New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-07-21
GLADSroNE'S COUP DErAT

We have high British authority for saying
that the country has determined to make the
British Army an open profession. Heretofore,
every commission in the service has had a
monetary value, varying according to circum-
stances, but accessible only to men OF tOlera-
bly, ample means. The military edifce has been
maintained on a system of seniority modified by
purchase. Men of experience andability long re-
NAMED in subordinate positions when unable
to buy their way to nights occupied by
Weather but less accomplished officers. Pro-
motions were regulated upon money basis;
and the ranks of the British army, in which
were shut up the undistinSuished privates,
forbidden to rise were filled with only the
neccssitous classes, whose lack Of education
and steady habits greatly detIact from their
usefulness as soldiers.
But the system, bad "a it is, is ancient and
time-honored. 1t is coexistcnt with the British
Army, and though William Ill. for short
time prohibited it, in 1901 it was revived, and
from that time until now it has been sub
iect for rules and regulations, which have
been sanctioned by royal warrant Into the
army, "a their last refuge, went fine gentle
men with money who had nothing to do.
Scons Of nobility filed the higher grades of
commissions, and the House of Lords stood
manfllly by q system which provided Occupa-
ton for younger sons and the minor branches of
noble houses. To be sure, the system had lis
advantages, and in the debate which sprang
up in Parliament when its abolition was pro-
posed showed that it possessed not few rec
ommen iatiOns to mercy.
But from the first it has been evident
that Purchase was doomed Passed by the
popular branch of the British Legislature, the
bill for the reorganization of the Army failed
signally in the conservative House of Lords.
The country was doubtless disappointed. The
Premier however had one more resource. As
long ago as the thirteenth year Of Charles H.,
Parliament declared that " the sole and supreme
power, Government command, disposition OF
the militia, and of all forces by sea and land,
/" and of all forts and places of strength, is the
"undoubted right of his Majesty; aid both
" or either of the houses Of Parliament can
"not nor ought not to pretend to the same"
The purchase system had been made legal
| from time to time by royal warrant; and now
the Queen, at the instance Of the Ministry,
has in like manner blOtted it out forever.
TO say that this is great blow at ancient
abuses and ancient privileges is to state
family the case as now presented to the aston
ished British public. The dramatic situation IN
both Houses of Parliament when the Queens
warrant was announced can be imagined by
those who know what wrath, disappointment,
and chagrin must have been felt on one side,
and what triumph thrilled the hearts of the
phaanx cf brave Liberals who saw one moro
old relic of caste disappear at stroke of the
royal pen. 1t was swift judgment on the
Lords who had one day contemptuouslY cast
the bill aside only to be startled on the
next with the bold announcement that
the Queen had solved the purchase
problem by simple exercise OF her
royal prerogative. The Liberal Premier,
hesitating and timid though he may have
sometimes appeared, is defiant at last, and
darcs Parliament to test vote on the position
Of the Ministry.
This coup d6tat will be far-reaching i'll its
consequences. 1t is great victory for dernOc-
racy in England. Precisely what its effect will
be upon the Army, it is impossible to tell. 1t
substitutes a system of seniority modified by
selection for one Of pretended seniority modi-
fed by purchase. 1t stops flow of
money into the Reserve Fund-amountinS
| in thirty years to 91,7 ,S29-and leaves com
missions, heretofore sold to the highest bidder,
open to the competition Of all citizens of the
British Empire. 1t must modify the social
position of the officers, and it will be another
blow at the aristOcracy of caste and privilege.
The proposed abolition has been called by
noble lords leap in the dark, as though no
army were ever maintained without purchase
system but we may be sure that the cause of
civil liberty and political progress has gained
lily by this signal moral victory.