The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-07-17
The First Step In the New Reform Movement
In Grs MT Brltaln

From NlanChes
The first step in the new reform movement has
been taken. We say this, wltno4 any reference
to what may be the result of the Motion made by
Mr. Hume, on Tuesday night Our readers will
that after one nights discussion, during which
five speeches were made the debate was adjourn
ed till last night; and then. as obstacles nterven
ed, 1t was again adjourned till next Friday, the
government having consented to give up that night
to full discussion of the subject So far, the
question has fairly weighed anchor, and stood out
to sea and not the shadow of doubt crosses
minds but that it will ultimately reach Its des-
tined haven.
Abstaining from mere criticism on the motion,
or on the speeches by which 1t was supported or
opposed, (thls is done in the letter of private
correspondent,) may. here reiterate the general
principles which we advocate a reform
bill. These weibase on the existence of indispu-
table facts; aud having stated them, leave the mat
ter to the quiet consideration of all thoughtful,
earnest, practical minds.
1t is an indisPutabe fact, that a vast portion of
population are thoroughly dissatisfied with the
working of our egislature, and with the manage
ment OF the executive, as controlled by Railla-
ment. This is no ephemeral feeling--no transitory
belief. A great body OF our people are permanent
ly embued with the opinion, that government, as
carried on in this country, is far too expensive and
extravagant that taxation is at once heavy and
unequal that the constitution, in Church and
State, is charged to the full with absurdites,
alies and grievances; that In the practical work.
ing of that constitution, there is too frequently
one law for the churchman and another for the
QlSSenteI, one law IOr the ITCH ana announcer
poor; that, In short, with all the advantages which
can be pointed out, as compared with other coun-
,ries, England is governed by the privileged clas-
ses, as against the unprlvlleged and that the re-
suit is a state OF things with which thousands OF
those for whose use government ought to exist,
are thoroughly dissatisfied, and which they are de-
termlned to take the earliest opportunity of amend
ing; ,.c
tested, not merely by the chartist meetings which
have agtated the country but in the queter but far
more determined spirit which relgns IN thousands
who do not ally themselves with chartlsm. One
instance OF this came within our own personal OBJ
servation during the past week. A working man, of
remarkable intelligence, who is not chartlst who
does not ally himself with chartism, who repudia
altogether the foolish language OF so-caed leaders,
and would not resort to physical force, 1t 1t could be
avoided, declared, sobery, seriously, without heat
or passion, that he had gun and pike ready for
the coming outbreak, and that there were hundreds
OF OH his fellows similarly prepared Rem9nstrance
had to say, admitted Ethe force of your argu-
ments, but in reply to all dssuasIveness from ply
steal force, affirmed, with grim and resolute
tenance, that the day was now gone by for the re-
clamaon OF England, otherwise than by demon
stratlon OF pike and bayonet
Now, you may laugh at this-sneer at lt-pooh,
pooh it-and affirm ii to be dreadfully wrong, and
excessively mschievous All this was said and
done, without producing the slightest effect. Still
came back the argument that the middle classes
would not assist the working classes to obtain
their Just rights and privileges; and that nothing
remained Tor the toing, unenfranchlsed class, but
such display of force would procure them po-
litlcai emancipation, and, perhaps, something
more.
Wehave no apprehension that the working classes
would be able to overthrow the government by
force oil aims and we have repeatedly spoken in
strong terms respecting the folly and the wicked
ness OF these appeals to physical force, with
which the country has been recently affronted.-
But the existence of such a spirit amongst
large bodies of our fellow-subjects and fel-
low countrymen is grievous and a most
serious matter. Hundreds-we may safely say
thousands-who disapprove entirely of chartist
rhodomontade and extravaganza, and who do not
attend charti>t meetings, do yet so sympathise
with the objects sought, to have no hesitation in
affirming, that these objects must be attained any
how-by arms, II necessary. Depore the fact, and
censure the language, as much you please, but
still the fact remains; and however resolute we
may all be IN supporting public order, and IN re-
pressing insane insuIrection, 1t can give no plea
sure to qniet earnest men, to think that the British
constitution requires encampments, great guns
grape shot, bayonets, and constabes' slaves, to
preserve y from those who ought. to be the con-
tented children Of the commonwealth.
Have these men any right to be discontented!
They have; II is an indsputable fact, and cannot
be gainsaid. The whole government OF this coun-
try is carried on at a rate, and on scale OF ex-
pense, which practically excludes the idea of
woking-men. From the crown down to the
humblest government clerk, the notion involved
is that the art of government Is an aristocratic
business, belonging exclusively to noblemen and
gentlemen born. And though the church has
somewhat awakened to sense OF It's duties and
From the Archbishop Of Canterbury down to the