Henry Parkes

“ THE state of political feeling in England at the present time is very peculiar, and scarcely admits of definite terms of description. It is not surprising that we hear people talk of a Conservative reaction, for certainly there exists a widespread distrust of extreme Liberalism, and a disposition, more or less manifest among all classes of society, to rest satisfied with the existing order of things. The civil discord in America, to an extent unjust to the Americans, has repelled and partly terrified the public mind ”

“ Possibly experience has taught many that political agitation but very inadequately supplies the daily wants of a family, and administers but little to the enjoyment of life. Cheap railway travelling has probably been a powerful agent in moderating political passion, as well as in removing local prejudice; and I dare venture to say that a picnic in Stoneleigh Park would be a most dangerous competitor to a Reform meeting in Birmingham. ”

“ Among all the political ovations of the recess, where the names of Russell, Palmerston, Carlisle, Stanley, Lytton, Pakington, and others have been the ascendant stars, it is remarkable that not one of the "men of the people" has been the object of public adulation. ”

“ The feeling that exists appears to be very little guided by definite principles of any kind, and a public man of amiable personal character, who frankly mingles with the people, will be a popular favourite, as Lord Stanley is, without reference to his political views and opinions. ”

“ To my mind there is something of glaring injustice towards the men who have sprung from the people's own ranks, and of degrading fickleness of opinion in the people themselves, in this apparent neglect and mistrust of their old friends. ”

“ The fact is, that the people are beginning to look with suspicion upon political professions, while many of the representatives of the old territorial families have contrived to make themselves popular among all classes by their acts of consideration and their general conduct. ”

“ Parkes considered it part of his duty to describe the political institutions of the colony, and, though his address was well received, and frequently applauded, when he explained that the Legislative Assembly was elected by manhood suffrage and the ballot, not a single cheer was heard. Mr. Parkes was addressing at least 5000 people, chiefly Birmingham artisans, who, twenty-two years ago, waged civil war for the five points of the People's Charter. ”

“ I do not, however, think that the people at large have grown enamoured of the Conservatives as a party, though very probably, if any concurrence of circumstances were to lead to Lord Derby's elevation to power just now, there would be a much more general disposition to tolerate them in office than has ever been felt before. ”

“ Since the appearance of the two fierce articles in the Times, I notice that every provincial journalist has his fling at parliamentary government in Australia. Will no one stand up to vindicate the character of the colonies? ”

“ I do not know what amount of success will attend the efforts of your commissioners, but I have met with persons who have determined to emigrate to New South-Wales in consequence of their addresses, and some of these are men of character and means. ”

“ There is some talk of a Reform agitation among the Yorkshire and Lancashire politicians, and consultation meetings have been held in Manchester and Leeds, with the sanction, it is said, of several influential names, though the most important person that has appeared in person is Mr. ”