The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1881-03-19 00:00:00

dangerous struggle: but that great and dangerous war was
ennobled, at least to him, and to many who shared with
him the deep conviction of his heart and mind, that it
was a war of duty and a war of liberation. But, pass-
; ng from considerations of peace and war, which must
ever awaken in our minds suited associations, let us
only ask ourselves whether modern times have ex-
hibited any reign more di.tingut,hed, more remarkable for
the great works of peaceful legislation Which he bequeathed
to that great empire. Perhaps, Sir, we are none of us
aware—l certainly cannot pretend to any accurate or
minute knowledge of these works, but even the outlines of
the names of a few of them are such as to demonstrate that
they were due, not only to a sense of high duty and
Christian philanthropy, but also to an enlightened in-
telligence and a powerful will. It was the happy fate of
Alexander 11., by one of the greatest acts ever peacefully
accomplished in the annals of civilized chabge, to give civil
and social freedom to a population of serfs estimated at
more than 20 millions of human beings. (Cheers.) It was
his happy lot to establish in Russia a system of local
government which, as a local government, I believe to be
thoroughly free, independent, and popular. It was also
among the triumphs of his reign to introduce into Russia
an institution which we fondly think to be associated with
our own history—the institution known as trial by jury
Nor were thege the only acts for which he may claim the
favourable judgment of the enlightened historian. My duty
is not to enter into a catalogue of these acts ; it is only to
point to a few of the more memorable among them and it
is, indeed, sad to think that such a man should be reserved
for such a fate. Doubtless there are counsels of Providence
behind which it is not for us to scrutinise, and which we
must believe will tend to all that is wise and good. In the
illustration I just now cited it was deplored that the mild
Sovereign was so soon forgot, That will not be the case
with Alexander 11. The fond affection of his people will
ever cling around his memory, as well as the sympathy and
admiration of others. In these circumstances it is easy for
us to understand with what feelings the Queen, allied as
she is with the late Emperor of Russia by domestic ties,
and thoroughly cognizant of all that has taken place in a
reign contemporary with her own, must view this terrible
catastrophe. Therefore, I have no more to do than to
invite the House, loyally, earnestly, affectionately and
unanimously to go the foot of the Throne and assure Her
Majesty of the grief and the horror with which we contem-
plate this act, and of the sincere and respectful sympathy
with which we enter into all the feelings which she must
entertain with regard to this act. (Loud cheers.) I move :--
"That an humble address be presented to Her Majesty, con-
veying to Her Majesty the expression of the indignation and
deep concern with which this House has learnt of the
assassination of Her Majesty's relative and ally, His
Imperial Majesty the Emperor of All the Russiaa, and to
pray Her Majesty that she will be graciously pleased to
express to His Majesty the present Emperor, on the part of
her faithful Commons, their abhorrence of the crime and their
sympathy with the Imperial Family of Russia and with the
Government and the people of that country."
Sir S. Northcote, in seconding the motion, remarked that
by no member of the European family had the event been
received with such a thrill of/horror as by this country; and,
dwelling on the salient features of the Emperor's career, he
said that if ever there had been a shade of difference with
regard to the external policy of the Emperor, the English
people had never ceased to admire the character of his
domestic legislation.

The motion was agreed to nem dies.
Mr. Gladstone then moved that a message of condolence
with the Duchess of Edinburgh be agreed to, and that the
Marquis of Tavistock and Earl Percy do attend on her
Royal and Imperial Highness with the said message. It was
authentically known, Mr. Gladstone said, that never was
there a daughter more teuderly beloved than the Duchess,
and since she had been committed by her parents to the
care of the Sovereign and people of this country experience
had shown her worthiness to fill the position she occupied
In both Royal families.
Sir S. Northcote, in seconding the motion, said that the
Duchess had been long enough in this country to know that
sympathy expressed by the English came from the heart, and
not from the lips.

This motion Was also agreed to nem. dis.
In answering a question from Sir W. Palliser, Mr. Glad-
stone said a day would be given for the Candahar debate as
soon as the Government had extricated itself from the pre-
sent obligations of Supply; but in the meantime he could
not undertake to engage the Viceroy to waive or postpone
any measure which he might have in contemplation on this
subject.
In answer to Lord E. Cecil, Mr. Gladstone stated that the
Army Estimates would be taken on Thursday.' On he
appeal from Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Bradlaugh and other mem-
bers who had motions and Bills on the paper withdrew them
to facilitate the business of Suppiy.
The report of Monday's Supply was brought up and agreed
to, and the House then went into Committee of Supply,
which occupied the remainder of the evening, and the House
adjourned at twenty minutes past twelve o'clock.