Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-25
TORIES ABOUT FACE.
They Adopt Disraeli's Tactics, Steal
ing Liberal Thunder
On THE EDUCATIONAL QUESTION.
Obstacles 10 Be Surmounted as to the
Worlds Fair LXhibIt.
BAD STATE OF PORTUGUESE AFFAIRS

LONDON, April PA free exchange OF
House of Commons to-day showed an abso-
lutte unanimity of cougratulation upon the
fact that the Conservatives have committed
themselves to free education, but there was
much diversity OF opinion as to how the new
departure would affect the party's future.
No one doubts that the Government has
made coup with a view to a general elec-
ton.
The Conservatives, who, in their hearts,
dislike the mea sure, accept it because of
their desire to associate the name of the
party with an immense boon to to wn work
ingmen and rural laborers, but the Liberals
reason that the Tory adoption of proposals
which they originated and long fought for
cannot deprive them of claiming the credit
for the ultimate success of their scheme.
The opposition has further and stronger
reasons to hail the Government scheme, con-
tanning as 1t does abundant possibilities for
party disruption and widespread national
discomfort.
Conser vatives' Tactical Disadvantage.
From an ecclesia stical point of view, the
Unionists could not have found a better
cry to 60 to the country with than free edu-
cation. Finally, from tactical point of
view, it could not be worse for them, if,
after the Liberals accepted the principle of
the BILL coalition of Tory malcontents
with the mass of the Liberals, threw out
the measure on question relating to the
popular control of schools or interference
with denominational privileges.
As far as the view of the Liberal leaders
has been ascertained, the bill will be op-
posed unless it comedies to rate-payers
power TO elect representatives in the man
aging boards of all schools, including in
voluntary and denominational. A small
section of the opposition appear to be will
ing to accept MIR. Goschen's proposal in any
form, arguing that free schools must ulti-
mately imply popular control; but when
the party IDEAS which are now rather in
solution, crystalize under the pressure of
party necessity, it is inevitable that the
Liberals will present the solIdest opposition
TO the measure, unless representative local
control is its guiding spirit.
What a Liberal Bill Would Do.
If a similar bill had been presented by
Liberal Government, its leading proposals
would have been for the institution of
School Boards in every parish, with church
schools 10 be managed by these boarss. 4.
The Conservative Government dare not at
tempt to interfere with the clergy, who now
control schools in over TO- 900 parishes, nor
will Mr.. Goschen take the risk OF interfering
with the control of denominational schools,
already drawing over e5O0. 900 from the i'm
perial excheuuer.
According to highly-placed informant,
Cabinet plans, as far as stated, simply in
volve free education in the lower standards,
assisted education in the higher standards,
and increased grants to denominational
schools. No change is to be made in the
system of control, excepting that the pa
rents of children attending the schools shall
have power to elect q part of the board.
This will suit the clerical sections, but will
arouse the strongest opposition of the Lib
erals. The Conservatives untimely jubiia-
tion over the old trick of 'dishing" their
opponents, they are likely to find disastrous
check which will weaken their position on
the eve of dissolution.
Friendly to the Worlds Fair.
If England is not properly represented at
the Chicago fair the responsibility will rest
upon the fair MANAGERS, and not upon the
English Government, which is evincing the
greatest interest in the fair. The Govern
ment has already decided to made hand
some appropriation to insure a full exposi-
tion of English products. The amount of
the appropriation, with the names of the
commission to look after the English inter-
ests, will shortly be announced in ParIia-
ment. Interviews with members of all par
ties show such general sympathy with the
undertaking that there is certain to be a cor
dial support of the proposed grant.
The decision of the Government to ask a
grant is an unusual sign of friendliness In
the case of the French Exhibition no appro-
priation was made. While everything is
favorable, as far as the Government and the
feeling OF influential persons are concerned,
it must be admitted that the probable ex-
hibitors show marked Indifference, which Is
entirely owing to the lack of information
and the absence of anyone to supply infor-
nation. Everything already done is due al
most solely to the spontaneous efforts OF Sir
John Wood. Attorney General Webster
James Dredge and other members OF the
Fine Arts Society, who had charge of En-
glands exhibit in France.
The Difficulties in the Way.
Mr.. Dredgs accompanied the iron and
steel men to America in 1890, and it is prob
able that he and Sir John Wood will be
members of the Chicago commission. Mr..
Dredge said to-day:
Wd are anxious to do all we can for the Fair
but We are working under difficulties. We
have no information such as exhibitors must
obtain before preparing exhibits. Chicagoans
must bestir themselves IL they wish England
to be freely represented.
There are many prejudices to be over
come. Among the difficulties is the ab-
sence of any one here able to give in forma-
tion in regard to space and transportation
of freight from the seaboard. The McKin-
ley law is still bugbear. All sorts of false
reports are published concerning the Fair,
quarrels among the directors about sites,
etc. Fables about leaning towers are
spread broadcast. Official information is
necessary to counteract these canards. |
While many of them are on their face
absurd, an impression remains which does |
harm. For instance, the Economist says
that the Illinois laws will probably prevent
the employment in the Fair building of
people sent from abroad in charge of ex-
hibits. The people of Chicago ought to act
instantly if they expect or desire credit
able display on the part of England.
The Portuguese Question Again.
The Foreign Office has received alarming
advices from Lisbon. Sir George Glynn
Petre, the English Minister, represents the
political situation as critical The Portu-
guese Cabinet ought to submit the new En-
glish convention TO the Cortes May 5, the
modus vivendi expiring May IA, but the
Portuguese Premier pleads for an extension
of the modus vivendi and delay in the pub
fishing OF the convention, in order to give
time for the abatement OF excitement against
England, which is imperiling the position
of the Government The substance of Sir
George Glynn Petre's communication says
that a revolution is impending and will be
precipitated if Lord Salisbury insists-upon