The Press.
London, England, 1854-04-15 00:00:00

THE PRESS.

statesmen might be undisturbed in their consideration of
the question. The apathy of the public is, therefore, a
new argument for not proceeding with such a measure.
There was another reason urged by the noble lord which
astonished me. I understood the noble lord to complain
of the opposition which the measure received in the House
of Commons. Now, what 1 complain of is, that no oppor-
tunity was given us of discussing the question."
Lord J. Russet!. : I spoke of the indisposition of the
house to entertain the question.
Mr. Dimas:Li : I cannot understand how the noble
lord arrives at the fact of the indisposition of the house to
entertain the question. The noble lord advised the Sove-
reign to notify in the speech from the throne that this
measure of parliamentary reform would be brought forward.
That was, of comae, the most solemn way of introducing
the measure to Parliament. Ido not suppose any one can
complain that the mode in which the announcement was
made on the first night of the session was discouraging to
the minister. An appeal was made to the minister not to
bring forward the measure in the present exigencies of the
country. but the minister would not listen to it. The
minister brought forward his measure, laid it. on the table,
and told them that that was the measure he had to intro-
duce, but that he deprecated discussion of it at that time.
I think a great deal of inconvenience was the curare-
quenee of the minister bringing forward a measure of such
importance without ever being subjected to the slightest
criticism. The principles of the measure may be most
fallacious. I believe the principles on which the Govern-
ment founded their measure were rnostfallacions. (Hear,
hear.) But no opportunity was given the house for ex-
pressing an opinion upon it. A day, to be sure, was fixed
by the Government for the discussion of it, but the oppor-
tunity was never given. (Haar, hear.) When, then, did
the noble lord find the indisposition he complained of to
exist? Was the indisposition on the benches behind him?
(" Hear," sad a laugh.) 1 will not 9.8 k whether it was on
the noble lord's own bench, because it seems we must not
use anything like a taunt, as to the sincerity of the Govern-
ment as reformers. (Haar, hear.) The indisposition may
have been on the benches behind the noble lord. (Hear,
hear.) The noble lord and his friends are very apt to call
us who sit on the Opposition benched anti.reformers. But
you must remember that you have never given us an oppor-
pity of expressing an opinion on the subject. 1. therefore,
beg the country to understand that the indisposition to
reform in this house, so far as we have any evidence, is
confined entirely to the Ministerial side. (Cheers.) 1 beg
the house to remark that the whole of the reasons expressed
by the noble lord for relinquishing the measure to-night
were reasons that existed with equal force on the meeting
of Parliament, and also on the L th of February, when the
noble lord introduced the measure. I deny that any member
of the Cabinet can advance the state of the country at pre-
sent as a reason for not proceeding with the measure. The
noble lord has very properly vindicated himself from the
absurd suspicion of being the only parliamentary reformer
in the Cabinet, and as if he had introduced the measure
merely to vindicate his personal honour. The noble lord
called attention to the fact that the Government of Lord
Aberdeen was founded on promises of a large measure of
reform. It was not merely out of deference to the noble
lord that the Government of Lord Aberdeen wasformed an
the principle of a large measure of parliamentary reform.
A very distinguished member of the Cabinet made a large
measure of reform the condition of his joining the Govern-
ment, and the noble lord at the head of the Government
unequivocally pledged himself to a large measure of parlia-
mentary reform. 1 want to know the cireunistences under
which the Government of Lord Aberdeen made that
promise. Were they circumstances of less peril than the
present? Were they less serious? was the conjuncture
less menacing'? (Hear.) It was well known the Govern-
ment believed that not only war but invasion wee to be ap-
prehended. No one will pretend that a war v ith France
is not a much more awful affair than a war with Russia ;
yet, with a war with France impending, the present Go-
vernment was formed on the promise of a large measure et
reform. ( Hear.) Did that principle not serve them?
Could they have formed their cabinet except upon that
principle, or could they have carried on the Government for
six months unless that had been the principle upon which
it was established ? ( Hear.) But for that principle could
they have possessed, not merely the great administrative
ability of the right hon. baronet the First Lord of the Ad•
miralty, but the statesmanship and other attributes even of
the Chief Commissioner of Public Works, and the fruits of
those studies which Bentham inspired and Grote guided?
(Cheers and laughter.) A few months afterwards we had
the financial measures of the right hon. gentleman the
Chancellor of the Exchequer brought forward—measures
which, according to the noble lord's statement to-night,
formed the excuse for not proceeding with parliamentary
reform in the first year of the present Government. A tae,
extremely odious in the mode of levying it, was introduced
into this house. It is well known that an overwhelming
majority against the imposition of that tax occupied those
benches on which the supporters of the Government must
do congregate. Did they not say that they disapproved of
an unmodified income tax, and that they only voted for it
from having got a promise of a large measure of reform ?
I say, therefore, that parliamentary reform was the principle
upon which the Government was formed. without which
the Cabinet could not have existed. and without which the
administration of affairs could not have been carried on. I
say. also, that a pledge was given, and that at a time when
the state of our external relations was not lees menacing
but rather, I think, more perilous than it is at present.
( Hear.) Nevertheless, I must tray for myself that lam
glad the noble lord has relinquished his measure. What is
the moral we ought to draw from all these circumstances"
I think we ought tncometo at least this salutary conclusion
—that though no one can question the honour sod aincerity
of the noble lord who has so identified his name with the great
subject of reform that in history they will be associated
together. yet that the country will think there ham been too
much levity for party purposes in dealing with this question cos. (Near, hear.

