The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1866-05-11
G T. 4 RLE S TON
FRIDAY MORNING. MAY II, 1866.
THE PARLIAMENTARY REFORM BILL.

The telegraph q few days ago announced
that this bill had passed the House of Com.
mons by majority of FIVE. But this an
nouncement appears to have been premature.
The news by the Peruvidn states that di-
vision on the question was expected on the
morning Of the 23d ult., and that the friends
Of the Ministry manifested the greatest anx-
iety relative to the probable fate of the bill
The measure is ono of such vital character,
that the existence Of the Cabinet must needs
depend upon it. A mistake on such a point
is unpardonabie "A victory even, gained by
small majority, will not ensure the tenure
Of Office. Lord PALHERsToN formed the
rrePfeent government, and he was the only
"Liberal" who could command sufficient con-
fidence, both within the ranks of his party,
and with the nation at large to venture on
80 bold, 30 radical Constitutional amend
ment," as is proposed by the bill of the Chan
cellor of the Exohequer. But the ministry
no longer enjoys the prestige of PALMER
sTos's craftsmanship; nor is 1T generally be-
lieved, that his mantle has fallen upon any
of his colleagues
And furthermore it must be remembered,
that this question of reform has been agitated
for number of years, not in Parliament, it
is true, but in the Canvass" A Radical
party has sprung up On the strength of it.
But the late Premier never gave it the sane
ton Of his great name. Though he attained
to the ripper age of four-score years, he had
not succeeded in divesting himself of the
prejudices of, birth and education. He had
commenced life in the ranks of the Conssrva-
ive.party. had in due course of time become
Liberal, and it appears did not live long
enough to learn 10 assimilate with JOHN
BRIeHT and this new "heart of England"
1t is different with Mr.. GLADSTONE. He
also entered public life as Tory, but did 80
st an earlier period of his life than PALMER
sToN, and at q time moreover, when Liberal
|PfihOiples had iRads more progtsss. Conss!-
quentfy we now fGd him advocating mea-
sure, sshioh in Tho opinions of many, tif Gar
sied to its logical sequenoe,) must reyolutionize
the British Government. We are not sur
prised to learn that not a few Of the leading
members Of the Wing party have joined the
ranks Of the Opposition, and in the recent de-
bate have denounced the Bill in terms of the
most virulent inveotiye. In fact up 70 the
latest dates, that have reached US By mail,
the leaders Of the Conservative party had not
aB yet taken the floor. go.
Mr.. DIsaAELI is not bad strategist and
prefers to do the skirinishing with the recent
converts. New begotten zeal, we all know,
is more intense and fiery than the colder off.
spring Of reason and lifelong policy. The
ministry is stuDg to the quick by all the hard
things said by their late adherents! MIR.
GLADSTONE has lost his temper several times
in tLe course Of the debate,-his eloquence
fred 70 its loftIest flights, by such stimulu,.
The great guns Of the Tories are held inYre.
serve, .4.. .!a,.
Sir B.. LYTToN spoke in opposition to the
| Bill on the 18th. He waS d Liberal during
the early period of his career, but has long
sihcee csesstsd 10 profess Ssyppathy for the
masses. He isa true aristoorat; a Tory in
theory asgwell ain, practice, Ills yspeesb
holds the bill up 10 ridioule chargss,s thSs
minority with putting it forward, from fear,
rather than love Of the people. He made
some very. unpleasant homethrusts in the
course Of his remarks, ay will be seen in the
following extract:
Nov, sir, before conclude, let me, with great