The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-06-12
Communications.
ron THE M.DIsosIAs.
BRITISH AND AMERICAN WIGS.

BRITISH AND AMERICAN v HlGS'
Ma ALLEs;-I notice. this morning briei ed''o-
rial in your paper the parallel positie OF nn"s"
and American Wings. There is muct soiee :" INC
suggestion thrown Idesire to add "o'' - '"o
The British Wings, alias Reformers came 'n'o
power on the accession of William the Fourth, win
lust ubout the same degree Of popularity as has cha
.c,.r;zsd The accession of the American Wings, I'M
der the banner OF Harrison and Tyler, ten years sub
.eonent 10 the former event In both countries the
Whius obtained signal victory over the Tories, I'M
der promise Of reform.
King William having declared himself in favor OF
reform called Earl Grey to his aid, who constituted
Wing or Reform Government, under whose auspices
the famed AID much bruited Reform Bill was brought
forward and passed. This was intended and under
stood to be platform on which the new Government
expected to fabric of legislation adapted
the of the British Empire, under which the
people might realize the blessings they we've hoping
Tor by gradual but substantial and thorough reform
But the Wings did no, go ahead in reform the
people disappointed from year TO year. and the
consequence has BEEN that the Tories have gradually
regained public confidence, and the Wing Ministry is
threatened With overthrow The Wings came
into power with tide Of popular favor not less strong
than that which has returned the present Congre of
the United States and installed the present Admins
traon in their places; and yet if the present British
Pariianar, haa ha.n ai~sai,a ~;,ho", Proposition
from the Wing Ministry TO abolish the Corn Laws,
the Tories would have come back power with a
majority Overwhelming that which appeared in
favor of the Wings ten years ago, And it is even
doubtful, you have suggested, whether this lure
heId onf ~ HI aof
return of public confidence to the Wings. Having
been disappointed for ten years, the danger is, that
they will look upon this promise a deceptive bait
and rejectit
There is also violence in this propostion-or
what will be regarded as such in the British mind
10 which the Wing Ministry has unfortunately been
compelled, in consequence Of not having done their
duty before. The abolition Of the Corn Laws would
annhilate, at a single stroke, one-ihird, less
of the landed property of Great Britain.
IL is true, that this would be in favor Of the great
body of the people and give the poor the amount
Of bread fol one penny which they give two fol-
II would also be great relief TO the manufacturing
towns and to manufacturing interests throughout the
empire. But the rights of property, in England par
ticuIarIy held sacred. This great shock ofpublc
sentiment TO be occasoned by the entire abolition of
the Corn Laws at stroke, nigh have been avoid
ed by gradual reform of those laws, with view to
ultimate abolition. But now there is no way for the
Wings to retain power, but by fell swoop over
such an immense amount Of property for its utter
hation, SO far respects the rights Of the present
holders If the British Wings had done their duty
IN time they would have been compelled to such
measure which is mere stroke of policy for them
selves, and may disappoint them altogether
If the Tories should return to power at this time,
there can be little doubt that they will retain it for
quarter, perhaps for halfa century.
agree with you, sir, that this piece of history in
our fatherland is iorcibly instructive for the Wings
of this country. The two so exactly psraI
lei, that there be mistake in the lesson present
ed If the American Wings, now in power, will do
the work prescribed by the movement of 1910, the
people will sustain them And they must begin il
quickly, and with energy fthey wish to retain public
confidence. The American people will not give them
ten years probation, the English did the Wing
Ministry. They will not give one year. They will
allow them only this Extra Session Of Congress. :
Their work must be done now or be adjourned 10 a
future cycle Of our history.
LooKER-oN-IN VIENNA