The Express.
London, England, 1866-05-08 00:00:00

roughs already represented, leadiiir* &die:
cent tow= of greater
en; ;w •
have not hitherto been
wrong of past exclusion is a poet plea
making that exclusion perpetual. If edditio
Members were required for boroughs newly ad-
mitted on this principle, the course which he has
taken would be explicable. But the method of
grouping avoids thiii difficulty. Taking, for
example, the Cornish group of boroughs,
why should Penzance with over ten thousand
inhabitants, not be admittedl into association with
Bodmin, Liakeard, and Launceston, each of which
contains a far smaller population / In Essex,
Maldon and Harwich are grouped, and Stratford,
which has a population equal to both of these
places taken together, is left out. The Wiltshire
borough of Westbury is associated with the com-
paratively distant city of Wells, in Somersetshire ;
the town of Trowbridge, which:is close to West-
bury, and has a population nearly equal to that
of Westbury and Wells taken together, is left out.
In Yorkshire, Ripon, Knareaborough, and Think
are un' ted into one group ; Richmond and
Northallerton into another ; while the three towns
of Doncaster, Barnsley, and Keighley, each of
which has a population double that of the largest
of the other five, are left without representation.
If we turn to the eight boroughs, having a popu-
lation of less than eight thousand each, whose
geographical position Mr. GiAnwrouz stated to be
such as to defy grouping, and which therefore keep
each its separate representative, the same caprice
is apparent. Bridgnorth, for example, might natu-
rally have been grouped with Ludlow and Leo-
minster, and Stafford with Lichfield, without
going beyond the distances which the Government
in other cases has allowed itself. In England and
Wales there are more than thirty towns with popu-
lations varying between eight and eighteen thousand
inhabitants, which the Ministerial scheme still
leaves unrepresented, while it preserves their mem-
bers, or a share in their members, to Arundel and
Caine. The Government appears to have deprived
itself of one of the chief advantages of the group-
ing plan—that of bringing into the system of
borough representation, without violence, all the
considerable unenfranchised towns. This is an

error of detail which ought to be, and we trust
will be, corrected in Committee. It is the less
explicable, because in the Irish Bill the principle
of enlarging small borough constituencies by the
addition to them of unrepresented towns has been
adopted.
A minuter examination than we have as yet
been able to bestow will probably diaciose many
o;:her questionable arrangements and desirable
amendments. But after all deductions are made,
the measure, even in its present shape, effects
substantial improvements ; and will receive the
support of all Reformers who do not make the best
the fatal opponent of the good, and the formidable
ally of what is evil.
OUR CONTEMPORARIES.

(THIS DAY.)

THE RETHSTRTBUTION OR ALAI'S BILLS.

The Times warmly approves of the bill introduced
last night by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, desci:b-
pig it as being so simple in its conception, so practical in
its details, and so just in its principles, that one can but
ask with wonder why it was not introduced before, and why
such false strategy should have been adopted as to have
delayed the scheme until it is doubtful whether
the measure can be passed before parliament is prorogued.
It would, however, have been an obvious improvement if
, other small towns not now represented at all had been
, added to the groups which are formed by the bill, and the
number of small boroughs dealt with might perhaps have
I been increased with advantage ; but the scheme is fair
and moderate, and in disposing of the seats obtained fur
distribution by the first part of the scheme the claims of
the counties and of the great centres of industry have
been impartially considered. As to the disposal of the
question by parliament, the Times hopes that the
Redistribution Bill will pass the second reading
without any very prolonged discussion, and then that the
house will go into committee on both bills at the same
time and fuse them together. Whether it will be possible
to pass the composite measure thus formed this session,
must depend very much on the good sense of individual
members and the sagacity of the leaders on both sides, but
especially of the opposition. The latter have now the
opportunity of laying at rest the spirit of reform,
and that under the most favourable conditions,
if they will only resist the temptation of snatch-
ing a temporary triumph over their opponents.
The Irish and Scotch Reform Bills also appear to the
Times, on the whole, as reasonable and moderate as can be
expected. Flaws may, perhaps, be discovered in both on
closer examination, and the vigilance of the opposition
will, no doubt, be fully roused during the present week.
But if they show political good sense they will not repel
measures which bear so plainly the stamp of moderation
and compromise. . .

