Political progress in the nineteenth century

Front matter

Class __j!>X5X Book __ .yVl LL

Copyright N^

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT.

Preface

Mr. Thomas Macknight, who began, but unhappily did not live to complete this volume of "The !Nineteenth Century Series/' was born in Durham in 1829. He was educated at King's College, London, where he graduated with distinction and was awarded the first prize for an Essay on the Historical Plays of Shakespeare. Among the professors of the College at that time was the Rev. J. F. Denison Maurice, one of the most liberal minded theological writers and influential social reformers of his day. To his wholesome influence Mr. Macknight owed much in the formation of his mind and character. During the impressionable years of his College career he acquired not only knowledge, but toleration of judgment, sympathy with the opinions and difficulties of his fellow-men, and an ardent interest in the many movements then springing up for ameliorating the condition, and promoting the happiness of the people. The future Liberal writer and Editor could not have fallen under a more potent or more beneficent influence. In addition to his high scholarship and breadth of opinion, there was a geniality and personal magnetism about Maurice which were peculiarly attractive and winning, and enabled him to create a deep impression upon those with whom he came in contact. For his professor Mr. Macknight learned to entertain a high regard, which increased rather than diminished in future

VI

POLITICAL PROGRESS OF THE CENTURY.

years. In his consistent advocacy of social and political reform, and the ^' truly catholic charity " of his religions views, the pupil was worthy of the master, who must have watched with singular interest the development of a mind which from the beginning showed evidence of vigour and originality.

On leaving College Mr. Macknight devoted himself to political history and literature. His facility as a writer was apparent from the first. His style was easy and at the same time forcible. His thought clear, his power of illustration considerable. Before he w^as twenty-five he published ^'A Literary and Political Biography of the Right Honourable Benjamin Disraeli. M. P.,'' which attracted favourable attention. In 1854 appeared ^^Thirty Years of Foreign Policy: a History of the Secretaryships of the Earl of Aberdeen and Viscount Palmerston" — an exposition and defence of the policy that led up to the Crimean War.

A more ambitious work followed. As Maurice had influenced his earlier years, so Burke dominated his later development. For the character and writings of the great Statesman Mr. Macknight conceived an enthusiasm, which ended only with his life. In "The History of the Life and Times of Edmund Burke,'' of which the three volumes were published between 1856 and 1860, he produced a work of great ability, and abiding value. For many years it remained the standard authority, and at the time of his death the author was engaged in completing a new edition of it, and an annotated edition of Burke's works, to which several years of patient research had been devoted.

In 1863, Mr. Macknight added to his already well established reputation by the publication of "The Life of Henry St. John, Viscount Bolingbroke," which was

PREFACE. yii

deservedly praised as an impartial and able review of tlie chequered career of the ambitious Tory statesman and writer of the eighteenth century. The Saturday Review, entirely opposed to the political opinions of the author, in praising the work, said ^^Mr. Macknight has made himself well acquainted with all that is to be known of Bolingbroke and his career, and on the whole takes just and well-grounded views of the matters which he handles." This spirit of fair dealing never deserted Mr. Macknight, and was one of the secrets of the large influence he exerted as a writer. His motto might well have been ^^Be just and fear not." At many critical periods in British politics he felt and wrote strongly, but he never wilfully did injustice to his opponents by misrepresenting their views, he never abused his power by indulgence in personalities, or in times of victory or defeat allowed political rancour to sour the sweetness of his temper, or political passion to warp his judgment. Of how many writers who for more than a generation have been constantly, almost daily, called upon to decide between conflicting parties in the state, can the same be truthfully said ? We fear the number is not large. In 1866, Mr. Macknight accepted the editorship of The Northern Whig. This daily newspaper is the chief political organ of the Liberals in the north of Ireland. It had always occupied a position of importance. Its previous editor was Mr. Frank H. Hill, who resigned his post to take charge of The Daily News, the chief Liberal paper of England. But under the direction of Mr. Macknight the circulation and influence of The Northern Whig were greatly extended, and upon all questions affecting Ireland the opinions it expressed were quoted by the London

Viii POLITICAL PROGRESS OF THE CENTURY.

newspapers. For thirt j-three years, down to the date of his death on the 19th of ITovember, 1899, Mr. Macknight controlled the fortunes of this great Irish paper with uniform success. When we remember the stormy times through which Ireland passed during those years, the task will not appear a light one. But Mr. Macknight had a sound and steady judgment, which, combined with his large-minded toleration, enabled him to grasp the reality, and, while expressing his opinions with force and brilliancy, to avoid giving wanton and unnecessary offence to political opponents. In paying a generous and eloquent tribute to his work and memory. The Northern Whig, of November 20th, said "he displayed that unerring instinct for fact and truth, that capacity for piercing through the apparent to the real conditions of great political and social problems, which is one of the rarest, as it is one of the most precious, gifts of an editor.''

