Mr. Henley, the Tory member for Oxfordshire, made one of
his curious and original speeches at Theme last week, too late for our last impression. He began with a striking comparison between the true conservatism shown by the Americans in defending their Union, and the reckless aggressions of Prussia and Austria on small and helpless States. "We have seen on the other side of the Atlantic a gallant people in the .North making great sacrifices for the greatest of all conservative principles,—namely, to maintain the integrity of a great empire." The South in opposing them were "equally gallant," but they were not success- ful. "And now we see great hope for believing that that great [American] people will achieve the greatest of all victories,—a victory over their own passions, which will enable them to treat the conquered with moderation, and more than moderation,— friendship." In Germany, on the other hand, Mr. Henley sees Austria and Prussia attacking a very small Power under the holy pretext of restoring the Germans to liberty, and when the cards were played out throwing that pretext aside, and selling them "like pigs in the market." "I am very much afraid," said Mr. Henley, "that when the history of these times comes to be written, kings and emperors will stand in a very awkward light when contrasted with the institutions of the New World." Surely the face is the face of Henley, but the heart is the heart of Bright. However, the sentiment is both true and suitable enough in a Conservative. Conservatism—far too strong a Conservatism—is the true key to the Northern political mind. Of his own partyMr. Disraeli only hitherto had discovered it, but Mr. Henley feels it still more keenly. After all Mr. Henley would make a very good President, and probably not more conservative than Mr. Lincoln.
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