The English Political Crisis.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4513, 15 November 1884, Page 2

The English Political Crisis.

Recent English papers are filled with reports of monster popular demonstrations against the action of the House of Lords in rejecting the Franchise Bill, which proposes an addition of two millions of people to the rolls. But according to latest cable advices the agitation of the recess has made no impression upon the hereditary legislators, and although Sir Stafford Northcote, speaking at Newcastle on September 23rd, admitted that the struggle was the most critical that has occurred since the passing of the Reform Bill in 1832, and that it jeopardised the traditionary prerogatives of the House of Lords, his party, under the Marquis of Salisbury's blind lead, havo resolved.to accept all risks. Mr Gladstone's tone throughout the recent agitation, and in his latest utterances, is distinctly menacing, and it may readily be believed that the consequences of the imE ending struggle between tho two Chamera will be to the distinct disadvantage of the peers. Any measure with the object of bringing the Lords to their senses would no doubt be preceded by an appeal to the constituencies, and this is what a section of tho Conservative press profess to desire, while Mr Gladstone has fought for the privilege of going to the country next time upon enlarged rolls. Sir Stafford Northcote gave free expression to the fears which have daused his party to fight with so much tenacity against the passing of this bill. The addition of the urban votes to the county rolls would, ho stated, be moat disastrous to the interests of the Conservative party, In other words, two millions of free men, who are fit to exercise the franchise, must be shut out because it is believed thoy are too intelligent to vote for tho Conservative ticket. We shall hear presently what tho two millions and those who ought naturally to sympathise with them have to say about it.

;: The usual fortnightly ineeting of the French literacy Society takes place -this evening, in the V.M.C. A. Rooms (Wollesleystreet entrance).