The Sun.
London, England, 1867-05-15 00:00:00

Mr. Walpole's Dilemma.

Last Saturday and Sunday were anxious days in
the city of London Walls were placarded with pro-
clamations, announcing the intention :of the Mini-
ster for home affairs to prevent the Reformers from
meeting in Ily-de Park. By the side of each procla-
mation a paper was affixed, stating that ED.moND
BEALES, Esq., M.A., would take the chair at half-
past six p.m., and calling on the men of London
to maintain their rights, and to assemble in their
thousands. The. people on their way to church
beheld every spot placarded with calls for special
constables. It was known that troops had been
ordered up to London, that batteries of artillery
were in readiness at Woolwich, and brigades of
Infantry at Aldershot. Towards evening it was
rumoured at the clubs that the Government had
given in, and Mr. WALrLoLE had resigned. Most
men rejected the tale as utterly incredible. Next
morning the Times confirmed the first statement,
and yesterday confirmed the last. Mr. WAL-
POLE succeeded in making everybody uncomfor-
table, except the roughs, who were charmed
at the anticipation of a jolly good row. The
Reform leaders had the unpleasant prospect before
them of being the centre of a free fight ; each leader
the bone of a contention—the Police hauling one
way, King Mob the other. Mr. BEALES and his
gallant lieutenant, Colonel DICKSON, if able
to move at all, anticipated having to return in a
nude state down Oxford-street or Piccadilly. It
was more than probable, indeed, that their legs
and arms would have- been drawn out of the
sockets. All kinds of influences were brought to
bear on these gentlemen. Anonymous letters were
written, urgent business was invented, threats were
held out, and the fears of their lady relations ex-
cited. The Reform leaders, notwithstanding, stood
gallantly to their colours, and the result was a
sort of Sadowa triumph. Though the greatest
strain was on the prominent Reformers, as it
ought to have been, for they were the authors
of the dilemma, the uncomfortable feeling cm-
braced a very wide range. There were the
police, against whom the heathen were sure to
rage ; there were the soldiers, who cordially detest
such employment, which can work nothing but ruin
to them ; there were the housliollers in the neigh-
bourhood of the Park, and generally over London,
who could not tell to what lengths the anticipated
riot would be carried ; there was Mr. WALPOLE,
waiting anxiously
for the longed-for intelligence
that the Reformers had given. in, a desirp in which
the Ministry generally strongly participated. The
Home Secretary was like the boy who does not like
to fight, but hopes by bounce to frighten his oppo-
nent, takes off his coat, tucks up his sleeves, and
then goes blubbering off, whet), the attitude of his
enemy leaves him no other alternative he is willing
to accept. The bickers of the boy who acts thus
feel a little natural indignation. It is in vain for
the youngster to moralise after such preparation on
the sin of fighting. He stands convicted of
imposture and want of courage. It is thus that
the Conservatives regarded the conduct of their
Minister, although, if narrowly examined, his
policy was not so bad. If he could have frightened.
the Reformers he would have gained a great
triumph ; if he failed in daunting the League his
best course was to let them meet—as he did. This
is proved by the result. He was mistaken in sup-
posing he could frighten them—at least, to such an
extent that the discredit which has fallen upon him
should have fallen upon them, but he was un-
doubtedly right in stopping short where he did. In
fact, he had no other course, for had he dyed the
green grass of the park with the blood of the
people his case would have been as illegal and more
dangerous than that of Mr. EYRE. Why, then, it
may be asked, did he assume such a position ? Ile
may have taken the chance of sacrificing himself for
the good of his party, anticipating Mr. BEALES'S
course from his own feelings. Had he been Mr.
BEALES he would have given way, in which
case the Government would have triumphed,
and passed the Act relating to these meetings now
before Parliament. The English hate humbug and
andrdeczption.,they therefore condemn Mr. WAL-
oE. They
he
judge
udge
of every measure by success,
and as his scheme proved a total failure, they feel
little inclination to consider the chancesin its
favour. If " all's well that ends well," and no one
has suffered except Mr. WALPOLE, this episode may
be forgotten. It was a triumph for the Reformers,
which they have enjoyed. It showed the truth of
people when assembled would act peace-
what
they have always contended, that, if undis-
turbed, the
ably and orderly. Although the 7 imes may sneer
in reporting their declaration " that they are the
enemies of violence" and " the upholders of the
ler," so long as their violence is confined to their
w
gei no one has a right to complain. The
triumph affair is theirs, and it almost wholly
the peaceful and good-tempered dispo-
cotnmi language
ihg in un a
th
dispo-
sition they have shown. Mr. WALPOLE has made
a graceful amende to his party by withdrawing from
the Cabinet ; and although not strong enough for a
Minister in difficult times, being a man of sterling
worthgio .
ihin 1
erew iicl la
nl
hues.
berespected as a private citizen.—
An