The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-16

It's Moaning.
The brilliant summary of the English politi-
cal situation which we print elsewhere. from
one of our London correspondents. will ex-
plain the meaning of the pending elections
and the downfall of the Gladstone Ministry.
The history Of tho canvass. as seen by our
correspondent at the outset, is given with
rhetorical finish worthy of MacaulAy or King
lake. We learn the hidden causes OF the over
throw of the great liberal party, and see indi-
cations likewise, of certain political phe-
nomena which bid fair to give unusual interest
to the immediate future Of English politics.
| When We study these national movements
from an impartial point of view we observe
social and political phenomena reminding US
of the operations of nature. The tide that
sweeps over the shore is certain to recede
When the storm RACES in neighboring do
minion we may expect dark skies over our
own homes. 1t seemed inevitable, after the
conservative manifestations on the Continent
in Spain and France and Germany
the coup fStat of Serrano, the Access
sion of MacMahon to the French Presi-
dency. the severe struggle between Bismarck
and the Roman Pover-that the British EN-
pire should escape. Between England and
the Continental Powers there are sympathies
and alliances that we do not quite comprehend
in our American isolation. There are legends
in English diplomacy which. however neg
lected, and we may say wisely neglected. by
Mr.. Gladstone, have strong hold on the
Imagination of the English people. The pos
session Of Gibraltar aud Malta. the absence
of French power ON the Peninsula, the integ-
rity of Belgium, and dozen other questions
of a sentimental character belonging to the Ma
poleonic era, are still cherished by the average
English mind. And while public opinion of
the most truculent type would pause before
actually accepting the hazards Of war, even to
retain Gibraltar and Malta and defend the
autonomy of Belgium, still the legends re-
main and are cherished and have been sue
cessfully invoked by Mr.. Disraeli. No Cry
has had more influence upon the English can
vass than the demand for vigorous foreign
policy And yet it is cry marked with in
sincerity and passion. Mr.. Disrael will strive
as earnestly to keep the peace as MIR. Glad
stone did. He win do precisely what his rival
attempted-making little more noise, per-
haps in his diplomacy, but really aiming to
consolidate the greatness of England as
peaceful manufacturing and commercial
Power.
So far as internal questions are concerned
nothing has been determined by these cleo
tons except that the country will have
season of peace to recover from the effect of
MIR. Gladstone's thorough radical and, as his
opponents were wont to say in a spirit of
irony, ''heroic" legislation. However eagerly
public opinion may crave reform, when it
really comes it brings irritation and restless
ness. Reform means the eradication of
abuses. Abuses have friendships, sympathies,
associations. When they are pulled up and
rooted out wounds and gaps remain. Time,
which heals and comforts ALL is needed to heal
and comfort aud consolidate reform. 1t may
be necessary to take off limb or cut deeply
into diseased and unruly member of the
body; but the necessity imposes time of rest
and healing. England is now about to enter
upon such time. The nation needs repose
to accustom herself to many of the wisest
achievements of the Gladstone Ministry. The
new law system must go into operation; the
Education act must be fully tested. and Eng
land must pause and see whether what has
been done is wise before beginning any new
experiments This we understand to he the
real meaning Of the success of Mr.. Disraei,
SO far as home affairs are concerned. There
are, no doubt, many fervid tories who, in the
exultation of triumph and the heedlessness
which so frequently characterizes restorations
to power, will clamor for the repeal of these
measures of reform Mr.. Disrael is too wise
man to hearken to such appeals, and we
question if, even with the majority which he
has gained in Parliament. he could grant it.
The country wants rest, not reaction.
notable circumstance in these elections is
the compact body of home rulers returned
from Ireland The defeat of Chichester
Fortescue is as signi6capta circumstance as the
famous defeat of Vesey Fitzgerald in the famous
Clare election during the reign of Daniel
O'Connel We do not know the exact number
Of home rulers elected to Parliament. The
leaders anticipated q delegation Of eighty,
but it will not reach that number. If there
are nity OF e'eh iofty pafiouc Iisnmen, wise,
disciplined and patient in the next Parlia-
ment, resolved upon home rule or upon any
question of Irish policy, they can put severe
pressure upon the new Ministry. The trouble
with most Irish statesmen is that enthusiasm
takes the place Of Judgment. Many Of them
do not exactly know what they want. Those
that do know are overpowersd by their i'm
a1l.a -
by the gallant and impetuous youths who
formed the Young Ireland party. We do not
know exactly what home rule means We do