The Political Compromise in England.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4517, 20 November 1884, Page 2

The Political Compromise in England.

Thosf, who have been hoping and almost expecting that the obstinacy of tho Houso of Lords in opposing tho will of the British people would lead to a political crisis involving the downfall or radical reform of the Upper Chamber, will bo disappointed at the nows which we published yesterday, proclaiming that tho Lords have withdrawn their opposition becauso of a plodge oil'ered by Mr Gladstone, and that tho friction between tho two Houses has entirely disappeared. They will feel the disappointment all the more keenly because it is mode to appear that the Peers had carried their point, and that tho Government had surrendered unconditionally to them. There is no real ground, however, for this view, nor is there any reason for feelings other than those of congratulation. Mr Gladstone had all along confessed the necessity for a redistribution of seats, and was prepared to bring in a measure to securo that end in the next session of Parliament; and tho Lords only made the delay in bringing down the redistribution proposals the pretext for their factious opposition to tho Franchiso Bill. In agreeing to push through tho Redistribution Bill at once, Mr Gladstone surrenders no principle, but rather secures the f nil efficacy of. tho extension of the franchise. He resisted tho demand formorly for tlyo sufficient reason that a redistribution,. scheme of necessity required a good deal of consideration ; we may be suro that he only concedes the point now becauso ho has found time to formulate a scheme which shall securo the rights of the people in tho fultyst possible manner. Tho Peers, having no "further pretext for opposing the Franchise Bill, give a sullen and reluctant consent to its' becoming law, rather than imperil their own safety by fighting the question on its meiits. All true Democrats will rejoice at the victory which tho cause of popular representation has gained over " privileged obstruction ;" they will recognise that the enfranchisement of other two millions of the working classes must have a powerful influence on tho course of legislation in England ; and they will hail with delight the inauguration of a great reform which bears tho germ of oven greater things than tho sweeping away of the House ef Lords. Even with Conservative manipulation in tho redistribution of scats, there could bo little danger of tho mighty power placed in the hands of the people being neutralised ; but as tho passing of the Redistribution Bill is in the hands of the mot Liberal Government that ever hold sway in Britain, tho result may bo awaited with all confidence.