The Kanzas news., 1858-02-27
: Progress in the Old Word.

While our National Administration is Der.
ling Che very existence of civil libe,tr
this country. it is gratifying to see the D,o
gress being made in that direction on II.
continent of Europe. The noble examnl.
the Czsf of Russia has just set his Deonl.
and the civilized world in removing serf.
dom, as far as lay within his power. fror,
his domain, is being followed by his pob,s.
in all parts of his vast Empire. From II.
publication of the imperial ukase which uro.
mulgated that noble act to the world. win
Russia date the commencement of nevca.
reer. The sSclavonian race, of which ii.
Russian nation is principally composed. is
destined to play in the future an important
part in the higher elements of civilization
as well as in the contests for political su-
premacy. From the North and Its barren
steppes and chilly wilds have ever come the
races which rule the world.
In Belgium the people have lately secur-
ed great triumph against the aggressions
of the Catholic Priesthood, aided by the as.
tute Leopold. King of the Belgians, and
the re-actionary and aristocratic element
For twenty years the people have waged
ceaseless war upon the right of the Priest
hood to hold real estate or property which
may be bequeathed them. The old law of
Belgium declared that bequests to religious
institutions were null and void; that the
crafty curate should not approach dying
man with the extreme unetion in one hand.
and a will in the other. The spiritual guides
of the people should not become wealthy:
for every story of a wealthy priesthood was
one of oppression and of foul wrong. Very
clearly did the liberal trainers of Belgian
constitutional law perceive the difficulty of
keeping country at once strongly catholic
and wisely free; and as clearly did the par
ties see that, when their power over the
young and dying was eurbed, their selfish
interests were imperilled. They were not
the men, then, to give up their old and high
ly valued rights without struggle.
They had in the late ministry of Dedeck-
er fast friends, who were supported by a
strong parliamentary majority. In spite of
the earnest protestations of the people. the
law above mentioned was repealed, and the
priests were triumphant. A great excite
ment followed, the people met and there
seemed for shorT time revolution pend
ing. The King, in fear, dissolved the Cham
bers and new ones were ordered to be elect
ed. The result was complete and perfect
triumph of the people, and the utter and
complete overthrow of the priests and their
allies, by the election of strong liberal ma
jority of thirty, and Mr.. Rogier, the radical
leader, is now Prime Minister. This is a
great triumph for the Belgian liberals, for
the cause of constitutional Freedom in that
country, and all over Europe
In England the reformers are re-organiz-
ing for the struggle for freedom of suffrage
and the ballot-box. tits understood that the
present Cabinet will introduce measure for
that purpose at the next session of Parlia-
ment. The points contended are as follows:
1t will be seen that they amount to a very
broad extension of the suffrage:
1st. The extension of the franchise in
towns to every male of full capacity who
shall occupy premises within the town which
are rated for the relief of the power. In
the counties, to all who occupy land which
is of the value of Fifty dollars, or who pay
that amount of rent for the land they use.
Cd. Vote by ballot, somewhat similar to
the American plan.
Sd. Such districting of the United King
dom as that representation may be in accOr-
dance with population.
9Th. Abolition of property qualification
for members.
9Th. The calling of new Parliament ev-
cry three years. t.g -,
The above reforms viii probably be sue
cessful before the British Parliament, as we
trust they will. England is making sure
if slow progress towards Republican insti-
tutions. So wages the war, and while such
visible encouragement is given to the refor-
mers there, it must be disheartening to look
at the spectacle we present in this country.
May we soon be able to look all Europe in
the face and extending a fraternal grasp
across the ocean, be able truly to say TO
them ''We are with you
Another Kanzas Statement.