The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-03-15
The Fenian Agitation and the Policy O
the British Government.

While the Fenian agitation eives the British
Government some trouble and puts it to some
expense, the astute and iarseeing men who are
at the helm of affairs will manage to turn the
event to their own purposes. They have no fear
Of the Fenians dismembering the British empire
or even of revolutioniZng Canada, if that should
be the purpose. They know their own strength
too well. A great deal OF the fuss and noise
about the Fenians is made. undoubtedly, by the
Government itself and by the arlstocracy, to
divert attention from other questions ana 10
enablethe 10 accomplish other objects. This
is common game which tue statesmen ana
politicians OF Europe play, and none more
adrOtly and successfully than those OF England.
The question Of electoral or Parliamentary
reform has been aaitated some time in Ea Gland.
The mass of the people were never satisfied with
the Reform bill OF 1882 as they had reason not
to be, for they we're excluded IRON its benefits.
After a great deal of agitation and great promises
at that period the reform movement ended in a
limited extension of the suffrage The aristo-
cracy we're compelled to make some concession
to popular demands bat they yielded as little
IS possible, and were smart enough to control
the movement. The Prime Minister Of England
To-Day, Earl RUSSELL was one Of the prominent
leaoers OF reform, but when the measure was
passed he declared that it was hnal-that the
elective franchise could be extended no further.
For this he WAS dubbed by the disappointed re-
formers "Flnahty RUSSELL"
During the thrty-iour years since the Reform
Is, to give household suffrage or something
approaching that to the people-has been kept
before the public mino. The new relormers
have been gaining strength every year, until
finally the matter was pressed upon the Govern
ment so lar as to obtain q recognition OF tho
necessity OF reform. OF course u Government of
which Earl Russell is the head would only give
the smallest modicum OF that popular article to
the country. Still, the prospec. was that some
thing must be conceded, and when the present
Parliament assembled expectation OF reform was
high. Nothing but great outside pressure could
induce the Russelis, the Derbys, the aristoCracy
and privileged classes to grant this, and they
were quite ready to seize hold OF any preteXt to
ignore or postpone 1t.
They will consequently use the Fenian agita-
ton to divert public attention iron reform.
Not being afraid of anything very serious COM
ing out OF it. they can atold little expense
and trouble il they can realize the object they
always have at heart. To hold in check the tea
dency to democracy, TO limit the suffrage as
much as possible, and 10 allay the popular
Clamor Tor reform without granting it, is OF far
more importance in the view Of the English
arlstocracy than the annoyance or trouble OF
Fenlanlsm. This agitation, therefore, VIII give
them a capital preteXt for postponing reform.
and they will nurse II as long as it serves that
purpose.
Another object it VIII serve is that Of afford
ing an opportunity Of settling the difficulty OF
the Alabama claims and other matters with tAis
country. Under the scare OF Fenianlsm the
ministry viii be able TO lower its tone, and
maze 2u duIuSIkbGEI WHICH IL CDuiu HOJ uO So
well otherwise. If there wee no domestic or
other serious troubles to engage the public mind
the people would not be so ready to sacrifice
their national pride ana 10 do justice to the
United States. But when the Government can
make them believe it has its hands tull Of diff
cultes they will be more humble and con-
slderate. In this point of view We think the
Fenian excitement aAords goou opportunity
to settle up all outstanding matters with the
United States; and If we may JUDGE from the
tone Of the British press and Parliament the
same Impression is gaining ground IN England.
Just row the United States is q very great
country, its Government very magnanimous.
and we are q very amiable people, in the e5tI-
nation OF England.
Bat there is still another important purpose
| which the Fanian agitation is expected to serve
The British Government has been coaxing and
| pushing the COLONIES OF North America to form
! confederation. The colonies have been averse
! to this, believing their existence as separate
! governments more conducive to their independ-
! ence and welfare. There appeared to be little
! prospect OF this royal consolidation scheme
! being carried out short time ago. 1t Is sup
! posed the ulteIor object is to place AL these
| colonies under vice royal government-to
create, in fact, quasi monarchy, or, may be, a
monarchy on our border. This. it is believed,
would strengthen Englands hold on America,
make q government strong enough TO sustain
itself without much cost to the mother country,
and be check to the growth of republican III
! Stitutions
The scheme originated at the same time with
| IIle freHCn INVASION OF mexico anu inc opaH 81
assault on the other republics OF this continent
and looks very much like a secret European
combination against this great republic. The
confederation project did not seem to take, a
we observed, and there were signs OF abandon
ing it,; but the Fenian fright, orpretended fright
has given new life to II. The Government eagerly
SEXES hold of this to push the project, arguing
that seli-defense against the Fenians demand
sucn unity among the colonies. Thus, we see
that while the British Government has no fcal
OF an Irish republic or successful reYo ontlon Ii
Canada, it is using the FAnian agitation tol
other ends. But it Is a dangerous experiment
it is playing with fire. The Fenian movement
if taml cred with for political purposes, may %
further than expected, ana It may ignite revolu
tonary fires in England itself and Throughout
the continent OF Europe. We may be thank rul
however, il it be the means OF stimulating
prompt settlement OF Englands difficulty witt