The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-10-31
rFor the Dispatch.l
The Rival Trcmters.

Thn Two most prominent characters IN
rs,,,.Is,,S are tbe present Premier, the Eatl
! - Reaconsfeld, and his predecessor In
of,sce the Hon. William b. GLADSTONE.
The iirst high Tory, or conservative the
other a Wing, or Liberal, in their politicai
affinities. They are both statesmen OF great
experience, and endowed with intelleetuat
powers Of the highest order IN the British
Parliament. It Is but natural that o strong
ieaIo,lsy should exist between them-each
being the champion and leader OF his re-
sDectiye party. Where their views come in
conflict this state Of feeling becomes signally
manifest. Gladstone, in o strain OF eloquent
remonssrance, clothed In classic purity OF
diction, appeals to the people; expresses
his opinions with fnllness and freedom;
his mental bow strung to far-reacning
arms OF progress and good to his country.
Like the Cheyalier st. George, ne Is ever In
conflict with the dragon OF superstition,
inhumanity, and ignorance. The religious
and moral progress Of England he seeks to
advance, while others are content to stand
still. To spread the benignant influences OF
civilization, that rests on the foundation OF
christianity in its broad, evangelical mean
ing, seems to be the motiye-power that ac-
tuates his life and has kindled his indefatl-
gable spirit. Disraeli, on the other hand,
isamere man Of the world. Unlike his oppo-
nent, he trusts not to the truth In argument
or debate, but shelters himself behind
thorn fence OF petulance, or, knowing the
aristocratic applause that awaits him, he as
sumes a tone OF lofty contempt, jerks an
epithet from his vocabulary OF ridicule,
and lets it fly at his intended victim.
But it misses the mark. 1t but
glanced moment on the bright shield
It struck. He scorns a legitimate combat in
the arena Of thought. His efrontery goes
FOR courage, and his high-sounding phrases
: for facts, to his friends; but, like paper
currency, they are Of such an inflated value
that redemption in coin can never be eX-
pected. 1t is thus he has discounted bis
reputation. On every great issue for many
years he has figured largely. The Eastern
question is now the test that Is drawing
forth additional bitterness and rancor be-
tween those two men so conspicuous In
the nations eye.'> The deep Indignation OF
Gladstone at the ''Turkish atrocities" and
the ignoble attitude OF England looking on
with folded arms and cool indiffer.
ence, finds an echo in the minds OF
the largest and most intelligent classes
The Premier does not believe the
atrocities were committed to any
extent, and with rancor unparalleled IN
parliamentary debate or public discussion
denounces Gladstone as greater barbarian
than those who commit them, in attempting
to arouse the Government to take actor
and stop the horrid cruelties that Turkey
perpetrates with impunity before the civil
I lied world.
We can understand the policy that die
tates non-interierence on the part OF Eng
land in the Servian war. Constantinople Il
the key to the East, and England can ne!e e.
allow it to be wrested from Turkey, which
would endanger her possession Of India
But it seems impossible now to shrink from
action. Ere many days the Premier may
have to adopt the measures that will be re
quired to stop the war in Bulgaria, only tc
find It transferred to the banks OF the Bos
phorus. Europe seems on the eve OF
great war, and it is to be hoped the rlva
premiers may cease their animosities before
the grave events about to happen, and unite
in keeping the power Of England intact.
A. S.
Caroline county, Va, October %, 1876.