New-York tribune., 1866-12-22
THE LONDON REFORM DEMONSTRATION

The great Reform demonstration OF the Trades
Unionists of London, Of which we published par
tculars Yesterday possesses significance far more
striking than that Of any OF the other popular
gatherings which have taken place in different parts
Of the Kingdom since tho commencement OF she
present agitation lor the extension OF the franchise.
It was demonstration that did honor to those who
took part in it, Il illustrated in peculiarly impress
sye manner, the true character of the British work
man; and it indicated, perhaps nothing else could
have so ccctually done, the justice of the claim he
is now urging on his rulers to a participation IN the
control of the Government under which he lives.
Let MS look for moment at the facts
Pursuant to a preconcorted arrangement, the differ
ent Trades Societies of London met on Monday the
81 inst at an appointed rendezvous, whence they
marched in procession for several miles through part
of the west end Of London to q given point They
assembled around several stands erected for the occa-
sion to listen TO their chosen orators, and TO pass reso-
utions affirming their right to the elective franchise,
and, consequently, to a voice in the government of
their county II is computed that no fewer than
10000 men composed this procession, and
tha. there were fully 100000 spectators be-
side. most of whom belonged to the same class with
the workmen and warmly sympathized with the OBJ
iects of the demonstration. Previously to the gather
ing appreheusons were freely expressed, by those who
have no faith in the worlngman, that the affair would
be attended with serious disturbances Of the peace,
and shopkecpers along the route to be taken by the
procession were advised, a measure OF precauton'
TO close their places of business on the occasion But
the proceedings were marked throughout by the
greatest regularity and order and the whole affair
passed of without single breach Of the peace. The
presence Of policemen even was rendered unnecessary
the woTkmen taking upon themselves the
duties of d cOnstabulary for the OCCASION
The roughs of London, awed for the time by the
men and bearing of those who formed the procession
held back from violence and good temper and cheer
fpl bumor were the order Of the day. Alarshaed in
their ranks. with banners ao bearing upon them the
insignia of the different societies. these fifty thousand
men, all decently attred, marched peaceably through
the crowded streets of the great metropolis, with
simple dignity of manner and gravity OF purpose
that extorted the admiration Of even their most stub
born and determined political opponents As if pene-
trated with sense ofhe vast importance OF the buSi-
ness they had in hand, they seemed determined to
give proof that in aspiring to share in the making Of
the laws they knew how to respect the authority of
the law, and how to uphold its majesty. The sight
must have been altogether ostmpresSive one and
the demonstration has evidently produced deep, and
for the class directly interested in its success, very
favorable impression
| IL is true that in certain quarters an unworthy
attempt has been made to belitte tho significance of
this grand movement; but no cynicsm, no sophistry
can possibly do away with the facts we have just
stated. So impressive indeed, are these simple facts
so forcble is their logic that the parties who
endeavor to depreciate this remarkable demonstra-
ton, are compelled, evidently much against their
will. 10 admit that the people by their excellent
behavior have proved themselves worthy of some con-
sideration, although not to the extent OF granting
all they ask for To unprejudiced minds
however biased in favor Of justice, and
capable of appreciating Alright the lessons when
such display as London witnessed on the 80 INST
conveys, the matter presents itself in very different
aspect; and these are beginning thoughtully ana
auxousy to ask can the demands OF class OF people
40 intelligent. so selfrehan so selfcontroling ana
so thoroughly in earnest in seeking what they believe
10 be their rights as the wOrkngmen oil England Dc
any longer denied what they ask for at the hands
of Parliament
question ike this can hardly fail to force itself
upon all rght.thinking minds; for, Judging from the
indications in the political sky of England, it is evil
dent that the time for trang with the people Of that
country on She subject Of Reform is past aud gone
forever There is deep moral in this London DE-