The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-09-19
FOREIGN NEWS.

LONDON, September 13.-November the
l4th having been selected for polling
day, the maniiestos of political leaders
are next in order. In this country, in
the place of political platforms by
conventions, there are addresses by
party chiefs. Sir Michael Hicks Beach,
as the representative of the orthodox
conservatism in the elective chamber,
may be expected to lead the dance, I'M
less Lord Randolph Churchill, illness
Notwithstanding, should happen to be
first in the field. Both are probably en-
gagged at this moment drafting the dec
larations of policy which are 10 sound
the keynote of the fight. Mr.. Glad
stones reply to the Tory chal-
lenge should Immediately appear
ana both sides theleupon fall to in
grim earnest. Campaign speeches usual
ly follow the addresses; this year they
have to a large extent preceded them,
and the country already knows what the
main issues are to be. Lord Randolph
faces the Birmingham Radical caucus
with scheme of Tory Democracy,
Chamberlain filings down the gauge Of
land reform, free schools and local self
government; Beach raises the flag OF
protection in the counties, and Bright
appears in the lists as the champion of free
trade. These are national issues. Sec
tional interests are not less clearly de-
fined by such representative leaders as
Roseberry, Morgan and the Irish patriots.
Scotland Is absorbed in the disestablish
ment craze and bids fair to treat herself
to a Liberal split and Tory gains. Wales
Is stirred to her depths by the
Irish revolt and shows firm front
for principaity interests. Ireland's cam
paign will decide whether the
cry for the repeal OF the union is the de-
mand of the nation or a faction. 1t is
worth nothing that the'leading issues in
England, Scotland and Wales point 10
home rule as the only practicable solu.
luton, leaving Ireland entirely out OF the
question. Mr.. Gladstone has repeatedly
admitted, both inside and outside Par
lament, that the pressure OF public bust
ness alone points to the absolute neces-
sity of some form of distribution of local
or National legislation among the local..
ties or nationalties respectively interest.
ed. Take for instance the Manchester
ship canal bill. 1t is measure of purely
local interest and ought not to have en-.
loved the attention of Irish, Scotch
and Welsh members for single hour,
instead of taking up sitting after sitting,
week after week and month after month
to the detriment of urgent Imperial
interests affecting the common family
of nations. The Scotch disestablishment
affords another instance. Gladstone has
deliberately placed himself on record
with respect to this measure, that it is
one for Scotchmen solely 10 deal with.
He does not attempt to reconcile this
statement with the fact that Scotchmen
are utterly poweress to control legisla-
ton on this or any subject, and are en-
trely in the hands of majority COM
posed of English, Welsh and Irish men,
bers Mr.. Gladstone, finding himself
under the necessity, and a serious neces-
sity it is, of protesting against disestab.
lishment being made a test question at
the Scotch elections, has unconsciously
placed himself at the side OF Mr.. Par
nell, supporter of home in its wild
est application. Mr.. Gladstone has for
years past champoned local self-goyern-
ment, restricted form of home-rule.
Local self-governmen as it confronts
politicians, in England to-day is home
rule in no restricted sense, but in its
fullest and completest aspect. The time
fol- combining local self-government to I'M
important urban and suburban bodies,
, partly elective and partly non-elective,
has passed Thanks to Parnell aud his
courageous lieutenants, a uniform elect
i've system, with full control over finances,
appointments and internal administra-
ton, is the inevitable next step. Ma.
tional self-government with imperial
functions for central authority, must
= follow as naturally as water flows down
: hill. Mr.. Chamberlain, Sir Charles Dixie,
, Lord Harrington and all Liberals
, of prominence have pronounced for the
fullest and completest scheme of Local
self.government short of National home
l rule, and it will be the chief object OF
5 Lord Churchil's Tory democracy, ifnot
of the orthodox Conservatives under
I Lord Salisbury, to outbid the Liberals in
this as they did in the franchise bill, and
, convert home rule in the counties into
home rule for the nations, unless the
Liberals, foreseeng this, promptly fore.
. stall them and make National Legislation
! prominent plank in the Liberal platform
Z 1t is too early yet to figure on the number
OF seats to be contested at the approach
ing election, but the returns already
1 received make it tolerably certain tina
r fully three ffths of the one-seat division
: will be contested. On the Liberal sid,
t fewer candidates have appeared in tn
5 newly created rural constiuenCi
|. than had been anticipated. The part
o managers are indiposed to find mouel
a for candidates unable to pay the eX
= penses of a contested election themselye
= and nggardly spirit, as unusual as it i
= alarming to nominees of local poliJica
bodies, is manifested at headquarters
G At Conservative headquarters all i
life, activity and downright hard work
g Two-thirds OF more of the seats whic
q the managers consider worth contestini
have been supplied with candidates an
the party is providing the necessar
funds with unsparing hand. Healy, i
. his promised speech on Chamberlain an