Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-03-12
British Politics.

The announcement of the English Cabinet
that the present Parliament will be dissolved
as soon as the budget is passed, draws the
attention of the world afresh TO English
politics The present Parliament would
have expired by limitation in February OF
next year, and it will be about SIX years and
one month old when the dissolution occurs
| Only two Parliaments since 1872 have lasted
so long as this-that of which Lord Mel
bourne was Premier, 1854, and that of
Lord Palmerston, 1859 65. Lord Beacons-
field has doubtless been watching anxiousy
for time when he could order an election
of new Parliament with least danger to his
supremacy; and he has selected one when
the success of British arms abroad and the
dissensions of his opponents at home make
it certain that he can hold conservative
majority. The issue on which he chooses to
go to the country is the Irish question, and
he states it as follows in manifesto 10 the
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland;
Measures respecting the state of Ireland
are about to be submitted for the royal as
sent The arts of agtators have been de-
feated by the liberal and prudent measures
which Parliament almost unanimously sane
toned. During the six years of the present
administration the improvement OF Ireland
has much occupied the care Of the ministry,
and they may remember with satisfaction
that they have solved one Of the most diili-
cult problems connected with its government
and people by establishing a system OF pub
lie education, open to all classes and crceds
Nevertheless a danger in its ultimate results
scarcely less disastrous than pestIlence ana
famine distracts the country. portion oil
its population is attempting to sever the con
stitutional tie which unites it TO Great
Britain. The strength OF the nation depends
upon unity. The immediate dissolution OF
Parliament will afford an opportunity for
the nation TO decide course which will
materially influence its future fortunes. The
power of England and the peace of Europe
will largely depend on the verdict of the
country.
OF the $50 sitting members in the present
Parliament, the Conservatives had 3i2, the
Liberals $50, and the Home Rulers 5S-a
majority Of "a for the government over the
combined opposition. This Is not very
broad margin. and it is probable that the
next Parliament will be closer yet.
The London Times SAYS the time chosen for
dissolution is probably the most convenient
to the country that could have been selected.
''The dangers which threaten the parliament
tary government of England are very urgent,
and it is not clear that they may not he IN
creased by the result of an appeal to the
constituencies. 1t seems 10 be admitted ON
all sides that the Home Rulers will win some
seats in Ireland, and that the government
will lose several in ireland and Scotland. II
remains with the English constituencies TO
decide whether the Conservatives are to have
a aloriiy winch will bear down the Scottish
Liberals and Irish Home Rulers. What Is
chiefly to he feared is such an equal balance
of power as would leave both constitutional
parties dependent upon the Home Rule vote.
At present on the question of the foreign
policy, the presumption is decidedly in favor
of the ministry. But the Liberals have yet
to declare themselves, and the country will
scan their utterances without prejudice
The London Post approves of the dissolution,
and says it is not only in England, but also in
Ireland that the result Of the forthcoming
elections will he watche d anxously. 1t is he
lieved that many Of the elections will be over
by the first week of April, and the new
Parliament open in May.
The Boston HeraM has had great deal to
say about Senator Edmundss merits as an
ideal standard bearer for Young Republicans
only yesterday it declared him to he a man
Of the highest character the party could pos
sibly put forward. We quite agree with the
HcraM in its high opinion Of Senator Ed
munds, and hence we can both turn To his
| speeches in the Senate in 1872, when the
Civil Service Reform resolutions were before
that chamber, with mutual confidence and
admiration. On December IL, 1872, Mr..
Edmun,is said this of President Grants atii
tude ON the question:
The President Of the United States has said in his
message, to his honor that the public service OF the
United States In respect To appointments 10 Office
] could he improved lie has shown that during the
period OF his administration, instead nf the public
service In his hands being demoralized, has he
come morallzed from the condition OF demoIaila-
] ton Ia which he found It at the expiration 81 the
term Of Mr.. johnson. lie has expelled pccnlaiors
and defraung officers from the service, aud he has
| uOnc u hS quickly anu ds f'hlllF NHth'NtI ne lh]
| found people who have been appointed 10y himself
he has IN respect To officers who were appointed
! by others.
| That was Mr. Edmunds's deliberate opn-
| ion of Grants honest devotion to Civil Ser
vice Reform in 1872; and. AS the Springfield
Republican. the Boston Transcript and our
friends of the Herdld, all unite in agreeing
that the Vermont Senator is nj once the
abcst, purest and best man whom the coun-
| try has seen since George Washington died,
we hope they will now recognize the fact that
Grant is exactly the man for whom the re-
form elements in both parties are booking
| Boston 1raueiler