Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-03-22
THE NEXT PARLIAMENT.
Preparing for the Comins Eiection-a Radi-
cal Change Predicted.
10y cable to the Dispatch.I

LONDON, March 2l.- Both Liberal
and Conservative political agents are
manifestly preparing for the general
election in November next. They al
most unanimously concur in reporting
that of the present members Of the
House Of Commons almost one half will
decline to stand for reelection. If this
calculation proves accurate. the next
Parliament will be the product of one
of the most thorough political changes
ever witnessed in England. A majority
of the members of the House who, it is
thought, will decline renewals OF candi-
dacy, are the older Tories and Wings.
Singular as it may appear, the bulk OF
these will not retire from active politics
because Of advancing age and increasing
physical disability, but they will do so
because Of the profound discomfort
against the progress Of Democracy in
Great Britain. 1t cannot be gainsaid
that the most energetic and most eff
fectiye political missionaries in her Ma
icsty's dOminions for several years past
have been Radicals or Democrats. The
old Tories and old Wings realize this,
and they are convinced that Democratic
elements will 80 largely control the
next House of Commons as to make
parliamentary methods and position
disscreeable to English gentlemen of the
old fashion; hence these gentlemen
will refrain from politics. and from
their own standpoint matters will get
worse. Political philosophers see plain
" that if ever there is to be real and
established Democracy in England. its
advent will be much FASTENED by the
very disposition shown by these Wings
and Tories to run away to avoid it.
All indications show plainly that there
Is going on in England steady retreat
Of Conservatism before Democracy.
The whole tenor of reports from pro-
yincial centres is TO the effect that the
next Parliament will be radically
changed in character that the number
Of aristocratic, military, and law repre-
SontatiyeS will bc greatly leSsened, and
the number OF commercial traders and
members Of the Local BOurgcoise in the
House will be astOniShingly augmented.
The Tory agents. in view of the neces-
sity of making timely recognition Of
the inevitable, have advised their lead
crs to adopt an electoral programme
based Oh Democratic lines.
Lord Randolph Churchill. young
and erratie Tory member Of the House
OF Commons, who, in fit of political
disgust with the clumsy conservatism
of his colleagues, abruptly started on a
tour TO India, has been asked by cable
to return to London as speedily as pos
sible to consult with the Marquis of
Salisbury. the leader of the Tory peers,
and with Sir Michael Hicks Beach. the
reported successor in the Tory leader
ship IN Commons to Sir Stafford North
cote. Mr.. Gladstone is tired Of ac-
tive political leadership. 1t seems to
be generally believed that he will
withdraw from the Prime Ministry and
from The House OF Commons at the end
of the present session. His family and
his close personal friends. it Is said. all
concur in urging him to take this step.
1t l. known that Mr.. Gladstone has re-
Gently very often expressed desire 10
resign the leadership OF the Liberal
party. Some of the Prcmier's relatives
and family friends are urging him to
retire into the House of Lords, where
he can continue to serve England by
counsel and influence without Sacri-
iicing his health and strength. a. he
must do if be remains where he is.