurers. There is no question as to which we admire or Lord John's measure will be introduced into the whom prefer. There is a pleasore in being even House of Controns; praised by the practical men whisked into d nger by Low Palmerston, so bold of business made the object, not of opposition, but is the impulse, so sure the foot, so defiant the onset protests by the more judicious free-traders and anti- so skilfully and safely is the goal attained and turn- slavers fiercely operated by the Disraelised, though sometimes a closely shaved. Brangbama, and Duncombes; mouthed at by the Ewarts and in a very short time adopted by both Houses of Parliament as a final settlement.

In short, without pretending to know the exact details of the measure contemplated by the Premier, we have not the least doubt that his measure, be it what it may, will be carried. And we really think that the organs of bis Ministry in the press, or more properly those who would fain beonme or be thought its organs are wasting a great deal of unnecessary eloquence upon imagery cabals and intrigues to

jy not

swept away by him. Captain Denman's plan is onder trial. The Sugar duties cannot be justly or ably handled apart from the whole West Indian question; but any Minister who chose to deal with al comprehensively, vigorously, and promptly, might give the British people cheap sugar and put the West Indies on the cond to prosperity by the same rct. We do not understand Sir Robert Peel's reservation to convey the shadow of a hint that le would refuse to consider, fairly, and without bias, any measure better than his own, or rather, than Mr Gladstone's apd Mr Goulburo's. for aetting

the Sugar-daties.

gostly certain that slong with the bill admitted as mainly owing to his policy and ssibly thing specch, end one which has of course invited

on that occasion, when, by the bye. Lord Aberdeen and the Tories impugued both.

Ireland is another prominent point in the leave

caval Sir Robert has broadly declared for perfect glip by ateam, in or We do not deny in certain merit to Lord Aber-quality in the spirit of legislation between Eng-

terruilting volun- deen as foreign minister, but that merit le chiefly and and Ireland

to party than to national interests, os a cessor Lare Palmerston attained certain nyms in inconsistency serial megation of the Doble | Byra at the high. ice of arousing the hostility of salesman's recent policy is quite the reverse

France To uppe wan honesBary was wise.ng a further carrying out of licy which

fogress and prace is stated the

nition of

But that which has perhaps caused the greatest

shock to sensitive souls is Sir Robert's tribule the great Anti-Corn-law agitator. The mark of repealing the Coto-laws, be said, was due methaz to himself nor to Lord John Russell, but solely to Richard Cobden " Some people are parzand s to the motive of the avowal, hod of course are The mute up- ready enough to find a bad ear. pears to us not recondite.

Sir Robert Peela

strength, throughout his late career, to it, phant close, bus lale in his abiding by the truth; and hisparpose was to give that plain truth a crowning avowal. There was, however some little exaggeration of phrase; which Richard Cot den does not uced is merit lay in giving andla- fion to an abstract question of right-in featuring a public opinion which had been create! even that organized public opinion, lacking the have floundered on for years in ineffectual Bags meats of popular revolution, which it did, singh twidity bad not Sir Robert Peel endowed it with the full power of the Executive. Richard Cobden would have carried the measure sooner or later; that it is carried in 1846 is due to Robert Peel, And in awarding the "saam cuique," there are others who ought not to be forgotten, --Charles Villiers, whose motion was once a yearly seeffer aborsighted folks trusting in the majorities of the time being; Welryche Whitmore, the predecessor of Charles Villiers in times of still remoter hope, and Colonel The upson, who first popularized the science of the question and supplied the insimo- tive common sense of the public with logical.arga ments and epigrammatic illustrations. The Gen law Catechism was the ancestor of the Anti-Carn law Le gue. How necessary was the dean on gine of agitation, is proved by the fact, that the au- thor of the Catechism is not in Parliament to com plete his work; so little of reul "public spirala there in the constituencies!

Sir Robert Peel fitly closed his speech with a message of peace-the Oregon question is settled, Lucky Minister Ay, lucky are they who take In this instance the luck seems to pains to be so. have arisen from that judgment which shaped jo such a measure as could be offered and adopted without derogation from the honour of either side,

Playing laid down his power at the feet of the majority, Sir Robert Peel left the House, leaning on the arm of Sir George Clerk ; and, having been recognized outside by a watching multitude-ant a nob-he was escorted home to bis private homes in triumph. There was a contrast to the Minis- ter's triumphat retorn: his Two antagonists--44 the most illustrioce but the east notorious-came away at the sara time; their heads bent down, they seemed to glum recognition; and they were seen to pass away amid the scowls of those who did know them-lucky to escape in silence.

When all is done you ask, what is the one great cause for this general and intense apprehension of Sir Robert Peel's merits? It is not merely that he carried the two bills-other men share that There seems to be even a paradoxient honour. reference to past fines when he abided by what were not merits. That is the key to the question i the singular merit of the stutem a. in the popular eyes, is his unprecedent sacrifice to attain a good for his country be sacrificed place, power, a show of that outward "consistency which is prizel so highly he had the moral courage to brave alt obloque and sacrifice to his new convictions a frank arewal of his own past erraza in judgment; in a word, he sacrificed the individual to the nation. All is paid, with interest.—Spectator, July 5.

PROBABLE CHANGE IN THE PERMANENT STAFF AT THE COLONIAL OFFICE. A particular duly awaits the next Colonial Win- ister, and we presume that Earl Grey will be quite equal to it

When Lord John Russell was last in power, as Secretary for the Colonies, he was understood to contemplate a change in the personnel of the office. It is said that be talked of requesting Mr James Stephen, the permanent Under Secremy, to accept some other post, in which his great abiliues might be more usefully employed. bocause they would be removed from a field of contest. consideration, however, the idea was abandoned, and Mr Stephen is sull Under Secretary.

00

Lord John Rusself enters power, as Prime Min- Ister, with a vigorous coodjator in Lord Grey; and the same question ngain presents itself, under somewhat altered circumstanomy. We have no intention here to revive any of the old hostilities towards Mr Stephen since the day when he was the champion of one party, the target of another, esperities have softened, events have montured, and

the ends which were to be attained have been in

part accomplished, His unquestionable peovers for official business are remembered more distinctly in the calm. But the times, we say, have alred. Prejudices baro sunk before the march of events p many concessions to Colonial interests, which were declared impossible, bave beenme, even in his re luctant hands, matters of official routine, Now the change has not reached Mr Stephan himself. Be is a man of laborious and secluded habits, and his powers have been in great part devoted to a species of self elaboration. But he allsized the prime of

T8 to lhe West Owing to the position made for him by his brede, look inne uns he hadled by BeUse who life some years hack, and there is no more stutt of

Episcopal

abe intellect to elaborate now than there was len Bummers ago James Stephen in 1846 is the same indisiitual with James Stephen in 1836. He is

sorted, therefore, with the present course of atvirs, and with the duties that it requires from him. While he remains in the Colonial Office, he 38 the impersonation of the old struggles of which he was the champion he cannot fashion his hand | 10 die new practices, but takes to them wokindly: wherefore is he an doftding bool; and old recollec- tions make him an object of suspicion where mone

bond bes

The reasong that suggested his resignation for 3 those which

merly will oblnen in all the pd and new ones

change of hands have sprang up in the therefore strong expectation John Russell's original intention will

und Published by Jour Care,

of lizina and Hongkong

Ofice Goven Bruert HONGKONG, 1846