New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-09-01
THE IMPENDING REVOLUTION IN
EyGIAND.

SO absorbing has been the interest of the recent
war in Europe that but little attention has been
bestowed upon the movement now progressing in
England. which promises sooner or later TO bring
about the most radical changes in the legislation and
the Government Of that country We refer TO the
agitation Cor Parliamentary Reform. The defeat Of
the moderate measure Of Reiorni introduced into
Parliament by the late Russell-Gladstone Ministry
has led to result the very opposite OF that which 1t
was confidently anticipated By the opponents OF the
bill would be produced by their anagonstic action
and their unexpected success. They had evidently
formed a false estimate OF the state Of the public
mind on the subject of Reform. They mistook quies'
cence for apathy, patience for indifference aud the
absence Of eamor for change they regarded as proof
positive of conlented submission with the existing
state of things They troubled with no scruples,
no apprehensions TO consequences, in defeating Mr.
Gladsones BILL for the very solacng reason, to them
selves that the country prosperous beyond all preoe-
dent cared little or nothing for Reform. But they
have been woeiully undeceiyed. The defeat of the
late Administration on question of popular rights at
once became the signal for general uprising OF the
masses, and now Rom every part OF England wa have
news of mammoth Reform meetings being held, at
which the greatest enthusiasm Is manifested
in favor Of an extension Of the suffrage.
The audacious and violent opposition Of the Tories to
any concession whatever has produced correspond
inr boldness on the part of the people and their
leaders who now demand the full measure OF justice
AT the recent mass meeting in Birmingham, the key
note of manhood suffrage waH struck John Bright IN
his speech declaring himself in favor Of the principle;
and Judging from the present temper OF the people,
and from the ghtened zeal and ndomitable energy
Of the principal promoters Of the Reform movement u
seems certain that nothing short Of an extension OF the
suffrage TO this point will satisfy the popular mind.
The evil day" for the ruling CLASSES is evidently
approaching. The last blow aimed by Toryism at
popular rights has recoiled upon its own head with
terrible force; and il would seem that the
time is not distant when the English will have
popular government in reality, and not
as has been the case heretofore. in name only. We
regard England as on the verge Of wide-reaehing
potcal revolution, destined to sweep away privilege,
~ oman nm every avenue Of public honor TO humble
merit 10 abolish those odious distinctions which exist
At present between imperious oligarchy and the
great bulk of the people TO unbar the doors OF the
-eat national seats Of learning TO the people, with
ont regard 10 the religious creed of the applicants
for admission, and to give the workingmsn fair
chance in the race OF life. In the conclusions which
must precede the new order Of things, the monarchy
NAV remain unshaken but a new description OF
conference.-the order of meritwi be certain TO dis
pace the nobility of feudalism, which has become an
anachronism.