Omaha daily bee., 1892-11-12
FRANKLY DEMoCRATIC.

such Is the Opinion Concerning the New
Conservative Program.
copyrighted tsg2 by New York Associated Prcss1
LONDON, Nov. ll.--No event in the recent
history OF tho conservative party approaches
IN importance the adoption OF the new pro-
gram 10y the conference of conserva-
tive associations just held in Edinburgh.
The platform is frankly democratic. IL
even goes beyond the Newcastle program OF
the liberals in admitting practical control OF
party legislation. ana, further. 1t contrasts
favorably with the literal federation
policy in allowing greater indepcnd.
ence Of opinion among the adherents
Of the principles of unionism. The
rightly OF old toryism has absolutely
vanished and is replaced by an elastic con-
stitutionalsm, which MIR. Balfour's loader
has accepted. though certain fossils like the
duke OF Rutland continue to think IL incom-
pat Dle with genuine conservatism and dam
gerous TO the Success OF party government.
The program includes electoral registration
reform, with an equalization of votes and
reduction Of the period OF occupancy
required 10 qualify voters. This, in itself,
trumps the liberal proposals in the same
direction. Next the conference approved
the extension OF tho franchise TO female rate
payers. the disfranchlsement OF illiterate
voters, provision for old age, assistance 10
workingmen to enable them 10 ac-
qulre land for building purposes, an
amendment TO the employers liability
laws and factory acts in the workingmen's
Interest. Finally, some touch of home rule
Is infused IN tho program by approval of the
transference of the private bill procedure
from the committee in parliament to local
bodies. Tho transformed spirit of the party
is attributed largely 10 the iberaizng influ-
ence OF their unionlstc allies and partly 10 the
leaders recognizing the necessities of the
times. 1t Is among the straugest changes of
life that the English parties find an intense
tory, like the duke of Montrose, president OF
associations confirming this peoples plat
form.
Doomed to Disastrous Failure.
Mr.. John Morley's evicted tenants COM
mission seems doomed to disastrous failure
Lord Salisbury has characterized 1t as q
saturnalia for lnsolvent debtors, and has de-
clared that Justice Mathews, its president
will return 10 the judicial bench with his
robe soled and moth eaten. But neither
Lord Saisbury's iltes, nor Mr.. Balfour's de-
nunciatlons, are causing the collapse
OF the commission Internal disputes
corning the sphere and methods of the in
qn!ry, mistaken instructions by Mr.. Morley
and partisan mtsmanaCement by Justice
Mathews are the chief factors in the break
up. Besides Mr.. Murphy, who resigned on
account OF Justice Mathews procedure
MIR. Murrough OBrien, the Oldest and
most practical member, will retire, ostensl-
bly, because he has been appointed a
land purchase missioner but really
through row with his colleagues. Another
member, Mr.. Roche, has intimated mis- de-
sire to be replaced. The withdrawal of
these three members leaves only Justice
Mathews and Mr.. Redngtor, who sat today
for brief half hour. Although discred-
tied even among the liberals, the government
will ill the vacancies with home rule nomi-
nees, and continue tho commission, though it
ends In smoke.
The radicals have abandoned all hope OF
any Legislation for the cvlcted tenants dur
ing the coming session. plan now dis
cussed by the ministerial circles is to
not ask tho House of Commons TO vote
grant for their relief, but to evade
decision OF the house by draw
ing funds enough from the land
purchase commission TO compulsorily pur-
chase portions of estates from obstinate land
lords, with enough to make loans to tenants
to enable them TO start farms anew. There
is nothing timid or squeamish ABOUT this
proposal, but with another general election
almost within sight, prudent liberal members
OF the House of Commons hesitate to ap-
prove course that is certain TO arouse gen
eral reprObation