The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-02-24
LORD ELGINps ATTACK uPoS AMERICAN INsTf-
TUTG0NS.

visit Of Lord Elgin the special representative Of the
English government in settling the preliminares Of the
reciprocity treaty This made douby interest
ing because Il brought into st closer communion with
neghboriag people kindred to in language interests
sympathies and hopes and because also removed an
obstacle which threatened 10 interrupt friendly rea
tons with The home, well the colonial govern
meat Lord Egin, gentleman who, IN his eapaoi-
y Of governor-general o. Canada had visited north
ern cities and had been there received with disa-
guished honors by all classes Of eur sountrymen
sent to Washington by his monarch as the accept
able parsonage arrange that important convention.
To say that he wen received by President Pierce aud
his cabinet would hardly express the warmth and the
distinction that marked his welcome TO the national
capital IL not alone the high duty conhded 10 him
that commended him TO confidence and regard II was
Of his supposed character upright liberal and
we-bred gentleman that gave his visit charm that does
always attend upon the advent OF foreign ambassadors
The treaty far il could be agreed upon by the repre-
senatives Of the powers contaminated and Lord
Egu passed his way rejoicing eager for the smiles and
the rewards of his sovereign Before he left shores he
became almost national guest and wherever he went he
spoke nothing but peace and praise OF dur people and
their public Tie did hesitate his arrival at
Liverpool TO give almost undue prominence to the value Of
kind relations among civilized nations and at the risk Of
offending the martial spirit Of the English people reused
il then TO the highest pitch Of patriotism he drew
contrast between a nation like the United States peace
with all mankind and those who wasting their sub
stance on the field Of battle We copy the following pas
| sage from his speech at Liverpool
Gentlemen can only say that appears that,
although of course should be the last person say single
word that could imply inadequate appreciation Of the ad
vanages of national independence, STILL If might venture
upon such paradox might say that in these days the
greatest beneacors OF mankind those who teach the
tons and people of the earth that they mutually de-
pendent and that member of that mighty aggregate
which constitutes the body corporate Of nations suffer
| unless the others suffer with it,"
Returning in this temper his native shores what will
readers think of the following from speech
which Lord Egin made few weeks ago Dunerline in
Scotland in which he undertakes show the advantages
of the English government American institutions;
But what would have been the Of
ica2 Why, there President who elected
with greater appearance of popular support than the
President of the United States and say that
there administration which seemed be
utterly dscreded among all parties than the present admin
traton in the United States but you will observe that
der the American system they sadded with that gentle
for four years and defy them to get rid Of him his
mners if he chooses to keep them Now have in this
country That privilege which in social life is only supposed
be enjoyed by the ladies' and not quite that that
privilege is not restricted the ladies of Aberdeen[a
laughlwe have the privilege of changing minds where
under the American system they not able do
| cept once in four years" [Applause.l
! When we recollect that this nobleman knew that
former administration in the United States had failed
treaty upon the fishery question: and that this
failure the result of the rhing objections, and
that great interests in Canada involved in speedy
settlement of that question: the ungracous character OF
this personal attack upon President Pierce and his minis
will be better appreciated But what will be thought
of pretending to be great statesman who after
eulogizing the necessity of faterna and friendly relations
between two leading shnnId deem
give the lie to all sach professions by this INSCRIPTIONS
iteration of the lowest calumnies of miserable party
press2 What win the English people themselves think of
his hollow praises Of the American character and his hy
pocrcal acceptance of the cordial courtese Of Amer
Executive and his cabinet when these
with the and undgni6ed language we have just
quoted
But Lord Elgn should reeoleet that however such vi
tupeation this may deceive the of England il
cannot long deceive them The difference between this
government and that OF Great Britain could be more
| strongly marked than by the very instance which
he alludes Here the people make and unmake their
rulers. At no time the representatives Of the peo-
Pile whether in the executive departments in the halls
of Congress- removed from the scrutiny Of the people
The popular branch OF Congress undergocs constant
changes No representative escape the Judgment
constituent body and public opinion scarcely less posi-
tive in its action upon the Senate Thus it has hap
pened that the abest and best of Presidents have been
opposed by the Representatives Of the people BY the wise
forecast Of the founders OF republic however the
most radical and thorough changes may take place with
out affecting the harmony and efficiency of the
disturbing the interests of the people How is Eng
land? cabinet goes out because il is condemned for
alleged misconduct in the administration Of the gov
ernment But who goes in Not the Representatives of
the peopenot the active and intelligent minds OF the
middle classesbut batch OF noblemennen who are
born TO rule not because Of their superior ability but be-
OF their lineage their and gartes and their
hostility TO that principle which places all citizens on an
equality in this country In these exgencies the English
people have voice They make up il true what is
called public opinion but il is only put set Of IT,
tied avores out OF office and to put another in Take
the example OF the in the Cea The leaders of the
English armies are the scons of the nobility the holiday
popnjays Of the courts the adheens Of ancient families
while the rank and file the trained to suffer and
TO die with scarcely incentive honorable mention or
reward In with Mexc5 the vast proportion oil
troops led By officers chosen from or bv the e
pie The leader Of our army New Orleans in 1915 when
the English forces disastrously defeated was