The Portland daily press., 1880-04-06
Another Bolt from the Blue.


The dissolution of the British Parliament
few weeks ago was described by one of its
members as ''a bolt out of the blue'-so
sudden was the announcement. Most peo-
pie, in England, here, and elsewhere, re-
garded il as an illustration of Lord Beacons-
fields remarkable political sagacity. 1t
was said that he went to the country while
it was flushed with the success of his foreign
policy and still proud of the commanding
position-won at so large cost and so inse-
cure-that Great Britain held in European
politics. 1t was argued that the Conserva-
tive Premier showed great foresight in max
ing his appeal while his hazardous policy
was still a seeming success. and in re-
fusing to leopard an assured majority by
waiting until the Parliament expired by
constitutional limitation. And no one dis
puted the argument The best informed
correspondents predicted a Conservative
victory. The Conservatives entered upon
the brief canvass with the liveliest anticipa-
tions of success, and did not for moment
admit the possibility of defeat. The Liber-
ais, it is true, professed to feel confident of
carrying the elections; but no man, outside
of their own ranks, gave them credit for sim
cerity.
The result of the elections is another
bolt from the blue" The great majority
which backed Beaconsfield, which approved
the passage of the Straits, the annexation of
the Transvaal, the invasion of Afghanistan,
the acquisition of Cyprus, the establishment
of the Indian empire, and the policy of the
administration toward Ireland, has disap-
peared in week. More than half of the
new Parliament has been chosen, and the
Liberals so far have over a hundred ma
jority-a majority that cannot be overcome;
for the Government, having the choice
naturally chose its strongest field in order to
make first favorable impression. 1t
has been beaten, and the result of the
Scotch and Irish elections will but increase
it's discontinue. There is still possibility
of gain in the country boroughs, and some
hope from Liberal dissensions in Ireland.
But it is altogether improbable that enough
can be gained from these sources to over
come the Liberal majority now secui ed.
Lord ,Beaconsfeld must 60 into opposition.
Itwould seem that the English people
were not so much dazzled by the brilliant
Beaconsfield administration as the world
was led to believe. We have all been misled
by the tone of the London press and the
predictions of the correspondents who take
their cue from it. Evidently profound dis
trust of the purposes and methods of the
Conservative ministry obtAined. The peo-
pie of England counted the cost of an "im-
perial policy" and concluded the game not
worth the candle. The deficit in the reve-
nues, the certainty of increased taxation,
the prospect of long and expensive wars,
were not thought to be offset by the acquisi-
ton of an island which has proved GENE
terry for British soldiers and of a country
the possession of which has only the doubt
full advantage of forcing conflict with Rus
sia in Asia. England has counted the cost,
and refuses to ratify the bargain.
The logical outcome of the elections is
the premiership Of Gladstone. But the Eng
llSu--SOIlcIimcS tCiy lOIIuHdtCiy lOT Iuclu-
selves-are not pitilessly logical, and the
prospect is that Lord Harrington, who leads
the Liberal forces in the Commons, or Gran
vile, who leads them in the Lords, will be
called upon to form the new ministry. Mr..
Gladstone is said to be personally distasteful
to the Queen. That does not count fer
much, to be sure; but it is believed that some
less positive and more polite man can man.
age the slender Liberal majority better than
he. And that is consideration that will
have great weight with the practical English
politicians. The new ministry has a hard
task before it, for its supporters are at one
only in hatred of the foreign policy of Bea-
consfield, and at many in their views of do
mestic administration. Concession and COM
promise and shrewd political management
will be hard worked to keep them together.
But though Mr.. Gladstone may not be the
nominal premier he will be the guiding spir-
it of the new administration, and shape its
policy and direct its course. He will hon
estly labor to deserve success, and all Amer
leans hope he will achieve it.