The Express.
London, England, 1866-06-28 00:00:00

our neighbours is not be as good
be, and is no argument againstfr
Lord GREY appeals to the bent._
the past thirty-four years—which he attriL
the Bill of 1992. But, a Tory of the
school .of General PEEL might remind him,
that it was an unreformed Parliament
which passed the initial free trade measures of
Mr. Hrsrassoer, which removed the disabilities
of Roman Catholics wad of Dissenters, and
, which sanetioned the liberal foreign policy of Mr.
Caxwl-Ito. The Act of 1832, no doubt, helped
the progress which had begun before it ; and
so would, a, new Reform Bill, though not, we
think, one, such as Lord GREY desires to see,
which shall be acceptable to both the great
parties in the State. Did Lord GREY ever hear
of a good measure which was acceptable to both
the great parties in the State t Did the
Tories like Catholic Emancipation ? the re-
peal of the 'rest and Corporation Acts
the first Reform Bill ? the repeal of the?
Corn Laws ? Deaf to justice, inaccessible • to
reason, they have never yielded except to fear ;
and we see no sign whatsoever that they are wiser
now. No doubt, it is undesirable, if it can be
avoided, that constitutional changes should be made
the battle-field for party contests ; but, if they
become so, the fault is with the party which
obstinately resists all constitutional change. The
Government have in the present instance pushed
concession and compromise to an extreme, with
the effect only of disheartening their own forces
and strengthening those of the enemy in the battle
which the Opposition insisted on giving. It is
possible that, as Lord GREY contends, a period of
excitement is the worst time for passing a mea-
sure of Reform : and that even the Act of 1832
might have been improved by calmer deliberation.
But then, as now, while the public mind was
tranquil, the Tories would do nothing. Is there
not a chance that they may again postpone con-
cession until it has lost all its grace ? There was a
French revolution in 1830 ; there may be a
German Revolution in 1867. The agricultural
labourers of Dorsetabire and of the south of Eng-
lard generally were starving then ; they are not
too well fed, clothed, and housed now. There
were machine-breaking riots then ; there is a far
more formidable, though more legitimate, organi-
zation of labour now. With war and convul-
sion abroad, with one-fifth of the English people
insufficiently fed, and with deep-seated din
affection in Ireland, it is impossible to
feel secure against a time of trouble and violence
which will sweep away the fine-spun theories of
"thoughtful Liberals." The projects which Lord
GREY favours, for uniting a nominal extension of
power to the great body of the people with rho
continued ascendancy of the class whose ignorant
and mischievous legislation it has been the glory of
the past generation to have in part undone, in the
face of obstinate resistance, will not, we fear, be
likely to stand the trial as by fire to which they
may have to be submitted. Schemes like his are
the toys of dilettanti, not implements fur work.

OUR CONTEMPORARIES.

(THIS DAY.)

TRH WAS.

