The Herybrd Reformer, hitherto one of the most vigorous supporters
of the Melbourne Ministry in the whole range of the provincial press, has some remarks on the result of the Newcastle election, which are worthy of notice. "
Captain Blackett's fate may serve as a lesson to many, whom we could name, at the next election. The People, irritated by the conduct of the Peers, will accept no mere party pledges as a sufficient guarantee for the conduct of their Representatives. They will require specific declarations of opinion upon all the great questions, in which they are interested ; and this without re- ference to the conduct of the hlinisters. The distrust and dissatisfaction excited by the English Church Bills, will greatly strengthen this determina- tion, as well as Lord John Russell's unfortunate declaration respecting Church- rates. It is true that Ministers had a large majority on Monday last, but they were mainly indebted for this to the peculiarity of their position, which ren- dered many of their friends most unwilling to vote against then,. But we foresee, already, that the Church-rate question, unless the intentions of the Cabinet be changed at once respecting them, will be a fatal question, and we say so unhesitatingly. It is impossible that Liberal members should support any plan similar to that of Lord Althorp, or which does not do entire justice to the claims of the Dissenters ; and it is equally impossible that the present Government should hold its ground, if it were to carry such a plan, in the teeth of its own friends, by the assistance of the Tories. Let Lord Melbourne, at once, satisfy the Dissenters upon this point,—let him declare that he will substitute a system of pew-rents for Church. rates, and regard the Ballot, bencefoi ward, as an open' question, in lieu of making opposition to it a bond of union in the Cabinet,—and we have no fear of his not being able to make bead against his Lordly opponents. The People are ready and willing to stand by him. But it is for things, not for persons, that they must contend. It is under this flag alone that they can be led to victory."
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