The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1866-07-10
ENGLISH REFORM.

Amid the pressure of reconstruction pol
icies consequent upon the suppression of =
rebellion tina. engrossed all the energies of
the nation, our people have naturally paid
but little attention to the progress of reform
in England. But the cause of Freedom is
one whether Europe or the Western Cont.
nent be the theater of its contests. English
and Continental Liberalism, American Rad
icalism, are the product Of the century. To
this plane has civilization brought her politi-
cal teachers this liberalism this radcalsm,
is henceforth the patent political force of two
continents. Its full triumph does not come
at once, for humanity reaches its ultimate
maturity but slowly.
English and American conservatism repre-
sent kindred ideas and policy. The English
Reform Bill has met bitter opposition from
the ID lsraelis. Robucks and Dunkellins, who
we're in sympathy with the Confederates du-
ring our war. The English aristocracy and
our own Southern rebel and Northern Cop
perhead Democracy are political brother.
hood. Lord Dunkelln, in submitting, re-
Gently, his amendment substituting ''rating"
for rental = franchise in boroughs, which
was the virtual defeat Of the Reform Bill,
stated precisely the creed of JEFF. DAVIS,
YAtIAxpIGHAM, LAFAYETTE JONES, CLAcETT 4
Co, when in support Of his proposed amend
ment be said Zone of the greatest merits
Of his plan, was that ii opposed an insur-
mountable barrier to universal suffrage
The British aristocrats and enemies of free
dom want to continue the Acknowledgement OF
white men; the conservative Northern and
Southern rebel Democracy want to continue
the Acknowledgement of black men. A diff
ference that is necessitated by a slight differ
ence in the situation, and both are the foes of
true Democratic principles and government
There were "Possums' too in the English
Reform movement; men, who, for time,
were protested liberals, and went over to the
opposition. Liberty has always had such
recreant supporters.
The defeat of n government measure in
England leads to the resignation of the cabi-
net, and the formation of all administration
from the opposition. In view of this, the
London Meas says;
Although it may be a serious considera-
ton al such a jancture as the present in the
history of Europe. that the foreign policy of
England should be committed to the party
who would have gone to war to establish a
slsveholdipg Confederacy, and to break the
American Union asunder: would have pre-
vented the emancipation Of Italy from Aus
tris in 80, and who sympathise now with
Bourbon and Papal brigades, it is better far
for the future of the Liberal cause at home
aud abroad, that Mr. Gladstone aud his col
leagues should tie defeated in an honest and
courageous endearor 10 enfranchse large
number of their countrymen, and to pass d
just and moderate measure of reform, than
that the Government should suffer its own
honor, and with it the honor of Parliament,
to be undermined by the devices of false
friends. leagued with enemies who dare not
show their flag.
What oneness of spirit and endeavor be.
tween British and American Conservatives
this shows. The former, that was in sympa-
thy with slavery and rebellion, that wanted to
acknowledge Confederate Independence and
effect the destruction Of the United States.
that hates republicanism, labors TO perpetu.
ate it's despotism over the laborng classes by
withholding from them the right of suffrage.
Their allies in the United States, kindred in
spirit that sought TO make the Southern Con-
federacy success, join with them in the eff
fort to keep the ballot from a large element
OF American labor. The color Of the parties
in the one case is different, but the spirit of
the oppressor il the same in both countries.