After briefly describing the position of tho
Prussian and Austrian armies in Bohemia and Silesia, the
Times says the military pride of Austria may well be
soothed by the event. In four days two battles have been
won, and the invading armies of her two adversaries
driven from the field. The success of the Austrian arms
may be exaggerated, but there is nothing in it improbable.
The promptitude of the Prussians has gained for Berlin
the supremacy of Northern Germany, but the inactii Lty
of the Austrians, from whatever cause it has arisen, may
at lost have given them a triumph over their too confident
opponents. In the opinion of the Times it was
a mistake to invade Bohemia, the spirit of
the population being hostile to Prussia, the
amain y offering numerous positions of defence
strengthened by fortresses, while the line of railway
through Moravia to Vienna would allow men and mate-
rials of war to be sent to any part of the frontier that may
be threatened. Whatever the Prussian plan of cam-
paign may have been it seems to have been defeated.
After a doubtful campaign the Prussians would have
to retire from Bohemia, probably at all points, and leave
the Austrian commander to mature hie own plans un-
molested. In Northern and Western Germany matters
look more favourable for Prussia. The advantages gained
by the Berlin government cannot he easily impaired. One
of the strangest incidents of the war has been the effort
of the Hanoverian army to escape. Prussia, had again
offered the King an alliance, with a guarantee for his
possession of the throne, on the basis of Federal reform.
The King neglect his own interests if any family or
dynastic pride prevents him from accepting this offer.
Whatever may be the military events of the war, it can
hardly be doubted that the old Confederation is at an
end, and that Northern Germany, at least, must be
united under the leadership of Prussia. All the tenden-
cies of the age are in favour of unity, and the monarchy of
Berlin may justly look upon time as its ally.
In law than a fortnight and without striking a blow the
Prussian government has been able to change the face of
North Germany. Is this success illusory or is it real? asks
the Daily Newt. Only events can furnish the full
and satisfactory answer to this question, which, as far
as Germany is concerned, involves the whole issue of
the war. Let Prussia keep what she has taken, from
the Maine, by the frontier of Bavaria and Bohemia,
as far as Silesia, and she can hardly ask more ; her
statesmen cannot at present cherish the desire to include
the catholic countries of Southern Germany in the great
Prussian empire. Let Prussia, it is mid, take the north
and let Austria have the south, and the compensation for
Venetia will be as ample as the most loyal imperialist
can desire. A suggestion of this kind, the Daily News
considers, should never have been written by an English
pen. Because Prussia has fixed quarrels upon her
neighbours, first converting them into enemies, and
then seizing their territory, is Austria to turn
treacherously upon her friends, and reward them
for their support by confiscating their states ?
There are moreover other political obstacles which would
render such a plan impossible. If Prussia can hold the
ground she has taken up Austria will be virtually thrust
out of Germany. This is thoroughly understood at Vienna.,
and it is what Austria is straining every nerve to prevent.
The Tyrol and Italy could not locg be held after the con-
solidation of the new Prussian empire, which would
dominate South Germany from the Maine to the Inn. For
these reasons we hold it as certain that Austria will fight
to the uttermost to recover as much as possible of her old
authority. If she fails she will be ruined, and if she is
rained it will be principally through her possession of the
Quadrilateral

THE LATH GOTERIONLINT AND THEIR SUCCESSORS.
In reviewing the history of the late government the
Times points, without any intention of drawing invidious
comparisons, to two instances of conspicuous success in
the conduct of great departments—the administration of
the colonies by Mr. Cardwell, and the administration of
Ireland by Lord Kimberley. The settlement of the
Ashantee dispute—the termination of the New Zealand
war, brought about by insisting on the payment from the
Colonial Exchequer of 401. a year for each British soldier
after a certain date, which awoke a new sense of respon-
sibility on the part of the New Zealand legislature ; the
application of the same principle to Mauritius, Hong
Kong, and Ceylon, • ith due allowance for their claims
as crown colonies; the measures adopted for the defence
of Canada and for the establishment of • confederation
of the British North American provinces, which now pro-
mime to be carried into effect, and which Mr. Cardwell
always supported vigorously ; above all, the conclusions
which he arrived at in regard to the continuance of trans-
portation to Australia, the constitutional crisis in Victoria,
and the Jamaica difficulty, entitle him to great credit. It
is no slight evidence of success in the management of
affairs so complicated, that no act of the Colonial Beam

have retarded
ration, and he will leave to his successor the
comparatively easy task of following up his firm
but conciliatory policy. Whether the new viceroy,
whoever he may be, will prove equal to it, remains to be
proved. Lord Limberley and Mr. Fortescne have knetiii
bow to resist the demands of panic-stricken landlords as
well to crush treasonable plots, and, while giving no quarter
to Fenianism, have not shrunk from dealing with other
Irish questions. Mr. Foettecue has, 1:11 over, diitin-
guished himself by a successful attempt to bridge over the
wall gulf which has too long separated Ireland from Eng-
land, and which has made an Irishman in London as little
et
home as an Italian in Vienna. In another article the
rinses discusses the subject of the Reciprocity Treaty with
Canada, and praises Lord Clarendon for the ability
and discretion which he displayed in conducting the nego-
tiations with the United States. It is certainly with good
reason that her Majesty was reluctant to transfer to new
hands at a perilous crisis the management of relations so
successfully conducted. Lord Clarendon from his ex_
perienoe, his conciliatory disposition, and his reputation,
unites in a singular degree the conditions desirable in a
foreign secretary of the present day. Lord Clarendon's
successor may learn from his example that it is perfectly
possible to maintain not only the honour but the policy
of England without incurring odium or provoking resent-