In politics Mr. Macknight was a strenuous and consistent Liberal, the champion of every wise reform for promoting the moral, social, and political improvement of the mass of the people. From the day he became editor of The Northern Whig to the end of his life, he rendered valuable service to the cause of progress, and to the party with which he was associated. The Liberal victory of 1868 in Ulster was in no small measure due to his influence; and this was gracefully acknowledged at the time by Lord Duflerin, and other Liberals, by the presentation of a handsome silver salver, tea and coffee service, and purse of sovereigns.

Mr. Macknight was no mere party politician. He was an independent thinker, to whom the welfare of his country and of the Empire were of the first impor-

PREFACE. ix

tance. In common with many other Liberals his political integrity was to be submitted to a severe test. A personal friend and ardent admirer of Mr. Gladstone, the time came when he had to make the momentous decision, not only for himself but for the newspaper of which he was the guiding spirit, whether he could follow the great leader in his Home Rule policy. Mr. Gladstone's surrender to the forces of Irish I^ationalism was a great shock to Mr. Macknight, and to all the Ulster Liberals. Trusting to his memorable assurances that he would uphold Imperial unity, the Ulster Liberals had supported Mr. Gladstone with devoted loyalty. Their sudden betrayal was all the more hard to bear. If The Northern Whig had gone over to Home Rule, the result politically would have been very serious. But like the majority of the more thoughtful and educated supporters of Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Macknight refused to abandon the great principles of Liberalism at the call of any leader ._ He pledged himself, and the newspaper entrusted to his charge, to stand by the cause of Imperial unity, which in that crisis meant the cause of political and civil liberty. Subsequent events justified his action.

Though a strenuous politician Mr. Macknight was personally beloved by men of all shades of political and religious opinion, and in 1890, on the completion of the twenty-fifth year of his editorship, he was presented with a Celtic shield of silver, a valuable gold repeating keyless lever watch, a cheque for a handsome amount in the Ulster Bank, and an Address, subscribed for as a mark of esteem by all parties. In the course of the address it was recorded that his "extensive and accurate information,'' his "penetration and foresight," his "fairness and undoubted courage," had

X POLITICAL PROGRESS OF THE CENTURY.

combined to secure for his 'Apolitical judgment a large measure of general confidence and respect/' In 1896 he published ''Ulster as it is," in which a very striking and instructive picture is given of the condition of the most important province in Ireland.

Mr. Macknight's responsibility for what appears in this volume ends with the Tenth Chapter, except for the letter addressed to him by Mr. Gladstone, which appears at the end of the Eleventh.

C. C. OSBOKNE.

16 St. Edmund's Terrace.

London, N. W., Jan. 1st, 1902.

Chapter I. Retrospective : — End Op The Eighteenth Century

PAQB

Edmund Burke. — The French Revolution. — Political Progress in France. — The Rights of Man. — Alliance of Prussia and Russia. — Poland. — Mr. Pitt. — Agitation in Ireland. — Wolfe Tone.— Lord Fitz William. — The Orange Society. — Irish Rebellion. — The Act of Union. — American War of Independence 1

Chapter II. Fifteen Years Op War

Napoleon. — Europe. — The Holy Alliance. — The British Ministers. — Lord Castlereagh. — Lord Byron. — Louis XVIII. — Greece. — Spanish Colonists. — Charles X 20

Chapter III. A Sudden Change

George IV. — Canning's Administration. — Sir Robert Peel. — Catholic Emancipation. — The Catholic Association. — The Duke of Wellington.— Daniel O'Connell.— Lord John Russell. — The Test and Corporation Acts. — Macaulay on Reform.— The Reform Bill. 32

. CHAPTER IV.

PROGRESSIVE MEASURES.

Earl Grey. — Abolition of Slavery. — Popular Education. — The New Poor Law. — Ireland. — Appropriation Clause

xi

Xii CONTENTS.

