New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-08-04
THE MONEY POWER I'm ENGLISH
ELECTIONS.

The election of John Stuart Mill to seat in the
Commons House of Parliament marks an epoch IN
the political history of England. The spontaney OF
the choice made in this case by the constituency OF
Westminster and the spirited and generous way IN
which the return OF their favorlte candidate was
secured not only form noble tribute to the intel
lectual and moral worth of the distinguished ndivid
ua whom the electors delighted to honor, but afford
refreshing proof of the lct that, despite the nuner'
GUS and powerful influences at work IN England ad'
verse TO the freedom aud purity OF eection-that Is
to an honest and independent choice OF popular rep
resentatves--there is amount OF political virtue
extant among the people equal, if only properly
evoked to the vindicaton and maintenance OF the
fundamental principles Of constitutional govern
ment such as that of which England boasts. The
grounds upon which Mr. Mill was elected and the
manner in which he was returned, were as credtable
to his supporters they were honorable to himself
OF the recOmmendatOns-such as they are--of aris-
tocratc lineage high connections and great wealth,
be was destitute. But he had what better than
any of these or all of them put together, as qualify
ing man for the efficient discharge Of public trust
involving weghty responsibilities and the most I'M
portant interests. He had large and enlightened
acquaintance with great public questions. and be was
known to DO animated with warm sympathy
for all feasible measures looking to the ameoration
of the peoples condition and the progress OF liberty
truth and Justice in the world. The circumstances
under which he was elected must DC still fresh in the
recollection of our readers When applied to to allow
himself to be put in nomination. he stipulated that be
should not be called upon to spend any money Tor
election expenses, or to canvass the votes OF the
electors The conditions were accepted and strictly
carried ont. He spent money; he canvassed no
votes but on the ground of merit and of merit alone
be was trumphantly returned to Parliament. Taken
asa whole the case is unprecedented in the politi-
ca. annals of England. MilPS election was signal
triumph for the Democracy. 1t intrinsic worth
asserting its superiority the accidents Of both sta.
ton and wealth.
But tho singularty of the case proves the lament
able extent to which corrupt influences prevail in
elections in England. We pubshed a few days ago a
speech of Mr. Mills recently addressed 70 the constt-
uency of Westminster, in which, referring to the prob
ability of carly dissolution of Parliament, and to
tho great Expense attendant upon election he in
formed the people that they might not like to incur
such an expense twice within the short space OF
twelve months, If they thought they could fight the
battle more advanageously with any other candidate
than hmself-thats with candidate who would bear
the expenses that must necessarily be incurred-he
was quite willing to retire from the field The con-
stituents of course would not hear Of this, and when
the dissolution comes Mr.. Mill is certain to be re-
elected; for, independent OF the considerations
which induced his election in the first instance he has
during his short Parliamentary career, succeeded IN
establishing claims that could not possibly be ignored
His offer however and the ground on which it was
made, are powerfully suggestive as to the real
character of most election conflicts in England.
Where intimidation is not used-where landlord nAu-
ence does not peremptory settle the matter as to the
casting of notes.-the money power is freely resorted
TO- and as appears in evidence, unscrupulously used
In the form Of bribery Mr.. Mill speaks of necessary
expenses, by which understand expenses legiti
matey incurred and legally allowable; and these il
would seem. something appalling, save to men Of
the most ample means. But when the outlay incurred
in corrupng voters is added the utter hopelessness
of many men like Mr. Mill being returned to Par
Lament in the present state of the franchise in
England will be forcibly felt. The only remedy
for such state of things is in the extension of the
franchise. Multiply the number of voters, and
you diminish the chances Of successful bribery.
The Westminster shows, as we have said, that,
under certain circumstances the people are capable
Of rising superior to the corrupt arts of selfish and
designing politicians. But cases like this are pain
fully exceptional and will continue to be so, until
proper Reform bill has become the law Of the land.
Not until England shall have copied the example
this great Republic and given the people full liberty
in the choice of their representatives in Parliament
will brains and personal worth stand fair chance in
the battle with lineage, and privilege, and wealth.