New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-05-26
ENGLISH DEMOCRACY.
ITS POSITION AND PROSPECTS,.

TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: 1t could not be supposed that the re-
cent republican demonstrations in London would pass
without attracting large amount OF attention on
both sides OF the Atlantic did 1t require any very
profound knowledge of English American political life
to foretell that while class OF politicians would bail
them as the advent Of an English republic, anos1er
would profess to In them nothing but m0meDsary
agitation the natural and inevitable result OF the Com
munst revolution in Paris and measuring the strength
and vitality OF the Democratic party in England by the
number OF people assembled in Hyde Park, they would
dismiss the subject unworthy Of serious consider
alton To those however, who have watched the growth
of democratic ideas in England marked Its progress and
carefully studied the rapid changes IL has undergone,
the pauoty OF numbers, and absence OF known leaders
from the recent manifestations, Will occasion no SURPRISE
as for some time the aim of the Democratic party In
England been the social ameoration OF the work
ing classes rather than any organic change In the
system Of government. II proof we're wanted OF the
correctness Of this assertion. we need only refer
to the immense support given to Mr.. odser a.
champion OF the Labor Representation League at the
late election for Southwark when he obtained several
thousand votes and only defeated by about 4c and
compare with his position President OF the meeting
held In the Wellington Music Hall to favor the establish
ment Of a republic in England when with difficulty he
could muster hundred supporters And not only Is the
party insignificant but 1t is divided into almost rs many
sections has members in addition TO which does
not possess single leader Of ability or position or one
who commands the confidence Of any Of its members In
the House OF Commons scarcely speak OF any or
Its members having seriously entertained the idea
OF oyerthrowng the monarchica form Of government
1t Is true Mr. Peter Eraylor wakes exceedingly wroth
at the idea the British nation being called upon to pay
ga for Prince Arthurs insignia OF knight of st. Pat
rick and Mr. Auberon Herbert thinks It will be matter
Of serious consideration, the death OF the Queen
whether the present form Of government can oonnue
but as Mr. Herbert commenced life Tory, and qli'r
ted that party because 1t sufficiently reactonary.
only TO ind he Liberal and afterward (when va
cancy at Nottin CHAM afforded him chance OF entering
the Housed Radical and since his conversion to Repub-
lcanism has voted in favor Of dOwry for Princess
Louise it not necessary say he all condehce
with the heroes OF Trafalgar-squarc.
IT, however, the Republican party has not many
adherents, it would be next to impossible to over
estimate the growth Of democratic ideas during
the last few years. The Church in Ireland has
been dIsestablished radical land measure has been
given Ito that country, the Universities have been
thrown open TO Nonconformsts, and the sup
port given to Mr. Malls motion is sufficiently omnous
Of the way in which public opinion is setting n 10 say
nothing of the ballot bill and the bill for aboshing pur
chase in the But the measure which creates the
greatest interest among the workngcases is that re-
lating to Trades Unions, which are, by the new law,
placed on similar footing to that OF friendly societies.
and have their grievances adjusted in manner declared
by them to be perfectly satisfactory The number and
importance of these societies it would be difficult to
overstae and their power for good or evil must OF
course in proportion TO their desire to exercise the
power they possess for political purposes Fortunately
up to the present tme their good sense has enabled
them to keep aloOf from political inriguers who en
deayor TO worm themselves into their confidence, and
while the International Society has taken great political
hold in France and Belgium there being 10000 members
in the latter country alonel in England remains what
there it has always beena Trades Union Society," But
should some clever and INSCRIPTIONS politicians, such
as those present at the head Of the Paris Commune,
taking advantage Of the discussions continually arising
concerning the claims Of capital and labor contrVe To
arouse the force at present dormant II h pos
sble they might bring about state Of things which
would disorganze society and shake tse very founda
tions OF the British Empire. D. W. b.
Eeic- York, May II, 1871