PAGE

(Irish Tithes Bill). — O'Connell and the Repeal Movement. — Peace, Economy, and Reform. — Reduction of Army and Navy. — Death of William IV. — "Divine Right of Kings." 43

Chapter V. Beginninq Op The Queen's Reign

Lord Melbourne and the Young Queen. — Don Carlos. — Canada : A Review. — The Creation of the Dominion. — Lord Dufferin, Viceroy. — Foreign Affairs. — The Eastern Question. — Treaty of Unkiar Skelessi. — The Quadruple Alliance. — France 56

CHAPTER VL

ECONOMIC POLICY : FREE TRADE.

The Anti-Corn Law League. — Peel's Ministry of 1841. — Mr. Gladstone and the Tariff. — President of the Board of Trade. — Villiers, Cobden, and Bright. — Irish Famine. — Lord John Russell's " Edinburgh Letter." — Earl Grey and Lord Palmerston. — Abolition of the Corn Lavv^s. — Macaulay and Political Morality. — Burke on Free Trade. — Maynooth, Catholic Emancipation. — Queen's University. — Lord John Russell's Administration. — Popular Education. — Lord Shaftesbury and the Factory Act. — Ecclesiastical Titles Act 73

Chapter VII. Lord Palmerston And Political Movements In Europe

Louis Philippe, M. Guizot, and the Spanish Marriages. — Austria and Cracow. — Condition of Continent. — The Sonderbund. — French Revolution of 1848. — Invasion of Schleswig. — Kossuth. — Hungary. — Pius IX. — The Chartists. — Gibbon and the Future Security of Civilisation. — Macaulay on the State of Europe. — Irish Physical Force Party. — Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria.

CONTENTS. xiii

FAOB

— Revival of Eastern Question. — Greece. — Louis Napoleon. — Dismissal of Lord Palmerston 93

Chapter VIII. The Crimean War: The Indian Mutiny

End of the Russell Ministry. — Differences between Russia, France, and Turkey. — Turkish Fleet Destroyed at Sinope. — Alliance between England and France. — Lord Aberdeen and the Coalition Ministry. — The Crimean War. — Feeling of the Nation. — Lord John Russell. — Palmerston becomes Prime Minister. — Results of the War. — The Indian Mutiny. — "Clemency" Canning. — Russia and Afghanistan. — The East India Company. — Clive. — Warren Hastings, Results of his Trial. — Macaulay and Indian Affairs 112

Chapter IX. The United States, And Ireland

American Civil War. — Slavery. — Mr. Gladstone on the Separation of the States. — English Neutrality. — The Alabama Claims. — Genevan Award. — Principle of Arbitration. — Its Importance to Great Britain. — Effects of American Civil War, in the United Kingdom. — The Fenians. — Clerkenwell Explosion. — Mr. Gladstone and Disestablishment 131

Chapter X. France And Germany

Mr. Gladstone, Leader of House of Commons. — Opposition to Reform Bill. — Robert Lowe. — The " Adullamites." — Third Derby Ministry and Second Reform Bill. — Old Mr. Disraeli Prime Minister. — Mr. Gladstone and Irish Reforms. — Bismarck. — France and Luxemburg. — Napoleon III. — The Franco-German War, its Causes and Results. — A Visit to Sedan after the Battle. — Italy United xiv CONTENTS.

PAGB

under Victor Emmanuel. — William I. Proclaimed Emperor of Germany. — Russia and the Black Sea. — Germany under William III. — Her Material Progress and Expansion. — The Triple Alliance 141

Chapter XI. The Golden Days Of Liberalism

Disestablishment of the Irish Church. — Irish Land Bill. — Irish University Bill. — The Education Act. — University Test Act. — The Ballot Act.— Civil Service. — Abolition of Army Purchase. — Division and Dissension. — Fall of the First Gladstone Ministry. —Dissolution of Parliament. — Home Rule Movement and Mr. Butt. — Mr. Gladstone and the Leadership of the Liberal Party 158

Chapter XII. The " Unspeakable " Turk

Results of Crimean War, and Treaty of 1856. — Turkish Misrule. — Syrian Massacres. — State of the Balkan Provinces. — Crete. — The Andrassy Note. — The Berlin Memorandum. — Revolt in the Balkans. — The Bulgarian Atrocities. — Policy of the Government. — Servia and Montenegro. — Lord Derby's "English Terms." — Russia's Ultimatum. — European Conference at Constantinople. — War between Russia and Turkey. — Lord Derby's" Charter of English Neutrality." — Divisions in the Liberal Party. — Treaty of San Stefano. — Congress of Berlin. — Agreement between Russia and England. — Anglo-Turkish Convention.— Cyprus Ceded to England. — Policy of the Government on the Eastern Question.— Mr. Gladstone's Views 174

