New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-01-07
A NEJV PHASE OF THE DEMOCRATIC NOTE
ArENT IN ENGLAND.

MLAI IN EAGLdAD
The revival of the spirit of democracy IN
England, of which the agitation in favor OF
Parliamentary Reform and Manhood Suffrage
presents the most noticeable illustration, Is
marked by movements of non-political char
aeter which cannot fail to exert powerful in
nuence either for good or evil upon the future
life of the nation. The complexion OF the
event viii depend largely on the spirit in
which the governing and wealthy ,classes meet
the demands Of the people
Our London correspondent, in his admir-
able letter. which we publish this morning,
deals at some length with phase Of the strug-
gle now going on in England between democ-
racy and aristocracy, which has not hitherto
received the attention its Importance demands.
If merit is beginning to assert its claims against
privilege. labor is likewise beginning to
raise its voice against the tyranny of
capital in alliance with aristocracy. This
protest has found embodiment and silent
but powerful expression, in the Trades Unions,
now spread like network Over the kingdom.
1t seems, however, that these societies. with an
unwise and short-sighted zeal, have been push
ing matters too far. In striving to obtain
.deliyerance for the worldngmen from one
tyranny, they are in effect creating
another The natural result has been
reaction; and now we hear of movement In
opposition to them, the watchword of the new
organizations being Freedom of Labor. But
this principle is perfectly consistent with the
uncompromising assertion of the rights OF la
bor and these, we cannot for the moment
imagine, the counter movement VIII nave
the effect Of ignoring or throwing III
the background. Our correspondent, 1t VIII
be seen. has no apprehension OF such
result While rejoicing, for Obvices reasons, at
the opposition that has been started to the
Trades Unions, he is convinced that areadjast-
ment of the relations between capital and
labor must take place, to the advantage OF the
British workman and the benefit OF the whole
nation. We agree with him entirely, and we
need hardly say we sympathize most cordially
with those in the old country who are laboring
to accomplish the liberation of the workingman
from the thaaldom in which he has so long
been held, and for his elevation socially and
otherwise.
Happily for this country, what our correspond
ent calls the "New Gospel Of Industry Is no
eyangel to the Americans. With us all honest
work is honorable, and steady industry is certain
of meeting its reward. 1t is not simply that
ours is a new country, presenting in its wide
spread territory and immense resources every
inducement and encouragement to the industrl-
ously inclined-athough this consideration must
necessarily form an important element IN any
comparison instituted between Great Britain
and America; but it is that the rights OF labor,
the honoIableness of industry, lie at the very
root of our whole system, political and social.
Even here, however there is room for more
salutary application of the great prin-
ciple involved in the gospel OF indus
tryn-viz.: that the toiler, the producer,
shall have fair share of the profits arising
from the labor of his hands or his head. In
this matter of honor to industry and reward to
labor we have set an example to the world.
We are not going to let other nations better
that example to our shame.
The industrial partnerships to which our cor
respondent alludes we regard as one OF the
most hopeful signs of the times-as one OF the
most encouraging evidences of progress In the
right direction. Such associations are calcu-
lated to work complete revolution in indus
trial enterprise, and TO produce the most
beneficial effects on society at large. When
they shall have become general, the world Will
enter upon new era Of illimitable prosperity.
----w--