Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-05-09

of all parties in Parliament, and whether he
would not have been subjected to the severest
censure. But how did the President of the
United States treat the matter2 The letter
was simply sent to the Secretary Of the Navy,
with the endorsement, 1.-The enclosed letter
from -. of Philadelphia, is submitted to
the attention of the Secretary Of the Navy
}. b. The political corruption which pre-
vailed in the United States had had an effect
upon every interest and every class and also,
he was sorry to say, upon the courts of law.
Some years ago the Supreme Court was a
court of the highest authority and its deci-
sions were treated with the greatest respect,
not only at home, but in this and other coun-
tries The Judges of that court were en-
Hghtened and honorable men, and their
decisions were often quoted for their great
moral weight. How had this state IF things
been altered? Under the system which
had arisen in America, the appointment
of the Supreme Court, like all other ap-
pointments, had been used for the promo
ton of party purposes, and the court had
lost the high character it formerly possessed.
lt no longer commanded the respect which 1t
did formerly, and some of its recent decl-
sions had created feeling almost of disgust
among all highminded men in America
But this was not the worst. In many of the
States the Judges were eected-they were
not only elected originally. hut elected fo'
short periods and consequently had to be
reelected, he believed in some Of the States
annually, their salaries being paid by an an
nual vote All this had arisen in consc
quence Of the adoption of system which
placed all the political power in the hands OF
one class, and that the lowest; and the effect
had been of most deteriorating character
! both upon the church and the bar
Earl Granville said have carefully lis
tened to three speeches which have been
made this evening The speech of the noble
| Earl who opened the discussion was moder'
ate and philosophical, but it was certainly
equally applicable against the bill which be
came law in 1882 There was one argument
which he addressed to the opposite side of
the House which | can hardly think likely tt
have much effect One of the disastrou:
consequences which we are told will follow.
if we lower the franchise too much, is that
the legislature will have recourse to protec
tive duties | do not believe that if we went
much lower than is proposed, such would be
the result; but it is singular argument &c
address to Il party who have only very ro
Gently been converted to the doctrines of
free-trade | regret, also, the very strong
attack made by the noble Earl upon the IN
situations Of America, and am afraid tnat,
coming from So distinguished a member OF
the Upper House of this country, il will pro-
duce much irritation in the minds of the
people of the United States Iagrce in some
Of the remarks which he made, although
generally they were much exaggerated; but
the adoption of such IL constitution as that OF
the United States, is very different from the
moderate extension Of the franchise which
has been proposed in this country. The no.
bic Earl rs an instance OF the injurious eff
tects OF democratic institutions, referred tt
the corruption by which railway bills had
been promoted in one of the States but am
afraid our own early legislation in such mat
ters was not SO entirely pure and free from
reproach as to Justify us in attrlbutlng the
bribery in America solely to the democratic
character OF the government.
Earl Grey-My noble friend who spoke
last deprecated the tone of my address with
reference to the United States of Amer.
ca. trust / Salu nOtninS against Tue CHR
acter OF the American people. No one admI-
res the character of the American people
more than do But while we feel at liberty
to criticise the conduct and character OF the
potentates of Europe, should think it false
delicacy not to express our views as to the It.
situations of America. My noble friend ex-
pressed his fears that the effect Of insttutiny
these inquiries will be to lower this House to
the opinion Of the country. |, for one, dn not
feel the least afraid OF such Il result. Your
lordShips' conduct will be judged rightly By
the people | firmly believe that at this mo-
ment there is among the most intelligent and
educated classes OF this country, an earnest
hope that your loriships will perform your
duty tearlessl y and wisely; that upon that
rests their main hopes; that while in the other
House OF Parliament large proportion Of the
members are, from various circumstances,
afraid to act on their real opinions, and while
we are told if that House were to he po!lcd on
this bill it would be rejected by II numerous
maiority-they feel while that language is
held almost openly, that it does become this
House to consider these matters with bold
ness and with fairness. lear, hear.