The Doll!, News, premising that the measure even in its
present shape effects substantial improvements, compli-
ments General Peel for having last night onoe more blown
into the air, by his courageous opposition to all reform,
all that elaborate and skilful machination of dilatory pre-
texts which was so derogatory to the honour and character
of parliament. Mr. Gladstone's temper and manner last
evening were pacific and forbearing to a fault, but the
scene that followed his statement proves convincingly
that what the opposition really mean is that no Reform
Bill or Bills shall be made law during this session, but
that for the purpose of upsetting the government and
taking their places one Reform Bill is as good or as bad as
another, and two bills probably better than one. This
white squall of faction is at least wholesome. It clears
the air. This return to the good old fashion of a party
fisht simplifies the situation ; and unless more prudent
counsels should prevail in the opposition camp during the
next few days, " advanced" reformers will be deep in
debt to the advanced tones, who, being politely re-
quested to move on, have wisely resolved to stand still—
and be ran over.
The Pod is sure that Lord Palmerston, had he intro-
duced a reform bill, would have done so with a greater
dignity, and have produced a more carefully-constructed
measure than that which has been brought forward by the
present government. What is of more importuice to the
people than any reform is that we should possess a stronger
government—one more united in their policy and still
more in their convictions.
The Herald allows that the disfranchising clauses arc as

mild u could be expected from a liberal ministry,
acting under the influence of Mr. Bright. To transfer
seven seats, however, to Scotland is offensive to English
feeling, and will be more unpopular even in the house than
in the country. In agreeing to let the Redistribution Bill
be read a second time before attempting to carry tLo Fran-
chise Bill a step further Lord Grosvenor is made completely
victorious. The only difference is, that to reach this point
the ministry has been virtually beaten, the liberal party
broken up, • bitter quarrel excited by words of reckless
abuse and groundless insult, and Mr. Gladstone's utter un-
fitness to lead the Rouse of Commons placed beyond all
manner of doubt.

Look which way they will, the Tdegraph says, there is
no cover now for the supporters of Lord Grosvenor'a
amendment. Amendments are exhausted, the great
principle of franchise extension is affirmed, and their
last hope—their cherished refuge—the trust of fiuding
the second part of the government scheme too sub-
versive—has vanished. The government has been
so far successful, because apart from the intrinsic
merit of its policy, it has exercised the simple charm
of sincerity. The ministers are thoroughly in earnest
about passing p just and progressive Reform Bill ;
not a revolutionary bill, but a real bill ; and their
earnestness has brought them out into their present
admirable position in a parliament, at the best,
but sulkily honest. By a plan so reasonable and practical
as the present they complete the strength of their position;
for the country will cordially accept the whole bill, and it
will act accept any more shilly-shally amendments.

EXPRESS, TUES

unlit totabir, ,•
the
.... 4of 49 new siats.c26heemhel be dim,
(*unit* amid hardlulditar fail re,.
cation prevailed, to excite very grave cusp' ;lir
baby very determined opposition from the ral party.
Not only are constituencies grouped which ought to have
been annihilated, but groups receive two members which
ought without hesitation to have been pensioned of with
one. Such gingerly measures is these would not have
sufficed bad not compromise been carried to the verge of
weskiesa.

directly

,4tiand

I,pa t,

tween Prussia and Saxony with regard to the arms- I
meat of the latter state. The Debate praises Herr
von Bet*, the Saxon Minister, for the ability
which he has displayed in defending the position of
Saxony, and for entrenching himself on legal and
constitutional grounds by referring the dispute to
the Federal Diet. In the opinion of the hide-
pendance the question of peace or war will arise
upon its decision, which will probably be given
before the end of the present week.
Meanwhile the preparations for war continue on all
sides, and the armed forces are gradually approach-

ing one another.
Accounts from Stuttgardt state that the measures
for placing the army of Wurtemburg on a war foot-
ing are advancing rapidly. The forces consist of
18,500 infantry and 4,800 cavalry, besides artillery
and engineers. The contingents assemble at Lud-
wigsburg, in the circle of the Neckar, at nine
miles from the capital, and which town is the great
military station of the kingdom. The levy of
troops is taking place regularly, and all the young
men respond readily to the call.
A despatch from Coblentz of the 7tll says :
" The general commanding the Bth Prussian corps
d'armee announces that the mobilisation of that
force has just been ordered by the government.
The men absent on leave are to present them-
selves immediately to the proper authorities in
the Rhenish provinces."
A communication from Dresden of the 3rd gives
the following intelligence:
The carps of troops which the Prussian government has
just ordered to be formed at Wittenberg will consist at first
of 50,000 men. It is to be commanded by Prince Frederick
Charles, who has already appointed his staff, and
apartments are being prepared for him in the old
electoral palace. Wittenberg forms part of the province
of Saxony, and of the district of Meraeburg. It is a forti-
fied town of the first class, where the Pr assian army has all
its depots of artillery and the greater part of its
military stores. The above-named province was de-
tached by the Treaty of 1814 from the kingdom of
Saxony, and given to Prussia. By this possession
the latter touches on the kingdom of Saxony on
the north-east, which is directly threatened by the concen-
tration of troops in question. Should war ensue, the
Prussian army would only have to cross the frontier to
march on Dresden. If the conflict be postponed, this army
will remain concentrated at Wittenberg until the de-
finitive arrangement of pending difficulties. The Prue.
elan engineers have already commenced the works
of appropriation ; they have taken possession of
the suburb of Neu-Wittenberg, to prepare lodgings
and magazines for the troops, and they are also con-
structing a the-de-pont on the left bank of the Elbe, which
river flows through the town and gives it great strategical
importance. The King of Saxony watches all these events
with great coolness and resolution ; he has no thought of
leaving his kingdom to seek refuge abroad, as certain Ger-
man journals have stated. On the contrary, he has an-
nounced his intention of placing himself at the head of his
army with his brother Frederick Augustus, Prince-Royal.
The New Free Press of Vienna, after referring to
the strategic advantage which the possession of
Dresden and the defiles of Saxony gave to Napoleon
in 1813, says:
If Austria would avoid a long struggle for the possession
of the passes which lead to the plains of Prussia, if she
would not lose the advantage of catching her enemy in his
own country, and on unfavourable ground, she ought above
all things to ►fford a solid point d'appui to the Saxon army
at the first approach of danger in order to secure Dresden,

