Saint Mary's beacon., 1876-12-21

Cromwell Dispensing Parliament.
As the country is now suffering the
first stages Of despotic government, and
witnessing the rapid strides OF the Ex-
ecutive towards unlimited power, We
subloin Hume's description Of Crom-
well dispensing Parliament, that the
people may know how the thing has
been done and how il can be dome
again: -E ..si
THE Jealous Republicans IN the par
lament had not been the chief or first
promoters Of TIE war; but when it was
once entered upon, they endeavored to
draw from it every possible advantage.
On all occasions, they set up the feet
in opposition to the army, and celebra-
ted the glory and successes OF their na-
val ornaments. They insisted ON the
intolerable expense to which the nation
was subjected, and urged the necessity
Of diminishing it by reduction of the
land forces. They had ordered some
regiments to serve ON board the fleet in
the quality of marines. And Cromwell,
by the whole train Of their proceedings,
evidently saw that they had entertained
a jealousy Of his power and ambition,
and were resolved TO bring him to a
subordination under their authority
Without scraple or delay, he resolved
10 prevent them.
On such firm foundation was built the
credit of this extraordinary man, than
tho great master Of fraud and dissim-
ulation he Judged it superfluous to en-
ploy any disguise in conducting this
bold enterprise. He summoned gen.
eral council OF officers; and Immediately
found that they were disposed to receive
whatever impressions he was pleased to
give them. Most OF them were has
creatures, and had owed their advance
ment to his favor and relied entirely
upon him for their future p-cfcrment.
The breach being already made between
the military and civil powers, when the
late king was seized at Holdenby, the
general officers regarded the parliament
as at once their creature and their rival
and thought, that they themselves were
entitled to share among them those otf-
ces and riches, Of which its members
had so long kept possession. Harrison,
Rich. Overton, and few others, who
retained some principle, were guided by
notions so extravagant, that they were
easily deluded into measures the mos,
violent and most criminal. And the
whole army had already been guilty o!
such illegal and atrocious actions, that
they could entertain no further scruple
with regard to any enterprise which
might serve their selfish or fanaticai
purposes.
In the council Of officers il was pre-
sentiy voted to frame a remonstranee to
the parliament. After complaining of
the arrears due TO the army, they then
desired the parliament to reflect how
many years they had sittcn, and what
professions they had formerly made of
their intentions to new model the rep
re.entative, and establish successive
parliaments, who might bear the bur
den OF national affairs, from which they
themselves would gladly, after so much
danger and fatigue, be at last relieved.
They confessed that the parliament had
achieved great enterprises, and had sur
mounted mighty difficulties: yet was it
an injury, they said TO the rest Of the
nation to be excluded from bearing any
part In the service ofthe country. II
was now full time for them TO give
place to others: and they therefore de-
sired them, after settling a council, who
might execute the laws during the in
tervsl, 20 summon new parliament.
and establish that free and equal gov
eminent which they had so long pro-
missed the people.
The pariiame nj took this isrenonstrance
in i'll part, and made sharp refhy 10
the council of officers. The officers m
sisted on their advice, and by mutual
alteration and opposition, the breach
became st.H wider between the army
and the commonwealth. Cromwell,
finding matters ripe for his purpose,
called a council Of officers, in order 20
come to determination with regard 10
the public settlement. As he had here
many friends. so bad be also some op-
ponen.s. Harrison having assured the
council that the general soeght only to
pave the way for the government OF
Jesns and has SAINTS, Major Snezt.r
briskiy replied, that Jesus ought then
to come quickly; for il he delayed il till
after Christmas, he would come too late
he would find his place occupied.
While the officers were in debate, Col