Prospects of England and Europe.

Dear Sir,ーI have long directed my attention to the political and social condition of the people of England; and have not been an indifferent observer of those mighty events now taking place on the continent of Europe. It is a question which deserves an answer. What is likely to be the effect of these events on England? The answer will depend altogether on the course that may be adopted by the government. True wisdom would dictate to our rulers, the adoption of the principles or representation, now recognised by France, Belgium, Germany and Italy, and about to be extended still further. Will they do this? No; the House of Commons, as at present constituted, is chiefly elected by the middle classes, who, politically are the most ignorant part of the people of Great Britain. The middle class is composed chiefly of dissenters, who, in general wish themselves to be understood as the most religious; but who, with few exceptions, know very little about practical religion.

John Bull has his own way of doing everything, and his route is generally a rather circuitous one. He has such a high opinion of himself, that no one can teach him. But he has one virtue, and that stands out in bold relief. His stubbornness has scarcely any parallel in the history of humanity; and on this one virtue and its proper use at the present time, his whole hope of safety depends. If he brings it to bear upon the government in a right way, he may force Lord John Russell or some other of our Prime Ministers, to give such reforms as the times demand.

Europe presents a change aspect. A Republic in France seems quite a settled matter. Germany has at least one republic in prospect; for although the King of Prussia is manoeuvering and trying to cajole and hoodwink his subjects, they perfectly see through him, and appear to be using him as a tool to serve their present purposes, while he goes on believing that he can manage them to secure his own ends. From this view, I would not be surprised to see one large Republic established in the centre of Europe in a few months, on the ruins of the many small duchies and kingdoms of Germany. Italy is fast marching to the same conclusion. Hungary is already said to be formed into a republic, and will in all probability swallow up Moldavia, Wallachia, and probably Servia, to the great indignation of the autocrat of Russia. Belgium and Holland must also become republic in self defence, for no Kingly Government can long exist in the midst of Democracies.

When the world is thus jumping as it were at once, to a rational system of government, what is to become of England? Can she stand still in the midst of progress? It is impossible. An agricultural nation might possibly do so; but for a commercial and manufacturing country to attempt it, would be the ne plus ultra of madness. Freedom is the soul of trade, and the institutions of England must be the freest of the free, if she is to maintain her position amongst the nations. She cannot exist without commerce. She may for a time retain her Queen and aristocracy; but not long. She must get rid of her debt, and reclaim her establishments; the wealth of the country must be distributed, as it is, it can no longer yield a revenue to meet the wants of the government, without utterly destroying the middleーthe shop keeping class. Reform is more the interest of this, than the working class. They have not yet learned this fact, but they will ere long. The only mode of access to John Bull’s brains, is through his pocket, and it is amazing how clear-sighted he becomes whenever that is touched; and I now expect to see the principles of freedom extend much more rapidly than the most sanguine have hitherto supposed possible.

London, April, 1848.

T. D. K.