went.
Mr. Gladetone's special illustration of the new code of
public honour which would consider any battle nobly won
in which honour only had been lost and not the baggage
waggons, is one which the Daily News would not willingly
let die because the hero of it is the hero of the new ad-
ministration, who, it is rumoured, is not only destined to
save the country from reform, but the Foreign-office from
Lord Malrnesbury. Lord Stanley, the safe man, it is said,
of the new cabinet, has reached the age at which the last
Lord Stanley was casting the liberal illusions of his early
manhood, and ripening into the reeotionist chief.
Lord Stanley is heralded by the Adialkunite orgasm
and by Mr. Lowe (who may be regarded as hit
spirituel acilaius, though not perhaps his colleague)
as the representative of a strong liberal element in the
coming administration. There was a time when the pre-
sent Lord Derby represented a strong liberal element in a
whig administration. No object can be gained in arguing
from a theory of hereditary transmission to the probe-
bilLy of a succession of liberal or tory states-
men in the house of Stanley. The duty of the
Daily News is simply to put honest liberals on their
guard against the " strong liberal element " to be
introduced into the new administration by Lord Stanley.
Lord Stanley will have Lord Cranborne as his colleague,
his foreign policy must be the policy of story govern.
ment, and every nation in Europe knows too well what a
tory foreign policy means when a re-settlement of Europe
is in question. It means abroad what it means at home—
distrust of the people tempered by fear--it means force
as against right, and privilege as against justice.
The Poe is of opinion that when the history of the
Russell-Gladstone administration comes to be written it will
be said of it klat the moat graceful act of its life was its
death. Nothing could be in better temper and taste than
the short speech in which Mr. Gladstone announced the
final decision of the government. After admitting the great
ability and e xperience of the members of the late government,
the Past says it cannot but feel regret that a ministry
so constituted should have coma to so untimely an end,
and that regret is increased by the reflection that
the occasion of it need not have existed at all, had Lord
Russell and Mr. Gladstone but refrained from pressing
upon colleagues who were certainly lukewarm, if not
adverse towards the subject, their determination to attack
the question of reform, or even if, having attacked it,
they could have had the generosity and justice to treat the
House of Commons with more franknem and consideration.
Lord Derby having been sent for by her Majesty, there is
no reasonable doubt that he will succeed in forming an
administration. The new administration will have the
advantage of coming into power at the fag-end• of the
session, and consequently may be considered as safe until
the meeting of parliament next year, when a trial of
strength may fairly and properly be made.
The Herald understands that Lord Derby has received
her Majesty's commands to attend her at Windsor to-day ;
that, if the sovereign requires it, ho will undertake the
task of forming an administration ; and that he has re-
ceived promises of support or co-operation from many men
who,however oonservativetheir opinions, have not hitherto
been enrolled among the members of the conservative
party. No man of sense can deny the competence of the
conservatives to carry on the government of the country,
or seriously contend that—the disputed merits of Mr.
Gladstone and Mr. Disraeli apart—the liberals have any
superiority either of statesmanship, eloquence, or admi-
nistrative ability. The constitutional liberals did not wish
to turn out the Russell ministry ; but they preferred turn-
.ng out that ministry to passing a reform bill which would
have transferred power from the landed interest and the
commercial and manufacturing classes to the small traders
and working men. But, having joined in turning out one
ministry, it is their manifest duty to support its successor.
The nearest approach to a Palmerston government now
conceivable is a conservative government, so formed as to
include the " new conservatives," who preserve the per-
sonal tradition and practical principles of Lord Palmer.
ston, that is, the very government which is expected in
a few days to be complete under the Premiership of Lord

