The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-11-21
zs.sssIa.ors In nsaslana ara A.n.r.ea.

6OUtns ~. s .-AE ,.-t 3 l-.. o..
zsaasIasors I'm !rEngiand a,sa Ar.asriea.
Aithoagh the. landed gentry of Eng
land nhave managed to retain their nu-
merical apraponderahce in the British
Houseof Commons, notwithstanding the
changes which have taken place in the
relative strength Of parties. some of the
ultra tory organs exhibit marks of disap-
pointment that any other GLASS should be
represented in that body. It is COM
planned that; of the 65s seats in Parlia-
mant, not leas than two thirds are of the
titled orders or connected with them, or
are officers of the army and navy. Yet
the London gQndrtdtiy Reuiew deplores
that the residue should consist of railway
directors. great manufacturers, men who
have made fortunes abroad, mercantile
men. and it is not altogether satisfied
with members of the bpr. To plain re-
publican Understandings. it would seem
that persons whose faculties had been
early trained to encountering difficulties,
devising new resources, and the manag-
ing or directing of men, would be pecu-
liarly fitted for the oversight of public
administration. In point of fact. nothing
is more susceptible of proof than that the
merchants aud manufacturers in Parlia-
mens, Whatever their party, have been
found of great. and indispensable value
in thu solution of all practical questions
of legislation, whether connected with
finance, commerce, manufactures, gene
raj education, or even legal reform. 1t
has been the uniform boast of both whig
and tory ministers in England that, in
times of difficulty. they have sought ad-
vice from the practical knowledge and
sound judgment of those amongst their
supporters who have owed their fortunes
to snccess in trade and industries of one
kind or other. Whilst they have not
aspired to oratorical display. they have
been useful. working members, and when
it has become necessary for them to
address the House, have spoken con-
cisely, clearly aud to the point. It is very
extraordinary that in country govern
ed by representative institutions like
England, there should bo men whose
conception Of proper parliament is two
houses. composed exclusively of landed
proprietofs' or their direct nominees. It
is more remarkable atill that, in coun-
tryEwhich owes allits opulence and power
to commerce and manufactures, the Gre
ators and successful directors of great
commercial and manufacturing enter
prises should be deemed by any one un-
suitable to find places in the council of
thefnation. It is certainly matter Of
congratulation that, under the recent ex-
tension of Suffrage in Great Britain. an
cestral claims to seats in tlIe House of
Commons do not retain their ancient
monopoly, but that the number of repre-
sentatives OF tho middl classes is steadi-
ly increasing. 1t mny be q question
whether. in any nation, the existence Of
distinctive class, whether hereditary or
not, who make politics profession, is in
correspondence with the democratic ideas
and tendencies of the times. Whilst in
our own country, the Baltimore Sun re-
marks, such absurd determinations rs
those referred to in England, are impos-
sible,. there is o tendency to the forma-
tion Of political rings, outside of which
there is little chance for men who have
only their own talents and independence
of character to wager against party and
caucus Vaccinations, and in some locali-
ties men OF culture and intellect, but Of
circumscribed means, are unable to con-
tend with wealthier, though less educat-
ed and capable aspirants.
- Hr--rT --rr-
The estate LABOR CONVENTION. -
Wednesday, the Gath instant. is the day
appOinted for this convention ca1lad nv