The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-27
AMERICAN AFFAIRS IN EUROPE.
The Effect of Mr. InCersoll,s speco,,as,

n. g.
The same impression Of the Times which presented
to the public report of the menacng debate in the
American Senate on the relations between Great
Britain and the United States, brought TO this bane
an ample antidote in the report of the speeches
made at the dinner given by the American Chamber
of Commerce, at Liverpool, to the new American
minister, Mr.. ingersoll. If any doubts thu. COM
merca is the great pacificator OF nations let him
compare the speeches of statesmen and merchants
on the same topic, and he will that those
who speak the language of hostility and dis
union are fcebly attempting to counteract the
irresistible tendencies which force us to friend
ship and harmony. 1t is only justice to Lord
Derby to say that on this festive occasion
he shone with all his wonted brilliancy lie has re-
gained his good humor, and with his good humor
his eloquence, his clear sparkling style, and his
happy and pointed method Of exposition. These
qualities had been somewhat obscured during the
late and stormer days Of his administration, and it
is pleasant to see him come forth oncs more tram
melled by official reserve or mystus,tion clouded
by no ll.humor, and distorted by angry or mar
row prejudices. BY way we presume, of erecting
the first dyke against the coming denge, Lord Derby
seized the opportunity OF banquet to the repre-
sentative OF nation where hereditary titles and dis
tnctions are unknown, TO pronounce an eloquent
vindcatioh OF the institution of an hereditary peer
age. No topic at first sight could appear more ILL
chosen for the audience end the occasion. Yet
even this difficulty the art of the consummate
orator easily surmounted, and he defended our he
reditay peerage as to make 1T appear no less COM
pIiment 20 the American constitution than to our
own. The thesis with which Lord Derby started
was, that there is in the mind of the AngloSaxon
just and moderate spirit which abhors all ex-
tremes, finds moderation even in victory and never
forgets the necessity of check even when most
tempted 10 riot This thesis he illustrated by the
converse yet corresponding cases of England and
America. America, by great popular movement,
having torn herself loose from the control OF the
ther country, carried by a natural tendency to-
wardsthe unchecked extreme OF unbrdlcd democracy.
Ieteven in the very moment Of triumphant exulta6on
did this wise and iar-sighted people remember the
found that copnterpoise not in the institution of
arstocracy, FROM which the position OF affairs
utterly abhorent, nor in any futile attempt to set up
democratic power OF the State against another,
but by calling into existence real and vital prnci
pe-that Of federal union personifed in the Ameri-
can Senate, which, though in itself neither arsto-
cratic nor democratic, has served rs experience
proves, as substitute for the former and curb
upon the latter. In similar spirit England start
ing from tyrannical monarchy and naughty aris-
tocracy, has introduced and cherished the popular
element till she has gradually brought the monarchy
within the law ana the aristocfacy within the COM
pass of reason justice, and sound policy. Thrown
by different circumstances into contrary extremes,
the good sense Of the nation has known how to
qualify and moderate these extremes so as to retain
the beneficial while excluding the hurttu element.
Having thus happily introduced his subject by q
ust and graceful compliment to the leaders Of those
revolted American colonies, whom. had he lived in
those days, be would have been the first TO de-
nounce as rebels and brand traitors, Lord Derby
proceeds TO eXpatiate on the peculiar and popular
rerts Of the English aristocracy. Passing rapidly
the less safe ground of hereditary legislation,
he shows, with much force and justice the peculiar
advantages which render the House OF Lords prac-
tcally fer better instrument for legislation and
discussion than the theoretical defects Of its
sructon would lead any one 60 suppose. The
eldest sons OF peers possess, as Lord Derby truly
remarks, in the House Of Commons and in the
representation Of popular constituencies, an ad-
mirable training for the duties they are destined
to perform and the efficiency of the House Is con-
tnuay kept up by draughts OF talent drawn from
the leading men Of the day. There is no lack of
ability or OF industry seekif or longing for employ
ment in the House OF Peers. When they do think
IL worth thier while TO debate anything their tone is
HIGHER and thier preparation is much careful
and elaborate than in the House of Commons; and
their manner of trarsacting private business when
ever they can be induced to give their minds to the
labor is extremely creditablc. The defect which
Lord Derby did not notice, and which seems likely
TO deprive institution possessing oil these excel
lent qualities of permanence and stability, is the
aristocratic laneuor and indifference with which the
important duties Of legislation regarded by their
hereditary repositories. Did the House Of Lords
make 1t their habit TO meet in large numbers, and
devote all their available talent to the full and free
discussion OF every important question which comes
before them they would, even in these democratic
days, exercise influence over the destnies oil tie
country great the proudest scion OF the here
ditary nobility could desire. How many useful mea-
sures might they onginate-how many solid amt
practical reforms might they mature? II only 90.
pends on themselves 10 make the possession og
pecrage instead of an honorable retirement from
political strife On opportunity of exercising tho