The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-03-23


Administrator.
On the Sd inst, on q question relative to the
movement in China consequent upon the seizure
of the lorcha Arrow, Lord Palmerstons Ministry
was beaten in the English House of Commons by
vote of 263 against the government to 24z in
its favor.
The question at issue was not one of any con-
sequence. Any and every British Ministry would
necessarily have pursued the same course in refe-
renee to the Chinese question that Lord Palmer
ston has The arguments of the leading speakers
against the government were the merest moon
shine; Lord Palmerston's reply was perfectly
conclusive and unanswerable. Yet in the teeth
of this, the government is beaten by majority of
l6. And the vote would have been larger, no
doubt, against the administration had the various
coalescing elements of the opposition been aware
of their strength.
1t is said that Lord Pslmerston will not pur-
sue the usual course, and consider the adverse
vote as signal to reliDquish Office. Very like
ly; Of late years. the differences of principle
between rival parties in England have shrunk into
such slender dimensions that statesmen have fire.
quently felt justified in retaining Office with ma
jority of the House against them. Lord John Rus
sell did so; so did Lord Derby; 80 did, for a time,
Lord Aberdeen. Lord Palmerston proposes to fol-
low the not very glorious example. But he will
enjoy a very uncommon good fortune if the de-
feat Of the Sd be not followed by others far III )re
overwhelming in their character. The opposi
rion have now learnt their power; they are like
ly to consummate the overthrow of the govern
ment and to force Lord Palmerston to resign, as
sOOn as the Earl of Derby is prepared to under
take the duty of forming an administration. Thu
organ of the Palmerston government intim ,tes
that the Ministry will endeavor to save itself By
dissolving Parliament and appealing to The
country; but there seems to be but little rea
son to expect pew verdict on such an appeal
1t appears that the British people are tired of
Lord Palmerston, who has been with few int
walls for large segment OF century the prin.
cpal working man of their government He
mas done his duty, they seem to think, and nov
he ought to retire. They have no particular
ault to find with him or his policy; but they
are tired OF seeing him always there with tue
same cheerful face, aud the same John Bull look,
and the same funny speeches, and the same cui-
ting sarcasms. He has been run long enough;
they want new Playful, with ne " programm.,
and new performers. Aud who are they likely
to have? Evidently the best chance is Lord
Derby's, who delivered a four hour speech the
other day on the Chinese question in anticipation
of Office. Lord Desby is a conservative: but
what conservative may be in the present s.a.e
Of British politics we will not undertake TO say.
The only thing that can be asserted positively is
hat Lord Derby is not protectionist, and not
opposed to popular education, or the extension
Of the franchise, or the self government of the
Colonies, or any other scheme of the party here
rofore known as liberals. If he has any particu
lar principles, they are those Of his opponents
IL he has policy to carry out, it is the one he
now denounces. He is the head Of party a.
present, which comprises the stiffest of the stiff
necked tories and the widest OF the radicals: under
his banner march on the one hand the men who
believe that all Eneland's troubles arise from
undue popular liberty, and, on the other, the
Bright and Golden faction. who want to put the
crown in commission, aud sell of the House of
Peers al auction. How he will work this pecu-
liar composite party in order to carry on the gov
eminent Of Eogland, remains to be seen. But
one thing IL certain-a seat on the opposition
benches 10 these times will be the most comforta.
bic post