Chapter XIII. Egypt And The Soudan

The Suez Canal.— Financial Condition of Egypt.— Mr. Frederick Greenwood's proposal to Lord Derby.— Pur-

CONTENTS. XV

PAGB

chase of the Suez Canal Shares. — Its Notable Results. — Anglo-French Convention. — The Dual Control. — The Deposition of Ismail. — Arabi Pasha's Revolt. — British Occupation of Egypt. — The Soudan. — Slave Trade. — Sir Samuel Baker. — Gordon's Administration. — His Difficulties and Success. — The Mahdi's revolt. — Col. Hicks. — Evacuation of the Soudan. — Gordon's Return to Khartoum. — Defeat of Baker Pasha. — Vacillating Policy of the British Government. — Military Expedition to Suakim. — Siege of Khartoum. — Sir Evelyn Baring. — Gordon and the British Ministry. — His Murder. — The Rescue Expedition and its Objects. — Adoption of Gordon's Policy. — Osman Digua. — The Emir Wad-en- Nejnmi. — Kitchener's Campaign. — Re-conquest of the Soudan 307

Chapter XIV. India And Afghanistan

Russia and British Rule in India. — Afghan War of 1838. — Policy of British Statesmen. — Political Necessity versus non-intervention. — Annexation of Sinde, Gwalior, and the Punjab. — Civil War in Afghanistan. — Shere Ali, Ameer. — Fear of Russia. — Defensive Alliance Refused by Lord Mayo and Lord Northbrook. — Russian Mission to Cabul. — Refusal of the Ameer to Receive a British Envoy. — War with Shere Ali. — Yacoob Khan. — Massacre of British Resident at Cabul. — Defeat of the Afghans. — Abdur-Rahman made Ameer. — Mr. Gladstone's Indictment. — Lord Beaconsfield's Defence of the Government. — Progress of Afghanistan under British Protection. — Revisions of the Indian Frontier. — India under the Crown. — Democracy Unsuited- to Orientals. — Paternal Despotism. — How India is Governed. — Progress of the Empire. — Famines : Preventive and Relief Measures. — Consolidation of British Rule. — Lord Roberts and Frontier Defence. — Visit of the Prince of Wales. — Lord Beaconsfield and British Mohammedan Subjects 235 xvi CONTENTS.

Chapter XV. Russia. — Japan

PAGE

Intellectual Movements in Russia. — Difficulties of Reform. — Liberation of the Serfs. — Bondage of the Communal System. — Local Bodies and the Central Administration. — Defects of the Land Laws. — Herzen and Nihilism. — Revolutionary Agitation. — Political Terrorism. — Assassination of Alexander II. — Repressive Measures of Alexander 11. — Women and the Reform Movements. — Nicholas II. — A more Liberal Rule. — Russian Foreign Policy. — Japan Previous to 1853. — The Mikado and his Shogun. — Feudalism Overthrown. — A Constitutional Monarchy. — The Army and Navy. — Democratic Institutions. — Education. — Political and Material Progress. — War with China. — Russia, Japan, and the Corea 265

Chapter XVI

MR. DISRAELI'S ADMINISTRATION.

Foreign and Colonial Policy. — Home Legislation. — Abolition of Patronage in the Church of Scotland. — Public Worship Regulation Act. — Mr. Plimsoll and the Protection of British Seamen. — Laws Regulating the Liquor Traffic. — The Government and Mr. Bruce's Licencing Act of 1872. — Elementary Education. — Appellate Jurisdiction of the House of Lords. — Small but useful Measures of Reform. — Growth of Obstruction in the House of Commons. — " Espying Strangers." — Mr. Parnell and the Rules of Procedure. — Home Rule Agitation. — Founding of the Land League. — Mr. Gladstone's Declaration on the Supremacy of the Imperial Parliament. — Lord Beaconsfield's Letter to the Duke of Marlborough. — The Dissolution of 1880 and its Result 295

Chapter XVII. Liberal Statesmen And Irish Agitators

The Liberal Ministry of 1880-1885.— Mr. Bradlaugh and the House of Commons. — A Constitutional Deadlock. —

