Mr. Adams to Mr. Hunter
Sir: The public attention has been this week absorbed in the elections of members to the new Parliament; a large number have taken place in the cities and boroughs of the kingdom, the general result of which, thus far, corresponds with the impression heretofore expressed in my letters, that no essential change in the political complexion of the body was likely to be made. The ministerial party has rather gained than lost in the class of elections in which the chances were most against them. The counties have now to vote, in which the probabilities lean the other way. The same is the case both in Scotland and in Ireland. So that, as a general conclusion, it may be assumed as certain that the ministry under Lord Palmers ton will be continued at least so long as he remains in public life, and that in case of his retirement little chance is left of any form of pure conservative reconstruction. The best which that party can now look for is to join some combination of moderate men, made up from both sides for the [Page 417] purpose of resisting the advance of the radical element. Such an issue appears to me by no means unlikely. There is really no difference in principle to prevent it.
One aspect of the election is particularly deserving of our notice in America. None of those who have been marked by their disposition in Parliament to preserve friendly relations with the United States appear to have lost any ground on account of it; while, in the populous London constituencies, the accession of not less than four new members, well known for their decided good will, is a significant circumstance. Of these, Mr. J. S. Mill is the most distinguished example. Mr. Hughes and Mr. Torrens are also, both of them, n en of superior character and accomplishments, who will give much strength to the liberal element of the popular party. The success of Professor Fawcett at Brighton is another indication of the same kind. Mr. Bright, Mr. Foster, and Mr. Potter have been returned without opposition. It is not unfair to infer that the termination of our struggle has not been without its effect on this result. At the time when I first reached this country, in 1861, the character of the elections, then taking place, to fill casual vacancies, was such, in consequence of the general impression that the “bubble of democracy had burst in America,” as to fill the conservatives with hopes of what they denominated a strong reaction. It was this feeling which really lay at the root of all their views of our struggle. Had the Parliament been dissolved at any time prior to July, 1863, there can be little doubt that it would have had a considerable effect on the issue. As it is, I cannot resist the belief that this period marks an era in the political movement of Great Britian Pure old-fashioned conservatism has so far lost its hold on the confidence of the country that it will not appear in that guise any more Unless some new and foreign element should interpose, I look for decided progress in enlarging the popular features of the constitution, and diminishing the influence of the aristocracy. Already the great increase of wealth in new hands, outside of its limits, has much diminished its relative importance in the social scale, and driven it to the necessity of husbanding its accumulations to keep pace with this late competition.’ The extraordinary deference formerly paid to mere rank, without regard to personal qualities, is much worn away. It is impossible not to perceive traces of the influence of our institutions upon all these changes. Hence the deep interest which has been taken in all quarters in the events that are happening in America. The hopes that our restoration may yet be prevented, though not sanguine as they were, have not altogether died away. If this were fully understood among us, the duty of an entire co operation of all parties to effect a re-establishment as promptly as possible would doubtless be more strongly fell. The progress of the liberal cause, not in England alone, but all over the world, is, in a measure, in our hands. It may be said to have escaped the dangers to it created by the war. But its vigor and energies remain to be developed much in the degree that we appear to surmount the difficulties that still beset us. I cannot doubt that, in the midst even of the saddest scenes of desolation in the southern States, if a sense of the consciousness of this responsibility were to be found, it would have its effect in stimulating the people to hasten a speedy and effective reorganization. In respect to its capabilities of future social development, now that slavery is removed, there is a universal conviction that no such country is to be found elsewhere on the globe.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Willtam Hunter, Esq., Acting Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.