The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-01-23

| Lord Derby and Engiish Reform.
There were many on this al well as on the
other side of the Atlantic who were willing to
believe that The party now in power in Eng
land had made up their minds at least to
attempt the settlement Of the vexed question
Of Parliamentary reform. 1t was we'll known
that there were liberal spirits in the tory
Cabinet, and no one doubted that Mr.. Disraeli,
if sufficiently encouraged, had ability and
daring enough to outwit his wing rivals and
defeat them even on their own ground 1t
appears, however, that suoh is not TO be the
case. If yesterdays telegram prove to be well
founded, that sLord Derby has concluded not
TO present government reform bill to Parlia-
mentr the reform movement has assumed an
entirely new phase and the affairs Of England
are placed in more critical and alarming con-
dition than ever
II is difficult, indeed, 70 exaggerate the perils
of the situation. The country has been stirred
from one end to the other. The popular pulse
has been felt As perhaps ii never was felt before.
Mr.. Bright has concluded political campaign
which, for tho enthusiasm and uDanimity of
sentiment it has evoked, n without parallel in
the history Of the nation. There il but one cry
heard throughout the land. and that cry, which
is loud and imperious, is for reform in the
representation Of the people The Parliament
airy recess, during which ministers have had
unusual facilities of Judging of the tone Of
popular sentiment. and abundant opportunity
of making up their minds as to the course most
advisable to pursue, ia about 10 close in
few more days thousands upon thousands of
petitioners will present themselves at the door
Of the House OF Commons, and Parliament will
gaze upon sight such as it has not Witnessed
before, even amid the many and strange vicis-
STUDIES of its eventful history. Yet, in the face
of all these facts and as il in utter disregard of
consequences, the responsible rulers Of the
country coolly conclude TO give reform the
go-by and leave 1t to be settled IS best il
may.
We are well aware that this resolution does
not openly imply that the government have
set their faces against reform. They have not
pledged themselves either way. 1t is open 10
any party or to any individual member to take
up the question. I. augurs i'll, however, for
the tory party, and especially for the tory aris-
tocracy, that they cannot even under all this
pressure voluntarily abandon their ancient ira
ditienary ground and take up position more
in harmony with the times. An opportunity
was given them to regsinIiost ground; but II
tho rumor is well founded, the -oppsftanity is
gone, and gonc. we fear, forever. The pros
peel which lies before them a. party is
certainly gloomy enough ssr'4
This new phase Of the reform question, how
ever, has an importance which b not TO be
measured by the interests Of party. II
deepens the impression which is already
general that England is on the verge Of revo-
lutionary crisis. The time has come when the
governing power which has 80 long been
vested In privileged order must change
hands Republican sentiments have long been
gaining ground among tho people How deep
and how general these sentiments are Mr..
Bright has abundanty proved. Longer 10
suppress their aspirations for liberty and
equal rights has become impossible. Reform
is inevitable, in spite Of any policy or any
government II may come in small measure at
tirst-it may even for time be delayed, but
the tide has fairly set in, and = revolution is
impending which will inaugurate new era in
English HISTORIAN era in which the popular
element shall find fuller and noblcr express
sion.