The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1866-01-16
The Reform Agitation in England.

The English papers are still discussing tie
probability of the early introduction into Par
lament of some measure of Reform. Earl
Russell is virtually pledged to the support Of
such measure, Notwithstanding his repeated
declarations that the legislation of 1882 in
that direction should be final Having then
identified himself with the party Of Reform, 1t
is difficult for the present Premier to refuse
his support to the cause now, though his true
procliyities are well known to be on the side
of aristocratic domination. The Parliament
elected last summer shows large increase of
the liberal element, numbering among its new
members many who are well known as the
Radical advocates of an extended franchise.
The most prominent and powerful amorg
these is undoubtedly Mr.. John Stuart Mill,
whose name in itself is tower of strength.
Among the people the feeling upon the SUBJECTS
not noisy or demonstrative, but it is evidently
deep and strong, and It is increasing In ma
ny parts of the country meetings have been
held for the discussion of the question, show
ing plainly by the numbers assembled, and by
the earnestness displayed in the debates, how
the tide is setting.
In London Reform League has been FORM
ed, similar in plan to the Anti-Corn Law
League which twenty years ago proved so
powerful an agent in carrying out the mea-
sures of those who established it. Mr.. John
Bright, the never-tiring champion of popular
rights, is laboring with his usual zeal in the
cause he has so long sustained. AT meeting
of the advocates of Reform recently held at
Birmingham, Mr.. Bright was present and made
speech which rings like the blast Of trum-
pet. He drew powerful picture Of the suf-
fering condition of the English poor, the great
majority who are denied the right of suffrage,
and OF the wealth, the luxury, the ostenta-
ton and the selfish idleness of the small mi
nority who constitute the governing class, and
then added: ntrItg
"Let me now put to you, before sill down,
single proposition, and through these gentle
men who sir below me, to whom freedom In
this country is so greatly and so constantly In
debted-lapplause,l let me put 1t to the peo-
pie of this kmgdom-if OF the millions who
are now shut out one million were admitted
and you will mark the extreme, some viii say
blamable moderation, of that suggestion-if
only one million were admitted, would not
| the cry of the toil-laden and the suffering,
| which even now ascends to Heaven, would It
not, think you, reach further, be heard even
| on the floor of Parliament? Fer do not for
| get that the ear of the Supreme is nearer even
to the lowiest of us, than is that OF our earth
ly rulers. [Cheers. But if that voice was
heard in Parliament would it not, perchance,
do something to still the roar of faction, and
to bend the powers of craftsmanship to the
high and holy purposes of humanity and of
| justice?
II speak not the language of party. feel
myself above the level of party Great and
continued cheering.l speak as have ever
endeavored to speak on behalf of the unen-
| franchised, the almost voiceless, millions ofmy
| countrymen. Their claim is just, and 1t is
constitutional. 1t win be heard, it cannot be
rejected. lCheers.I To the outward eye
monarchs and parl:aments seem to rule with
| an absolute and unquestioned sway; but, and
| quote the words which one of our old Puri-
| tan poets has left for us:
| 'eThere is on earth yet auguster thing,
| Yelled though 1t be, than parliament or king"
That auguster thing is the tribunal which God
has set up in the consciences of man. 1t Is
before that tribunal that / am permitted hum
bly, to plead, and there Is something in my
heart-a small but an exultant yoice-which
tells me shall not plead in vain"