NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE measure which has for three years been announced for 1860 has been undertaken by Napoleon with the very beginning of the year ; and 1860 will add to its achievements, besides, we trust, the settlement of Italy, a complete change in the commer- cial policy of France.
The letter addressed by the Emperor Napoleon to his Minister of State, giving a survey of France, its industrial, economical, and commercial condition, directs the Ministers in the several departments to make the necessary preparations for the new sys- tem. The immediate steps to be taken are, the removal of all prohibition from the French customs system, the abolition of the duty on wool and cotton, progressive reduction of duties on sugar and coffee, reduction of the canal dues, an energetic improve- ment in the means of conveyance, loans to agriculture and in-. dustry, considerable works of public utility, and treaties of com- merce with foreign Powers. We have discussed this striking mea- sure in a separate paper ; suffice it to observe here, that it re- moves prohibition, which has hitherto been a great; CyaAnteristic of the French customs system, it makes an telling in the diree, tion of free trade ; premises encouragement for the extension of agriculture and industry,_ by advances of public money. No doubt this last element has materially contributed to the recep- tion which has been.giyentd the letter in France...It appears:to be welcomed, -the knoxiledge, of it has extended amongst the populattOn; though , not quite: so _unanimously as the letter to the Pope'. Some of the great towns have had:pnblic7,demonstrations. qf rejoiciiii and some -Five adopted special iiddreSlee of grEititilde, te'the'Einperor:— "." '" . • ,
e:licis.neEdlesste'say •co.untry the measure has been loudly cheered on all hands: The portion of the public' most inclined to , be favourable" to the Emperor has adopted a more
4ecicled -;1 while his opponents are admitting that now he is siyjkgearnest _of his peacefula and friendly dispOsition.
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• Somepf the circumstances whioh have attended the immediate announcement have an interest of their own. Mr. Cobden has for some time been residing in Paris. It is positively stated, not only that he was consulted, but that he gave continued assistance in the deliberation on the details, being'at the same time in communication with his Government at hoine.: Not that Mr. Cobden has had any official commission, but his position has of course enabled him to act with the same trust as
if he had held a formal appointment. He may be _regarded in the light of an honorary Privy Councillor of both Govern- menta.
It will be remembered that when Lord Palmerston formed his itdministration he invited Mi.' Cobden to take' a seat in it ; and although the honourable Member for Free Trade declined, On the score that his taking office with a Premier' he had so often op- posed would be ascribed to unworthy motives, it was understood that the rapprochement was attended by anything but ill-feeling on either side ; Mr. Cobden's motives being day. appreciated. The good. offices which he has now been able to perform will be equally appreciated in France and in_ , his own country ; and, withat for a Moment anticipating what may be the practical con- sequences; it is impossible not to see that, from this time forward Mr. Cobden Must be more than ever, looked upon as one of those
statesmen whose position naturally gives them a share in the administration of the country. There can be little doubt that that position will be duly recognized, after his return home, at a time when the measures in which he has now assisted in Paris will be followed by corresponding deliberations and prac- tical measures on this side.
