BIRMINGHAM POLITICIANS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1031, 25 August 1883, Page 4

BIRMINGHAM POLITICIANS.

' One of the most remarkable signs of the times is the extraordinary influence exerted by Birmingham in the councils of the Government. Before the bombardment of Alexandria proved too mtldh for the Quaker stomach, two out of its members were Cabinet Ministers, JUidjtyere: known to exert the greatest influence lover; the Grand Old Man. Mr. Chamberlain but ten years ago was an unknown member, and in 1875 at was l an unpleasant critic of his presentchief. Yef his influence to-day is femarkablel Personally insignificant, midj for jfpjity-five, of youthful appearance, he yet possesses a, position which njany oP noble ; birth would envy, and, as some think, stands well for the Premiership at a future date. The President of thdßoatd of Trade has made his money by screws, for, without money, depend; upon it he would not be where is, and has long since retired in favor of his former partner, ]VIr Nettlefold, whose improvements in thas particular, article of commerce are known wherever .building operations ate ‘ carried, on. Given money, considerable self-assurance; a ready tongue, and; strong common sense, ahd success is tolerably certain in a Parliamentary career. Since his accession to office, Mr Chamberlain has evinced great aptitude for his duties, and the clear, straightforward, and common-sense views he expresses have gained for him general approbation. There is, however, a pertness and self-sufficiency about him which is peculiarly galling to the aristocratic Whigs, and the quarrels at the Clubs are notorious and frequent.'. The attempt to get the President’s two brothers elected at the Reform resulted in a pretty row, in which; the Rads got the worst of it, and now the selection of Mr lain as Chairman at the recent Cobden Club dinner was the signal for the resignation 6f Mr Goschen and others ofithe* oldl Liberal parly. Probably the reason, for these secessions lies in the recent speech at Birmingham, made on the occasion of the anniversary of John Bright’s connection with the borough —twenty-five years ago. In this speech, manhood suffrage, to all intents and purposes, was advocated, payment of members, abolition of the Established Church, and a variety of other startling propositions, which, coming from a member of the Cabinet not yet pledged to anyone of them, gave naturally some annoyance in official circles, and very plainly indicated what would happen when Joseph Chamberlain assumes the reins -of office. f Mr Bright, for his performances on the same occasion, has been severely taken ’t» task by the Conservatives, as he charged them wuh. cdal&3tigWith the rebel party to arrest the progress .oflegislatiqu,, < ;Sir Stafford Northcote, as in duty bound, did battle for his party, and demanded an explanation, whilst the Irish members assailed the flight gentleman with the-maost unmeasured and' violent abuse. Mr Bright’s reply was calm and not undignified, bulf whilst he very successfully vindicated his use of the term “■rebel,” He was not so happy in his attempt to connect the Tory with the Parnellite tactics. The truth is whichever party is in opposition for the time being always obstructs the Government of the day,' and it is folly throwing stones igt, your neighbors; whilst living in a glass house. Mr Bright ought to be old enough to know this. —London correspondent of New Zealand Times.