Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-08-18
F0R EHGN.
From the National Gazette.

The author of the lotter from which we ma Ike
the following extract, is distinguished American
gentleman, who possesses the best opportunities
of observation.
"LoNDoN, July 5, 1881.
1.-The political scene in this country is of the
most intense interest. The ENGLAND that you and
knew, twenty years ago, IL rapidly passing away.
The question Of Reform certainly involves reroL,,
ton not less important that that of I6SS. But as
the British constitution contains no provision for
It's periodical revision, and ruCular scheme for
gradually adapting the representation to the
changes in the wealth, population and intelligence
OF the country, it's lee-way can only be brought
up by some such sweeping amendment as that
now proposed. This is what SIR ]. Macintosh
calls, "pHylng up the arrears of the Constitu-
tion,"-in his speech OF last night which
had the pleasure of hearing. Par parenfhesc
may say that Sir James himself, like the constitu
ton, is in the wanc, although he strikes out &C.
casionally flashes indicative Of his pristine vror
His talk" you will, however perceive, is as rich
ever in historical ustration-and think he con-
clusyely answered the objections urged on the other
do, drawn from the historical analogies and anti
quities of tho Constitution. Nor do / apprehend
violent disturbance in tho balance of tho Constitu
ton, as described by theoretical writers, and it
iooTSs In practice. On the contrary, tho measure
or come such measure, has become Indispensable
in order to correct actual disturbance in it's
movements which has gradually taken place since
the revolution. This can no longer be done by the
exercise of the regal prerogative of pranting or
withholding writs OF summons as practised unJe
the Tudors and Stuaris. That some Reform il
necessary, nobody donies. / say nob9dy because
the Duke of Wellmington's declaration in the late
Parliament, that he toOuLd consent to no Reform is
universally considered made in net and not
expressing the deliberate opinion Of himself and
friend,. How differently he acfrd on the Catholic
question! Had lac shewn as much tact in that Of
Reform, he might not only have been Minister nj
this day, but by conserving TO transfer the francige
OF East RetfOrd md Cation to the great TOWING Of
Manchester and Birmingham, and so on Of other
boroughs, as they became from time to time con-
ricf ofincurable corruption, he might have STAYED
oil the general question ofEwecpng Reform pcrhaps
during his lifetime. But "there's n tide in the az
fairs Of men" and empires. Inc necessity Of gene
raj reformation has been, as il WERE forced upon the
present Ministry, by the avowaI Of the late Minis.
try that they could not carry on the Government
without Reform, and were unwilling TO set them
7clvcs about the duty ofReformaton the necessity
Of which, TO extent At least, they now admit !
either expressly by the course Of their arru /
ncnts. This seems to lead irresisibY TO the infe
renee that the Lords will not venture 10 throw ont
lac Bill Thry will rather amend it by what Dp
;a!l notwithstanding out tho cnactnr clause
md inserting their own plan Of Rcform-whatcy !
'r 1t may be. By this course, they must however
'hanGon to their advcrsarcs the vantage ground of
'Cumcnt. But think you will be convinced that
hey must ts inevitably driven to this hard neces-
lty- when you reflect that not more than about
hirty peers have any direct personal interest in
nc question as pToprietors Of nomination DO
oughs, whilst al the rest have The same interest
. the expected benefits Of Reform with the
'st Of their coau,rypen. But should tho
'ords, contrary 70 ali expectation, manifest die
'si'en ultimately 70 reject thc BIZ heic oSul