The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-04
classical, in point of style, as we md, day
after day. in the best editorial writings OF our
American newspapers"
ENGLISH SCANDALS.

The English nobility being the most con-
spicuous aristocracy in the world the scan
daIs that occur in its circles attain TO degree
Of potoriety that is only limited by the bounds
of civilization. So infinitely are the details
of these scandals brought to the notice OF
the universal reading public when they are
aired in the English courts that very natu-
rally the impression is formed that the upper
tier of English society is corrupt to the very
core. the Inference being drawn from separate
instances of social deprayity that the whole
fabric is in a state of vicious decay.
Such an inference is very probably unjust
as a generalization, however correct IN part.
Whether inaccurate or not, the influence
which such popular impression must eher-
else upon the stability of the aristocratic IN
stitutions of England cannot but be most
destructive. In the present age when tue
democratic spirit is making such rapid strides
in England by the mere force OF the altered
ternner Of the times. many incidents like that
of the baocarat trial now in progress in Lon
don must give an additional impulse TO TINS
snirit which will lead quickly TO changes
which under ordinary circumstances OF
Growth il would require many years TO reach
No orders founded upon purely fictitious
distinctions however firmly these distinctions
may seem 10 be intrenched in tradition. Gus
tom and law, can withstand the hostility OF
public opinion when intensified by All aroused
moral sense The great body of the Engilsh
nobility are no doubt men and women who
ha fnnnDSf0
upon them by their exalted station IN lie.
These have 10 suffer all the consequences OF
the outrageous conduct OF those members OF
their order who are plunged into the gulf OF
crime and scandal by the temptations OF large
fortunes and life of ease or by innate de-
pravity which no obligations Of rank can re-
press
In this democratic age an aristocracy IS an
anachronIsm. If it was as pure as snow IL
could not escape calumny, but when 1t allows
itself TO be besmirched by gross immortality
and noisome scandal it IS only question OF
time for it to sink gradually to ruin or to be
struck down at one blow.
1t is not improbable that the inheNbiiity
which the Queen of England has always
shown in frowning upon every form OF vice
and folly in the aristocratic circles OF her
kingdom has had its origin in large measure
in a feeling even deeper than her natural
goodness and purity. Her long reign OF haif
a century must have given her very accurate
insight into all the influences which have been
at work in the general social and political LIE
of her people. She has no doubt recognized
very clearly the progress which the demo-
cratic spirit has made. and she has been wise
enough to comprehend that every evidence
of corruption in the ranks Of her nobility Will
not only jeopardize the stability OF arlstocratic
institutions. but also the permanence OF the
throne itself. The fates Of king and peer IN
England are inextricably interviewer. When
the peer is stripped of his robes the crown
will tumble from the head of the king.