The National tribune., 1886-08-05
THE ENGLIsH REACrIoN.


With the kiss of the Queens hand by the
Marquis of Salisbury the new regime in
Great Britain was inaugurated, and once
more the believers in the divine right of
Kings take the helm. Mr.. Gladstone retires
from power, and the onward advance of
Republicanism in England has received
temporary check. That the triumph Of the
Tories is only temporary admits Of not
question of doubt. No set of men can turn
back the tide of the ages which has been
steadily flowing on toward Anglo-Saxon
Republicanism since the birthday of the
Great Charter. The lessons of history all
point in the opposite direction, and although
the battle has wayered at times, and reverses
have been met repeatedly, yet liberty has
surely gained ground in the minds of all
European peoples, and especially the English.
The Monarchy is only theory in point OF
fact, the people electing their practical King
whenever it suits them. The Queen and the
Royal family are merely the costly embodi-
ment of tradition, and monument to the
conservatism of Nation which dislikes to
break away from forms.
For the moment, the jealousy Of Ireland,
the fear of what Scotland might demand,
and the prejudices and influence of the aris-
tocracy, have combined to overthrow the
Liberals upon the proposition to grant local
Home Rule to the Irish. Still once inaugu-
rated, the reform must come, and in such a
matter day or year is nothing. The re-
suit is inevitable.
The immediate influence upon the poll
tics of Europe may be of vast Importance.
| Salisbury hates Russia and is friendly to
Bismarck. 1t will, no doubt, be the policy
of both these statesmen to unite in resisting
Russia's efforts to find port on the ocean
in temperate ATTITUDES. Now this great
people is practically land-locked more than
half the year. The Baltic is full Of ice from
October to April, while the Turk blocks the
way to the Mediterranean through the Oar
danelles. The Car Is at the head Of a brave
and powerful people, and they are irritated
more and more at the enforced isolation
which prevents them from becoming mari
time Nation They are watching and work
ing At the mouths Of the Danube on the
one hand, and at the gates Of Herat on the
other, they stand ready for the word which
viii bring on the death grspple for suprem-
acy. VIII it be Turkey or India? No one
knows. but busy preparation is under way
in both quarters, and to this matter Sails
bury and the hOt-headed Churchill will di
rect their attention very early.
The new Cabinet comes into rover as thu
mouthpiece Of the aristOcracy, but this pow
erful influence cannot relieve it Of dangerous
AID difficult questions. The cause of Ire
land was not snuffed out with the defeat o
Gladstons, I.or were the thunders of her dis
satisfaction hushed. Her paeifeation mus
he undertaken, unwelcome though the tasl
may be.
!. I'm
= 1t is not known yet, of course, what tn
Salisbury Government viii propose, but tn
temper of the Queen indicates return +
coercion and military force as the solution
of the difficulty.
This will fail The Irish have come to
near success to subside, and the agitation
bound to go on to the end.
The people of the United States Wi
watch the progress of events with kee
interest.