New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-07-24
THE ENGLISH SUCCESSION.

The Queens influence in preventing rcSgna-
ton of the Unionist Ministry at the close OF
tho general elections is causing tranSltory con-
fusion in political councils. The inference Nhich
was naturally dawn from Lord Salisbury I'M
usual course in deciding to meet hostile
Parliament was that he was prepared to re-
main in Office in the face of vote OF want OF
confdoncc. As this action would involve &c
lihclate and almost Wanton disregard OF eslao-
lishcd political usage in Great Britain, the
Unionist leaders have been compelled to an
nourcc that they have 10 intention of govern
inc the country with minority OF Parliament
in their favor. The only alternative for resigna-
ton which Lord Salisbury will have if he he
defeated on vote of confidence will he dis
solution of Parliament There is evidence be-
tokcnins that he has been seriously consider
ing the eypedicncy of such a course. Inc
Queen nav have suggested it, and Mr.. Cham
berlain may have seconded the proposal point
ing out, as he would he certain TO do the adj
vantage Of raising social and worklngmcn
issues and of attempting t. 0utbid the Liberals
for Hodges support. Lord salisbury may stu
have this procedure under contemplation. Du'
4 statesman of sound judgment like the Duke
of Dcvonshirc will not be readily induced TO
advise it. and without his acQuicsccncc II Is
not likely 10 be carried out. Unless the Union
lists are fully prepared TO bring on another cleo
lion at an early day they will inevitably have
70 abandon office as soon as Parliament de-
clarcs against them.
The London Times virtually forecasts this
contingency by making a direct issue OF Mr..
Gladstoncs age and inhrmities ii cnarges
upon tho heavy work which the leadership OF
the Commons and the defence OF llome-kule
bill will involve and predicts that his health
will break down unless he takes refuge IN the
House of Lords That is an uncrrng indica-
tior that the UnionistS are at the end OF then
resources, and that they appreciate fully the
impracticlbility Of keeping Mr.. Gladstone ont
of Office When they assume that he Is
physical wreck. and that nothing is left for
him but tho ignoblc fate Of Lord Chatham, they
are rapidly nearing tho last ditch. Much more
practcal is the issue which is fully discussed
in orr London cable dispatches. II relates 10
the Nationalist balance OF power and Mr. Hlad-
stones ability TO govern the country with
majority dependent upon irish support and upon
Radical federation of Home Rule aS question
of the first importance. 1t cannot be disguised
that the Liberal leader has before him n work
OF most arduous difficulty which may exhaust
his resources of patience and strength. But he
is not a statesman who ever spares himself or
shrks what he considers 10 be his duty 10 his
country. lie is prepared TO take Office and to
introduce Home Rule bill, and to die III har-
ness, if need be, in the Common5 He is will
ing to try. That will suffice to secure the over
throw of the Unionist Government early next
month Lord Salisbury certainly cannot make
terms with the Irish members. Therefore he
must either dissolve Parliament or step down
and out Mr. Gladstone has at cast n very good
prospect Of satisfying the Irish side. Conse-
quently he is the only possible Premier under
the new Parliament.
The Irish members, for the second time since
Mr.. PANEL first took mp Home Rule and pressed
it upon the attention Of Parliament with in
flexible purpose, have the balance Of power
In the Parliament elected in 1855 they would
have had Mr.. Gladstone at their mercy if he
had not adopted their cause. In the present
Parliament their power Is even greater than it
was then, but unfortunately Mr. Parnell is
not living to lead and to unite them. BY wise,
saeacious and moderate action they can secure
the speedy passage of Home-Rule bill through
the Commons As Mr.. Gladstone was enabled
to secure the support of Mr.. Parnell and the
Irish Nationalist in 1886 when he produced
his grea. measure, it ought not to be imprac-
ticable to obtain their approval and co-Opera-
ton second time. Mr.. ParnelPs example and
their own action six years ago commit them TO
Mr. Gadstonc's general scheme. The great
Commoncr has been the most loyal friend the
island ever had in England. Who will say that
the Irish are without gratitude and that they
will deliberately abandon the champion who has
made their cause his own?