of organic change. Cheers.) I hope the noble lord sill
not Pawned in the course of which we had some intimation
to-mght—of postponing for a short indefinite time the e. n-
sideratiou of this question or parliamentary reform. I think
it would be much better if the noble lord—who has already
made two attempts at reform not sanctioned by the country
—allowed the question altogether to drop, and not fatherless
himself by another pledge. (.1 laugh.) igotrithstanding his
bitter experience, the noble lord has actuany embarrassed
himself and his colleagues by a premise that he would
take Rs early an oppottuuity as possible for introducing the
question. ( Hew, haw.) I think that an unwise course.
t" Hear," frau the Miaisreisi aids %) You cheer, but do von
not. think that that is the best way of getting rid of the dif-
ficulty? You who ask for reform by instalments should
not favour this new system by which reformers may get rid
of their pledges by iustelruente. (Cheers and laughter.) lt
might be better for the noble lord to say, that,
had made a great effort to Nil his pledge, he would bid
farewell to parliamentary reform for the present. The ex-
perience of the last two years must surely have taught you
that you are not one whit nearer obtaining a amour. of
parliamentary reform in consequence of having had the
pledge of a statesman to introduce one. (Hoar.) lou cannot
obtain such a Challge as that which you desire unless a
great pre.peacieniece of public opinion demands it. Why
then embarrass the tiovennueut by swilling on a pledge
of this kind ? The noble lord will pardon me for saying
that it would be, more statesmanlike if, alter all he has done,
and I may say after all he has sutfered—sith his sincerity,
unquestioned and his honour intact—he did not embarrass
the Government and himself with pledges on the question.
I think front all that has occurred the noble lord might
draw this lesson, that noromister should embarrass himself
with pledges mei oly for party purposes, and to animate fob
lower*, who must uuw feel that a measure of this great
national importance depends on something more solemn
than the word of any individual, however sincere, or how-
ever great. (Cadres.)
Sir G. GREY remarked upon the uselessness of pro-
longing the debate, as Lord J. Russell had wished
only to obtain an expression of opinion up n his con •
duct from the Liberal members. This had been pro-
n unced, and a gratifying assurance of continued
confidence given on their part. He believed that
they were willing and was convinced they would be
justified in leaving the cause to the honest discretion
of the Government.
The SECRETARY AT WAR drew a distinction between
apathy and distraction. The public, he contended,
had not lost their interest in reform, but it was for
the moment eclipsed by their treater interest in war.
He added some vindication of his personal consis-
tency on the question.
Sir J. PAXINGTON, after a brief personal compli-
ment to Lord J. Russell, remarked upon the divided
councils in the Cabinet, to which lie attributed not
not only the vacillating conduct with regard to reform,
but the war into which the country was plunged.
After a few words from Mr. hlicovrooa,
Lord J. RUSREIT acknowledg4 d the cordial spit*
with which hit statement had been received by the
house.
The motion was then Agreed to.
The same subject was touched upon briefly in the
House of Peers on the same evening. The Earl of
HARDWICRE introduced it with a question to the
Prime Minister inquiring whether it was true that
the bill was abandoned; and if so, on what ground
had it been abandkzeil
The Earl ofAsisaumn : My lords, l ban eiesage=
it desirable not to trouble your lordships tirades
of a measure not furmaily before you. The anallinne to
which the noble earl has referred was itemised into the
other home of Parliament ; and though I em ready to answer
any question which the noble earl may wish le put, I did
itot furl it Moan-dent on use to Ming it before your tierd•
ships' attention. In answer to the quesaitia,af as. .odlde
earl on this subject I have to sietemies4 hem Wad Ow
than once, that, in compliance wiilrita liseiandis
commendation made by her Itijelipie but wire Isom dot
throne, her Majesty's Ministers wpm! end itimodemode
measure which, in their opinion, me Mt* M 11111111 he ob-
ject indicated by the Queen in her womb, flit Aloelegtoo-
tations which the public had entertained witheeigem to it.
(Bear, heir.) They have seen no ream 40 liter the
opinion they have entertained respective.** ehreeeter of
that measure so introduced. It is tree. ea ehesibile earl
sass, that the measure has been, I will mese, elmeilated,
but withdrawn for this session—(Hear, hear).-0411. diew
sequence of any change of opinion with asepeekheelia Im-
portance or character, but from what nova ateeillet to
all your lordships, that, in the interestal den saesexee of
reform itself, this was clearly not the time vim iteeeldhy
possibility be pushed forward witlinny hip et teimmelo.
(Hear, hear.) Whether that war voNdtito ita
progress be light or notAisis is elttelkl6l66llllllotio
must maintain the osilleees etatelieseleteile
reason io itself for eoeyseeeelitetraillt the
of measures essential see ampetiiuldltrdlo bieetle Alhe
country, still I must admit that, if dielatite diretao in-
disposes Parliament amigo giving inaltion
to an important saga*. ilia Idle lempeesible tomatt
upon the attention ofolds eoustry. (New, hear.)
these eircumetanom, efM eritliost in Aram* lemisfehiag
the importance udfdalledlollo, of w) nab to es-
oertain the same rill11101114111.10111111111111MIllebellobegew"
fwhich we eke, 1111111111111iSdianitataelt elealseme
thought it indispesaliblato=
sent session, reatlMhlt to
either this or Dome iluiraisollateillase,
expedient, as early the Mile et sbo public stied d
Pathissra will ambits mho &eolith ave. seam