The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1866.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 19, 26 March 1866, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1866.

The chief interest iv the English domestic intelligence centres with the question of reform ; the subject has been agitated for some time without success, but so great has been the advance in the intellectual culture and social influence of the industrial classes during the last few years, that the expediency, if not the justice, of an extension of the franchise has been admitted by all parties. Lord Palmerston, though personally not averse to an advance iv this direction, hesitated to imperii the stability of his Government in support of nny measure of reform, and the great personal influence of that minister prevented the question being brought forward during the latter years of his life, but now that he is removed from , the arena of politics, the two great parties of the state ar brought face to face in their struggles for power, and each bidding for popular support, are willing to bring forward a measure for that purposo. That the Ministry would not be able to continue the middle course they have so long maintained, under the leadership of Lord Palmerston, was certain, and from their actions lately it has been evident that they would seek an occasion of strength from the ranks of the liberal party ; but nevertheless we doubt that they would propose so great an advance as manhood suffrage. If that portion of the telegram is correct, we can only infer from it that some members ofthe Ministry were desirous to introduce manhood suffrage into the Government Reform Bill ; if so, there must have been great changes in the Cabinet. But Earl Russell is of too cautious a temperament to consent to commit the fate of his Government to any extreme measure. The Jamaica outbreak and the extreme measures adopted for its suppression, are still occupying a considerable share of public attention, and the whole affair will doubtless be thoroughly investigated. The Royal Commissioners have commenced their labors ou the spot. An English advocate is engaged on behalf of Mr . Gordon and Dr. Underbill, therefore we may feel confident that the investigation will be searching, aud that everything will be brought to light connected with that unfortunate affair. The Princess Helena's marriage is to take place ia June, and poor John Bull is asked to put his hand into his pocket to support the married couple and their descendants, besides paying the marriage expenses. We do not wouder that some nations prefer republican institutions. There has been several extensive fires, also many shipwrecks, the telegram says 4,000 ships were lost during one storm — this must be a mistake. In the Bay of Biscay, besides the steamer London, the Amelia, s., with cargo worth a quarter of a million of money went down. There have been terrific, gales, great snow storms, aud great inundations have occurred, but the particulars of them have not yet reached us ; the list of disasters is therefore more than usually full.