CONTENTS. xvii

PAGE

The Fourth Party. — Burial Laws Amendment Act. — The Ravages of Ground Game. — Conciliation for Ireland. — Mr. Parnell versus Mr. Gladstone. — The Land League Agitation. — Crime in Ireland. — Boycotting. — Causes of Irish Discontent. — Protection of Persons and Property Act. — Peace Preservation Act. — Obstruction in the House of Commons. — Irish Land Act. — Eoman Catholic Clergy and the Parnellite Agitation. — Mr. Gladstone Denounces Mr. Parnell. — His Arrest. — Fenian Conspiracies. — Death of Lord Beaconsfield. — Married Women's Property Act. — The Cloture. — New Message of Peace to Ireland.— The Kilmainham Treaty. — Resignation of Lord Cowper and Mr. Forster. — Assassination of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Mr. Burke. — Prevention of Crimes Act. — The Arrears of Rent Act. — The Invincibles Unmasked. — Punishment of the Phoenix Park Murderers. — Fate of Carey, the Informer. — The Pope and the Parnell Testimonial Fund 316

Chapter XVIII

Bribery at Elections. — Report of the Commissioners. — Corrupt Practices Act. — Agricultural Holdings Act. — Bankruptcy Act. — The Demand for Reform. — Dissensions in the Cabinet. — The Franchise Bill. — Attitude of the Conservatives. — Conflict with the House of Lords. — A Campaign against the Peers. — "No surrender". — A Compromise. — The Redistribution of Seats Bill. — Fenian Outrages. — The Budget. — Defeat of the Government. — Conservative Ministry Formed.— The Dissolution. — Mr. Parnell Demands National Independence for Ireland. — Result of the Elections 356

Chapter XIX. Home Rule

The Liberals and the Integrity of the Empire. — Attitude of Mr. Gladstone. — Defeat of the Ministry. — The Liberal xviii CONTENTS.

PAGE

Government. — Mr. Gladstone's Irish Home Rule and Land Purchase Bills. — Schism in the Liberal Party. — Defeat of the Government. — Appeal to the Country. — Great Majority against Home Rule. — The Plan of Campaign. — A new Crimes Act. — Irish Land Act of 1887. — The Queen's Jubilee. — Imperial Feeling. — Local Self-government for England. — " Parnellism and Crime" — Report of the Special Commission. — The State of Ireland. — Increase of the Navy. — Death of Mr. Bright. — The Downfall of Mr. Parnell. — Irish Land Purchase Act. — Free Education. — The Factories and Workshops Act. — Small Agricultural Holdings Act 388

Chapter XX. The Wreck Of The Liberal Party

Conservative Scheme of Local Self-government for Ireland. — General Election of 1892 and its Results. — Mr. Gladstone's Fourth Administration. — The new Home Rule Bill. — Rejected by the House of Lords. — Retirement of Mr. Gladstone. -^Lord Rosebery. — Graduated Death Duties. — Defeat of the Ministry. — Appeal to the Country.— Overwhelming Unionist Majority. — Fusion of the Liberal Unionists and Conservatives. — "The Unspeakable " Turk again. — Irish Land Act of 1896. — Employers' Liability Act. — Death of Mr. Gladstone. — Ireland Granted Local Self-government. — National Education 410

CHAPTER XXL

DEMOCRACY AND FEDERATION.

Growth of Modern Democracy. — Its Principles and Tendencies. — Contrasted with Socialism. — Recent Democratic Legislation. — Equality in Liberty. — Capital and Labour. — Tlie Combination Acts. — Rise of Trades Unions. — Co-operation. — Results of Reform. — The State the Protector of the Weak. — The Rights of Children. —

CONTENTS. Xix

PAGE

State Interference. — Welfare of the Masses versus the Privileges of the Classes. — Liberty of the Individual. — Distribution of Wealth. — Equalisation of the Conditions of Life. — Democracy and the Colonies. — The Confederation of Self-governing States. — The Dominion of Canada. — Australia and Federation. — The Federal Council. — Constitution of the Australian Commonwealth Framed. — Imperial Federation. — The Colonies and the Mother Country. — Hands across the Sea. — The War in South Africa. — "A Great Wind of Imperial Spirit." — British Policy and the Transvaal. — Mr. Gladstone. — Sir Bartle Frere's Warning. — An intolerable Domination. — The Afrikander Bond.— The Future 426