The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-02-17

current.
Johu Brisht-IIis Reehdaie speech.
Mr.. Bright has never been Cabinet min
| lister. 1t Is even questionable whether, though
the constitution Of the House Of Commons
were very materially different to what it is, he
would care to be one. 1t is undeniable, how
ever, that the member for Birmingham can
boast of longer and more brilliant series Of
political triumphs than any living Cabinet
minister or any other living member of the
British House of Commons.
His recent vigorous agitation in connection
stirred up the wrath of Mr.. Bright's political
opponents, and has called forth number Of
malignant and unjustifable aspersions on his
character as public man, and especially as a
large employer Of labor. Indignant at the
charges preferred against a man whose whole
public life has been devoted to the service of
the people, Mr.. Brights fellow townsmen of
Rochdale, of which he is a native and where
his works are situated, held meeting in the
Theatre Royal there on the 30th of January,
for the purpose of presenting him with an
address testifying their respect for him as a
man and their admiration of his conduct as a
great political leader. The affair was great
success, the large honse being filed in every
part. Mr.. Bright's speech in reply to the
address, which we printed in Saturdays
HERALD, is perfect In its way. 1t is charac-
terized by all his usual ability, and is couched
in that clear, terse, forcible Saxon English of
which he is such consummate master. The
record Of struggles in which he has been en-
gagged and Of victories which he has won, a.
presented by Mr.. Bright himself, is record Of.
which any man might justly be proud.
Mr.. Bright has ever had an honest and
earnest "belief in the equality Of all men in
the sight Of heaven, and in the equality Of the
rights Of all men before earthly governments"
and it has been his object throughout his public
career to give expression to this conviction BY
vote, by word and by deed. When he entered
upon public life ridiculous restrictions existed
IN regard to the importation Of corn; the
Navigation laws fettered while they seemed to
protect the shipping trade; the press main
tanned feeble existence under the oppressive
stamp, advertisement and paper duties, and
India, that large dependency Of the British
crown, was governed by an efete and ire i
sponsible company. The Corn and Navigation
laws have since been abolished, the press has.
been set entirely free, India has been put
under form Of government which Is directly
controlled by the crown, and Mr.. Bright can,
justly claim for himself and for his deceased
friend, Mr.. Golden, the honor Of having created
that public sentiment which led to each and all
Of these benefcent changes. Mr.. Bright has all
along been an honest and consistent friend Of
Ireland. Again and again has his voice been
raised both within and without the walls Of
Parliament against the Irish land tenure system,
and against that most gigantic Of all existing
evils under government professedly liberal,
the Irish Established Church. His labors In
those directions have ~ yet been unattended
with success, but the hour Of triumph must
ultimately come. The present reform move
ment has been mainly Of his creating. From
its commencement till now he has been it, very
life and soul. Looking back over the twenty
ave years Of his political life, WELL indeed, may
he say that he sees nothing for which be can
condemn himself" He has said strong things
and bitter things many times but If the Sc
verify Of his language is to be charged to him
as fault, ii is but straw in the balance when
weighed against his great political services
There Is no English politician more entitled to
the respect of the American public. His adj
miration Of our institutions Is profound and
sincere AT time when the cause Of the North
was regarded Is hopeless by the majority of
his countrymen his faith in the final triumph of
right wavered not for . moment Il is our
earnest hope that his valuable lite may long be
spared, and that to the brilliant roll Of his
tiumphs he may add many more. His name
and fame, 1t is already certain, win be remem-
lered and cherished by q grateful posterity
shen the names Of many Of his lordly detrac-
tors shall have passed into oblivion.
Another Little Additfou to Our National Debt.