American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1855-06-07
The Democratic Movement In
EngIand--A Revolution.

fanaticism animated the yictors, English
and American history is siDgularly ex.
empt from those sanguinary tinted pages
that are to be found in the annals of other
nations. Not Of nomadic character, the
acquisition of territory was but the first
step to the planting of fixed population,
aVd the cultivation of the arts of peace.
Allowing for the bravery of this people,
the manners, customs and necessities that
made the spirit of the age for the time be-
ing, we repeat, the Anglo-Saxon race, and
its elements, is comparatively peaceful
race. tits eminently practical, not at all
imaginative; and even in its chivalrous
moods, it is sure to connect the substantial
fruit with the glory and brilliancy of the
fructifying sunshine.
Revolutions in England and the United
States. mean change Of sentiment as to
public measures, more than verdict on
administrative ability; sometimes they are
united. A fundamental changeis is seldom
seriously spoken of in either country, but
when il is, the difference in the forms OF
the two governments, make the differ
ence of the proposed movements, albeit
the results sought are virtually the
same.
We have already referred, in brief terms
recently to the outburst of democratic
spirit manifested in England, springing
from the short-sighted sagacity, bungling
and insufficient administrative
talent displayed in the Eastern war by the
hereditary rulersS of the realm. This
might pass for an irritable feeling-a mere
spasm of public sentiments warning to
those who are entrusted with power to look
more sharply to their duties, and as re-
buke to previous delinquencies. There is,
however, substantially embodied in these
popular demonstrations, by subsequent
proceedings in the British House of Lords,
and the speech Of the Earl of marlborough.
on his motion of want of confidence in the
Government, which says that an intelli-
gent popular opinion now leads, or seeks
to lead Parliament, when Parliamentsh should,
in fact, lead public opinion, thus pushing
aside the highest authority known to the
constitution. This is the way every where
now; for if the Government is sluggish
and stagnant, an intelligent people will
move on without it. Such has been the
case several times in this country, within
out own knowledge, and is especially true
Of the U. S. Senate.
The only way to preserve order and sub
ordination is for the powers that be, to put
at the head of, and so direct
popular feeling; for the people really care
less about being governed by others, than
for being governed properly.
Lord Ellenborough uttered these words.
remarkable as spoken by member of the
British House OF Lords: Il have not been
of the events which have TAX
an place in this country during a very con
siderable period Of time, and have con
versed with many whohave equally regard
I'd these events with vigiant observation,
md it is certainly in accordance with nv
observation and that of others, that very
great, and, as | think, a very dangerous
;hange has come over the practice of the
constitution. The time was when speeches
n Parliament directed public opinion
Public opinion is now more generally
ormed out of doors, and being there form
I'd, acts on the conduct of Parliament.
"l look with great apprehension to the
tate of things in which persons, however
lble, yet wholly irresponsible possess pow
n greater, perhaps, than that of Parlia-
nent--a state of things in which gentle
men of the platform influence more than
.entlemen of the House of Parliament. This
tate olthings has been growing up in this
ountry. know the Importance of en-
leavoring 10 direct it.
IT appears to me that public opinion, if
may SO express myself, resembles great
iver between two dykes. The waters
ise gradually, slowly, imperceptibly, and
without danger, apparently, in the eyes of
hose unaccustomed to their progress; but
I last they swell to such hight that they
vertop and destroy the dyke, and pour
ng down on the plain, ,desolate everything
efore them. The same waters, however,
distributed by prudent and judicious
Management, would fertilize and beautify
he land
"It is with the conviction that it is es-
ential to the good working of the con-
Iitution that Parliament should direct, as
'r as possible, public opinion, that make
MS motion; and make it for the purpose
{ enabling your lordship to place this
louise in the front of the people.
"My lords, how can we, sitting here by
,e hereditary right conferred, for the most
art, upon our ancestors, for their services
, the state, for their fitness for public en-
loyment, how can we refuse to adopt that
1t is the principle of our own
rigin (cheers). 1t was because my faith
r was a great lawyer, not because he was
party man, that he was elected as Chief
ustice.
"He had no family, no connections; he
rose altogether by his fitness. 1t was
OF favor, it was fitness that made Mr..
'orke chancellor and earl. 1t was not