and the defiles which command the main road and the
valley of the Elbe. The undertaking is more diplomatic
than strategic in its nature, because the point is to arrive
in time on the spot, and at the same time to avoid the
appearance of an aggression."
The Austrian Gazette says that Prussia is pur-
chasing horses on a large scale in Russia and the
Danubian Principalities, and that her agents are
afforded every facility by the Russian authorities,
while every impediment is thrown in the way of the
agents of Austria.
A letter from Berlin, of May 4, to the Frankfurt
Journal, says :
The " sword and blood " policy bits completely tri-
umphed in the Council of War, which was held here yes-
terday. The entire Prussian army, with the excep-
tion of the divisions in the Rhenish province and
Westphalia, is placed on a war footing. The
Brandenburg corps will, it is said, be marched into Silesia
and Saxony. The young Guards who made their first
essay in the Danish war will, with • portion of the troops
in Pomerania, remain in Berlin as • reserve force. It
would be quite an error to suppose that the policy of
Von Bismarck is now opposed by the court. If
that policy has hitherto met with. obstacles from
various influences that will not be the case from to-mor
row. The King has entirely approved of the plans pro-
posed by his minister in yesterday's council.
The correspondent of the Debats in Rome says
that all parties there are in favour of war—the cle-
rical, because they hope to regain what they have
lost—the liberal party because they expect freedom,
and because they think they cannot be worse off
than they are at present.
The Gazette dim Midi of Marseilles says that 500
Italians, forming part of the reserve force on leave,
left Marseilles during the course of last week to
join their respective regiments. It adds that the
French soldiers on leave have also received orders
to join their corps.
The Moniteer says :—" Despatches and tele-
grams arriving from Germany and Italy announce
movements of troops which seem to have for their
object the concentration of corps d'armee upon
various points.
The _4renir National says that Russia is arming
on a vast scale, and will have a formidable army
ready in a few days .
The same journal has the following from Berlin :
On Friday, the 4th of May, • telegram in cypher was
received from Baron Werther, the Prussian Minister at
Vienna, announcing that Austria refused to comply with
the demand for disarmament made in the last Prue/flan
note. A ministerial council was immediately convened
over which the King presided, the Prince Royal being also
present. Herr von Bismarck proposed that an order
should be issued for the immediate mobilimtion of the
four new corps d'armi":e—in other words to complete the
Kriegsbereitarhaft !(the) readiness for war). The King
said that before taking so serious a step which might lead
to a declaration of war, it was desirable to wait 36 hours
for the official delivery of the Austrian reply. Von Bis-
marck offered some objections, but the King's view
naturally prevailed. It was • short respite, adds the
Artnir, and the time allowed lapsed on last Sunday.
The Turin Gazette of tho sth says :
The first corps d'armde, laving its headquarters at
Lodi, will be commanded by General Durando ; the second,
having it headquarters at Cremona, will be under the
orders of General Cucchiari ; the third, having its
headquarters at Placentia, will be commanded by
CI •neral Rocca; and the fourth, having it head-
quarters at Bologna, will • be under Cialdini•
These four corps will be composed of 16 active division
under the orders of Lieutenant-Generals Bixio, Brismone,
Ca torus, Casanova, Cerale, Ghisbren, Cosenx, Cugia,
Govine, Medici, Mezzacapo, Misname PianeM, Prince
Humbert, Ricotti, and Sirtori. General Senna: will com-
mand a division of reserve cavalry. Admiral Persano will
have the command of the fleet, Vice-Admirals Amio,
Albini, and Vacc• acting under him.

THE LATE ATTEMPT ON THE CZAR'S
LIFE.

The St. Petersburg journals say that the investi-
gation into the attempt on the Csar's life has
shown that it was not the act of a wild and
einee enthusiast, but the result of F oonapiraey,

DAY 9
G MAY 8,
3. 1. T. TELLIGEN
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