Derby.
After enumerating the many important measures which
bad been introduced by the late minister, and the coml•
deration of which was delayed only in consequence of the
unfair opposition offered to the Reform Bill, the Telegraph
thinks that • Derby government means complications
abroad, discontent in the colonies, and disaffection in the
sister island ; while it would inevitably delay all those
great social reforms at home which ought not to be, but
are regarded with terror and aversion by the Derbyite
following. In another article the Telegraph denies that
Mr. Gladstone sacrifioed the Reform Bill on • question of
detail. The final decision in the House of Commons
might look like • mere piece of technicality, but
In troth it struck the bill at a vital point. With
regard to the final triumph of reform the
Telegraph has no doubts. The unenfranchieed classes
know that the Suffrage Bill has not been fairly overthrown,
but assassinated in the dark. The judgment of the country
is to the same effect ; and, though the ►nti-reformers have
pined a temporary advantage, a Nemesis as surely awaits
' them as it &svelte all who sacrifice truth and fair play for
the sake of immediate success.
The Star has no doubt that the people of England desire
reform, and their will must be embodied in law, whether
•Russell or a Stanley incorporates their behests into
statutes. The question is now narrowed down to a
straggle for a supremacy between the people of England
end the landed aristocracy of England. These two
forces have come into collision before now, and
the latter has invariably been defeated. It is
true the positions which were so gallantly defended by our
leaders have been taken—the liberal party has been com-
pelled to rearms the Mincio ; but a vigorous flank move-
ment by the soldiers of the people, so as to compel a re-
newal of the fight under more favourable auspices, will
nnquationably lead to victory. Let the watchword be
Reform and no prorogation."

certaino.

le bearer of a

anthotiming
him to form an Aninistration, and accompanied by the
meet gracfions asaurememi of her Majesty's listPiort ieW, at
theseme time, enggesting that Lord Derby would Probebly
desir to consult with his political friends before giving a
decisive *lower, and leaving him to name the day and hour
I at which he would wait upon her Majesty with his final
decision. In accordance with this suggestion, a meeting
lof about 20 of Lord Derby's chief supporter'l.4ll. be held
et his bowie in St. James's-square, at 11 o'clock this day,
immediately after which he will proceed to Windier to
lay before her Majesty the result of their conseltation.
(From the Morning Herald.)
In obedience to her Majesty's commands, the Rad of
Derby will proceed to Windsor this morning. In the
event at the duty of forming an administration devolving
upon his lordship, the responsibility will be accepted. We
are glad to be able to annoum that there will be few
difficulties in the way of the formation of a strong ministry;
and that Lord Derby has received asauranoea of general
support from many gentlemen not hitherto numbered
amongst his adherents. It is not unlikely that amongst
the members of the new administration there will be
found representatives of that more moderate section of
the liberal partyarhich contributed so largely to the re-
jection of the Reform Bill.
(From the Poet.) •
These is some reason to expect that some gentlemen
belonging to that section of tbe liberal party which was
more especially remarkable for its support of Lord Pal-
merston may be induced to co-operate with Lord Derby at
this crisis, and thus enable him to form government of
considerable power. We hero! that the noble earl has
already received many assaranoes of support, sad that Us
immediate followers have ,expreseed their moss to
waive all personal claims in order that his lordship may
be enabled to form his government upon as wide a basis
as possible. Any announcement as to names and offices
is obviously tremature, but we believe that the mention
of communications having taken place with Lord Lans-
downe is not wiliout foundation. • The name of Lord
Shaftesbury has also been mentioned.
(From the Telegraph.)
With a view to secure as broad a basis se possible, atepe
were taken to sound, not merely those professed members
of the liberal party whose names have been paraded in
most of the current reports, but one or two of Lord Rus-
sell's colleagues, whose acknowledged weight and ability
in council would have lent undeniable strength to the new
cabinet. As might have been expected, however, those
members of the late government innantly and decisively
declined the proferred alliance. It was understood, yes-
terday, that if the distinguished members of Lord Rus-
sell's cabinet had accepted, their adhesion would have been
regarded by Mr. Lowe as affording a sufficient warrant for
his taking office with the conservative premier. Among
the malcontents on the liberal side, some have honourably
abjured any active part in the proposed combinations.
On the other hand, a few are avowedly awaiting the offers
which are expected to follow Lord Derby's success

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