We aro certainly in the midst of preparations for a
general election : the newspapers tell us that candidates, Whig, Tory, and Radical, are offering themselves to constituencies in all places ; and we are furthermore instructed by Whig and Tory organs that the forthcoming elections are of immense importance. Possi- bly: in the large and proper sense, all elections of the People's Representatives ought to be considered important: but, unfortu- nately, the People themselves are very little excited on the pre- sent occasion. There is much calmness and no small portion of in difference among the constituencies. For the cause of this apathy, which is perceptible among the Tories as well as the Liberals, We need not go far. There is no grand political rallying-cry. The earnest Reformers anticipate the return of an ove steering majority of Whigs aud Tories, united to oppose the organic im- provement of our institutions. They see the Whigs at work to secure as long a tenure of office on as easy terms as possible; they see the Tories eager on the same met; and the canclusion many will arrive at is to choose the best man, without reference to his Whig or Tory politics. And this resolution, however it may affect Whigs or Tories, her Majesty's Ministers or her Majesty's Oppo- sition, appears to be a rational one on the part of those who have no selfish interests to gratify, and only desire to make the best of a bad bargain—to get all the practical advantage they can from both or either of the contending factions. Such being, as we are convinced it is, the honest feeling of multitudes who at the last three elections were ardent politicians, it is not wonderful that there is little excitement as to the result of that in which the country is soon to be engaged. For the success of particular persons there will be zealous exertion and warm interest ; but the electrical sympathy of strong national politics and a contest of principles is wanting—generally men are apathetic. They are not, the Whigs may be sure of it, to be roused by the silly hoax that the Queen's wellbeing is in jeopardy. It is not for or against the Queen that men will vote. Her Majesty is sure of protection and regard, whether the Whig or the Tory aristocracy shall occupy places in the Cabinet and at Court.
"Le jour viendra." Honest WILLIAM Tam in the seventh heaven of delightful anticipation, says that "Lord Durham's day has come I " * Alas, for Mr. TAIT'S disappointment ! Read Lord Joule RUSSELL'S address to the Stroud electors; remember his declaration on Friday last that the Reform Act is a "flush mea- sure;" hear the Whigs talk ; look at their newspapers; and then try to believe that any thing better than the juste milieu, which Lord STANLEY approves of, is in store for the Reformers. No—" le jour viendra;" but it is not come yet, and Lord DURHAM Mist 'bide his time. When he comes again into the Government, it must be with power and honour—with the means of advancing his principles—and not merely to lend the prestige of a popular name to Whig uses in the Liberal constituencies.
ee the Ju'y Numb... sr Tits afvosac; r. •' Loo; tic.lhe Queen 1"
