Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered from 1691 to 1695, both inclusive.
The great event of the week in this kingdom is the proposal to the House of Commons by Mr. Gladstone, on the part of the government, of a bill for the extension of the franchise. This led to an interesting two days’ debate, a report of which in the Times I have the honor to transmit. No opposition having been made to the introduction and first reading, the question was then laid over until the 12th of April, when the real struggle will take place. It is difficult at this moment to foresee the result. The general impression is that thus far this disaffected section of the ministerial party has made less headway by its direct attack than was anticipated. It remains to be seen whether it will not be more successful by a resort to an indirect process against details, so often fatal to great measures in legislative assemblies. Although the public interest does not appear to be strongly aroused, it is not the less clear from the very full attendance of members, and the very crowded state of the galleries, that there is much feeling at bottom. It is not regarded merely as a struggle for power between contending parties, but rather as marking a moment of national transition to a more extended popular basis, either directly, or through a process more or less protracted, of ministerial revolutions. It is impossible to resist the conclusion that, whatever may be the issue of the immediate contest, the ultimate result is inevitable.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.