The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-08-02
The Probable Downfall of the Derby
Ministry.

FROM the latest advices from England, we feel
able TO prophesy that our prediction as to the
short life of the DBRBY-DIsRAELI Ministry is
about to be fulfilled, in far less time than we
had anticipted. The issue OF reform or no re-
form, which has agtated the people of England
for the last thirty years, was tor the first time,
brought to a direct vote for settlement few
weeks since The battle was fought, and SO Tar
as Parliament was concerned, che cause OF re-
form was defeated The closeness o. the ballot,
however, proved that the great mass OF the people
were in favor of a revision OF the system of
franchise, which, however liberal 1t might have
been in the days of the first Georges, is Geci.
dedly too antiquated for an advanced aCe.
All the unprejudiced thinking men of Great
Britain had come to the conclusion that some
extension was needed, and the only question was
in regard to how many of the lower classes
should be admitted to the sacred right. Lord
RUSSELL proposed wise and liberal system.
and one which, although it did not meet the
demands of justice, was as near perfect law as
we could have expected. 1t was defeated by the
boiling OF certain of his followers, and the
DERBY Ministry came in on the direct issue OF
opposition to the popular reform measure.
The consequences of having a Government
which the people themselves despise have
already become evident. A series Of riots are
commencng which, unless Immediately stopped
by some temporizing measure, Will endanger
the throne itself A riot in England is an
affair of rare occurrence and much more
dangerous matter than riot in our republic.
Here, all are interested in suppressing dis
turbance and saving their property. Wealth is
50 generally distributed that each is fearful OF
losing what little he has. But in England
the matter is different. The wealth all lies IN
the possession OF the few, and any destruction
which occurs does not directly atfecC the
masses, exceptin giving them an opportunity to
plunder. 1t was to this uneven distribution of
wealth that the rapid spread of the French
Revolution must be ascrbed; and it is on this
danger that the chief hopes Of the masses of
England lie.
The fear of their property will act as tar
stronger argument iu favor of II liberal law,
regulating franchise than any appeal to lus-
tice. And 10 this danger the property OF
Great Britain is to-day subjected. Tue cable
brings us information of riots in London, and
will probably tell us of similar outbreaks in other
cities of the Kingdom. 1t is because of these
demonstrations that we prophesy speedy ter
mination of the DERBY Ministry. The country
has no confidence IN the Administrations and in
England, despite all statements TO the contrary
everything must bow down to the popular sen
timent If the Lords resist, a sufficient number
OF new Peers are cIeateu to turn the majority.
If the Commons do not follow the popular die
tation, then reform meetings are held, and the
mutterngs of a storm make all opposers seek
refuge in fight We therefore anticipate that,
before the month of September is iarly opened,
her Majesty will find it necessary to invite Lord
RUSSELL to once more form ministry