New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-01-08
Neu1lork Dailp Griba,rs
NEW PUBLICA TONS
MAcAuLAYs ENGLAND.

Y.
In the previous volumes OF this work the hlstor,
of ENGLAND ia brought down TO the completion q
the Revolution OF 1888. The present narrative
commences with the accession OF William and
MARY TO the crown and extends to the Peace q
Ryswick in 1881, period Of about ninc yeanx
Destitute Of men Of commanding genius, sunk il
the depths of moral and political corruption.
crowded with the intrigues Of selfish and unpr.ncs.
pled adventures, subjected to direfd suffering
from famine. pestence and civil war, this Interval
presents ss dreary spectacle as can be found IA
the annals of the British Islands.
The Revolution OF 1865 was essentially con-
promise between the monarchical power and the
aristocracy. Establishing the sovereignty OF Law,
az embodied in the two Houses OF Parliament q
madeno attempt at popular emancipation. INSPIRED
with no lofty visions Of freedom and political
eouelitv. such as had kindled the hearts OF tas
patriots of the Commonwealth, the nobility wes
intent on the preservation Of their prerogStiyes the
security of property and the maintenance OF Pueif
TRANQUILITY They had been taught lesson OF mod
Grafton BY the experience Of the past, and instead
of aiming at the restoration of absolute justice,
were satisfied with establishing the liberties OF Ia
gland on the basis of prescription
The enthusiasm with which William was greet
"a upon his arrival in London, had greatly abatcd
before the time when formal prcclamationwasm made
of his accession to the throne. That event. was the
occasion of great festivities. The superficial o.
server might have regarded Wiliiamas the hspplst
of men. But in truth he was the victim OF intense
anxiety he clearly foresaw the difficulties which
no should be obliged to encounter The signs@
the times predicted day of darkness and storm.
The ceremonies OF his ina guratlon were looked %
with sullen GOODNESS, by two important eiasSes-
the clergy and the army. Scarcely priest ora ,
soldier could be seen in the crowd which assembled
around the market-crosSes where the new sove''
eigns were proclaimed Each had received q deep
wound in his professional pride. The clergy, 10
the triumph over their fayorite doctrine ofpoiti%
non.resistance. The army, by the inglorious part
which they had shared in the Revolution. TheiL
humor of these classes was matter OF commoa
notoriety, end was mademore conspicuous by taei
roculiorities of dress "Black-cOats aud red
COATS f" said one of the jealous Wings In tn
But the reaction against the new Uoverh'neS
WINS not confined to clerical or military indictments
Old party aniniosities, to which truce had been
declared. began TO revive. The Wings claimed tn
monarch as the creature of their will. They loved
him less as king than the leader of their party;
they demanded, in return for their devotion a.
exclusive attachment TO their interests; insisting
that he should be staunch and ardent Wing, and
adopt their prejudices, their quarrels, and then
grudges, as his own. William was thus placed IL
a dilemma, from the very outset Of his ADMINISTERS
ton. He had only choice among paths, each Of
which seemed to lead TO destruction. From one
faction, he could hope for no cordial support. Nor
could he depend on the other fiction, except.Ou
ondition Of becoming factiOus himself by oppOs
ng the Tories, he would convert their Indifference
into rage nor was he sure of their favor by court
inc their interests; while by such step he would
robably ALLEVIATE the Wings. Amid such perpeI'
90 he was called upon to arrange the offices oil hs
Government
The nersoual character OF William was not
dapted to concate goodwill. His niiln,er' gave
almost universal offense Cold in his exterior OH
melancholy temperament, ndulging rarely III e.
pressions OF sympathy, iniexible in his purposes
and wrapped up in his own CONCENTRATIONS, he sue
cecded in gaining but few friends Oh English sol
His greatness was acknowledged by those who VII
messed his conduct; but he was better fitted 70
save q nation than to adorn court In the highes
parts of craftsmanship, Mr. Wacaulsy pronouncs
him. without an equal among his contemporaries
Few will dissent from this opinion. "He hs
formed plans not inferior in grandeur and boldnes
to those of Rchelieu, and had carried them nr
effect with tact and warlness worthy oil Mazarlh
By his wisdom and courage he had preserved froH
extreme peril two countries whose interests wen
identified with civil liberty and the Protestant faith
Holland he had delivered from foreigners, and ES
gland from domestic foes. Under his dexteroS
management the hereditary enemies OF his hos
had helped him 10 mount thrOne and the per*
cutors Of his religion had helped him to rescue h
religion from persecution" Foreign nations Cd
ample Justice TO his great qualities In every coz
tinental country where Protestant cOngregaaos
met, fervent thanks were offered TO God who hoe
among the progeny of his servants Maurice tbed
lyerer OF Germany, and William, the deliverer'
Holland had raised up third deliyerer, the WIS
and migftiest Of all. AZ Vienna, at Madrid, NAYS
Rome, the valiant and sagaciOus hereto was hs'
in honor Us the chief of the great confederpI
against the house of Bourbon; and even Of Fe
sales the hatred which be Inspired was largo'
mingled with admiration"