ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 102, 21 July 1843, Page 3

ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

■ France; ' Th6>proceedings of the Chambers, so far as they 1 have gone; are favorable to the duration of the Ministry. The opposition has selected the right of search” question—which means, in plain language, “ jealousy of England”—as the principal ground for an. attack on the Government. In each of the bureaux nothing was said of the King's speech —that was entirely passed by; the Liberal deputies were only anxious to know whether the treaties of 1831 and 1833 would be repealed. On this point Guizot spoke firmly and decisively; -he declared he had no intention of proposing their repeal; that he could not do so with any show of honor or justice ; and that he Was determined to stand or fall by their maintenance. On this question, virtually, the divisions took place, which resulted in a very decided majority for the Ministerial candidates.

The revenue returns, lately published, show that the national income is increasing in a very satisfactory manner. The augmentation since 1830 amounts to 304,383,225 francs ; and this increase consists advance upon all taxable matters—a v er y decisive evidence of the prosperity of the people. On the .other hand, the expenses have increased yet more largely ; the budget for 1843 rises 380,424,498 francs above the budget of 1830. The increase is principally owing to the large sums set down for public Works, for the war and marine departments, and for ; >he special expenses in Algeria.' If these amounts were reduced within reasonable limits, the finances of France would exhibit a very flourishing condition. The contest which has so long existed between the colonial and home sugars is, according to the project of the ministry, to be brought to a close by the total suppression of the beetroot manufacture. The most careless of our readers must have remarked the astonishingly rapid growth of this' process : it is calculated that 20,000 persons are now employed in it, and that it keeps in operation 350 steam-engines. The quantity, of Sugar thus manufactured, it is supposed; amounts to 40,000 tons annually—-one-third of the' consumption of all France. The colonies,'whose principal product is sugar, are greatly distressed by this sudden influx of the commodity on whose growth they depend. Prices have fallen'; and as colonial sugar pays a duty nearly double on that manufactured at home, the revetiue has declined. The minister does not propose to equalize the duties which would certainly have -the effect of restraining the beet-root • process \ but is resolved on its entire suppression, for the benefit of the colonies and foreign trade of the nation. Thus, after the manufacture has been nursed into prosperity, it is to be annihilated at a blow; those persons engaged in the trade receiving, a compensation; Which; it is calculated, can'easily be defrayed by the higher duties levied on foreign and colonial., sugar. The plan is .one of the most .unstatesmanjike, both in its design and details, ever submitted to an intelligent legislature. Already a powerful opposition' is raised to it; and, to conciliate parties; it is arranged that the question shall; be an “ open” one. The Journal' des D4bpits very decidedly opposes it, arid, according; to present appearances, the plan will be : rejected by" a- considerable majority.