The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-10-31
''eERYAT|yE PLATFORM
Appeals From All Sections OF the
British Islands for a Dec
laration.
Adherents Of the Cause OF Sails
bury at Present Cropping In
the Dark.
Promise ora Platform Tint VIII Outbid
Gladstone's-In the Event OF War
queens Health.

[Copy.ight, 1891 New York Associated Press. ]
LONDON, OCT. 3o.--The council of the
Conservative National uLion have in pro-
gress m electoral programme which PROM
ises to outbid that adopted by the liberals.
A circular recently issued by the council
directing tho leaders of local caucuses, in
view Of the early general election, to make
a special effort to oppose liberal propaganda,
elected appeals from every quarter for an
authoritative platform. Conservative agents.
will be sent on tour of all districts to
occupy themselves with destructive criti-
cism OF liberal projects. Semi-officially it
is announced that the platform of the con-
servatives will declare for a cessation OF
special Irish legislation with the adoption
of a local government bill, and tho con-
centration Of tho attention Of parliament on
British affairs; the extension Of popular
local government; allotment of small hold
ings for laborsrs; legislation for the arbi-
tration of strikes; lowest possible taxation
on tea, coffee and COCOA; reduction Of duty
on tobacco; vesting the power of licensing
in county councils, with provision for
compensation of rublicans deprived of
licenses. and the introduction of a bill pro-
viding for insurance against old age. There
will Of course be the principles OF opposi-
tion to church disestablishment; maints-
nance Of UNCONVENTIONAL sohoois; preserva-
tion of the peers privileges, and the rejec-
tion of local option in the matter of fhe
eight-hour day. The platform does not
give electors comprehensive prospect of
reform equal to that of the liberals, but it
is free from fads and more Immediately
practical. The liberals are arranging q
series of laborers' meetings.
Although no credit was given the sensa-
tional cables from New York saying the
United States had declared war against
Chill tho present situation has led to dis
cussion in naval circles. An English naval
officer having special knowledge of the
Gillian forces, states that war might be de-
cidedly unpleasant for the United States al
tho outset and that the task OF conquest
would not bean easy one, although event
ually the United States would be certain o1
victory.
1t is stated that at the next lord mayors
banquet, in his annual statement of tht
policy of the foreign office Lord Salisbury
will state that no new step has been taken
by France in relation to Egypt, and no Euro.
pean conference on the subject is proposed
has occurred to cause the Indian govern
ment any disauiet. He will not refer to the
aggressive effort with which India is acting
in sending agents into Cashgar; preparing
a plan for the mobilization Of troops
formation of an army railroad, etc.
In proof of the robust health of the
queen it may be stated that in spite of &C.
verely cold weather at Balmoral she ha,
been driving out daily In an onen carriage
King Humbert will pay an official visit te
the queen in March next, on which occa
sion there will be review of the Italian anl
English squadrons at Spithead.