The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-03-01

lOTm new ue CouNefSdtlOu
which actually passes on & csc occasions is
not divulged, but undob tedly the Queen
would ask Lord Beacensfield for advice, and
as Lord Harrington was nominal leader of
the opposition, il must be taken Tor granted
that he was indicated as the statesman who
accordingly summoned to Windsor and had
an audience with the Queen. There was
some idle talk at the time about a faneied
slight to his lordship from the fact that he
was allowed to walk to the castle, but this,
IL afterward appeared, was matter OF pref
erence. Nobody among Liberals other
than predetermined Wings thought Lord
harrington strong enough for the lead
ership. Probably the Queen would
have liked Lord Harrington to venture
upon the formation of a Ministry, and may
have used the most urgent representations
toward that end. Correctly or not, her
Majesty is popularity understood to entertain
for Mr.. Gladstone only constitutional re-
spect such as is proper in constitutional
sovereign. He is not persona grata at
court Mr.. Gladstone Is reseluts and mas
terful and not accustomed to bow down to
anybody. He has not the wheedling court
" ways OF ingratiating himself and attain
ing his aims by artifice attributed to Bea-
consield. harrington must have felt fiat
tered by her Majesty's invitation. but hope
less of success without Gladstone. Did he
refuse to make the effort or did he consent
TO ask Gladstone whether he would serve
uUQtI MIN lDaL lie Qlu call on MI.
stone after the interview Is certain, and
that the result of that interview was conf
muncated TO the Queen is also unQuestiOn-
able. If asked to be a subordinate Mr..
Gladstone would refuse peremptOrily. OF
the turn of The negotiations the public soon
had proof. ar. Gladstone accepted office
and formed a Ministry which included Lord
Harrington, and apparently all was har-
mouious Tor years afterward.
H. 4Ia
columns of the Speaker may be taken as a
campaign movement. 1t is made by Mr..
WemysS Reid, one OF the ablest and most
honorable journalists in England, who was
for many years editor OF the Leeds Mer-
curry, and has distinguished himself in the
field OF literature. As be has long been in
innate with the leaders III politics and is
prudent man. he probably has good fouGda-
ton for his statements. But when analysed
this allegation OF disloyalty Is only an Illus
tration If what happens continually. The
time comes when a subordinate thinks he
may lead, and if the opportunity comes lie
need not be called disloyal because he EN-
braces il, or retraces his steps II he nnds
he has made a mistake. That appears TO
be the head and front Of Lord Hartington's
Otfsnse, and as fer rs words 20 Mr.. Glad
stone has spoken enthusiastically of the ser
vices of his quondam lieutenant. The effect
OF these unpleasant denominations VIII be
to drive the Duke of Devoushire closer and
closer within the Conservative ranks. 1t
will make little difference in the family
Whigglsm, and stalwart Liberalism viii be
delighted that the severance is complete.
AS a statesman in the Commons holding
Office of some kind almost from the moment
he entered public life, Lord harrington
took his honors easily and showed a rooted
Discrimination to undertake any work eX-
ceqt in languid way. He was accustomed
to take his maps on the Treasury bench or
the front opposition bench with a fire.
Quency and regularity that nothing could
disturb. and he never cared to STAY longer
in the House than he could help. Yet when
lie did speak he often surprised his listeners
with the force and directness OF his debat-
ing gifts, anu he could even be humorous
upon occasions. Now that he is peer he
may indulge all his tastes for the turf and
sport generally 10 his hearts content.
Peers are privileged TO lead a dasdling
existence.
The formation of a new French Ministry
has taken place with less excitement than
has marked these changes IN the past. X is
not IN any sense revolutionary Cabinet,
because quite number of the former Min
listers are again IN office, and the Chamber
of Deputies may indeed smile at what has
occurred. That any Improvement has been
effected by the change Is hardly to be eX-
pecteG. This Ministry, like so many Others,
will hold a brief tenure of Office aud then be
Y,
trivial in itself, and then make way for its
successors. There Is plenty of average
talent 10 draw from, and superior men, il
not chosen, are at least useIul as critics in
opposition. 4 healthy opposition is just
as necessary to the welfare Of a country as
a healthy administration. Republican
France is now IN the position Of being able
to contemplate ministerial ups and downs
without treridatiOn, if not with equauimity.
The RoyalistS are reduced 10 positive impo-
- Ii at,.-rN -,
altogether discredted as political force.
Their share in the Infamous plot of BOu-
langiSm showed an utter disregard Of prin-
cipie or reputation. They were willing to
stalk about in guise Of contemplate
hypocrisy to attain their d1sire-the over
throw of the republic-and the exposure of
their plans drowned them in ridicue. Every
FrenchmaD VIRTUES under ridicule. The
Comie de Paris leads happy existence in
England. May lie continue to be happy
there.
II only the Chambers in France would re-
frain from meddling with religion and with
religious Institutions, the republic would
soon see its enemies dispersed. Paris makes
the mistake Of supposing that the country
is with il IN agnoStcsm or atheism. The
rural population decidedly clings to re-
lgious usages and with as much sincerity
as Is found in any country. and even the
large provincial towns and Paris itself have
a large leayen of pious inhabitants. 1t
would be far better for the peace and sta
biIity Of the republic TO avoid aggression,
for ii people live under continual alarm or
irritation they are prone TO lend willing
ear 10 the agilatOr or cons piratOT whose
projects may land them in a far worse
plight. The wonder is that those who have
no religion in the creed sense themselves
should care TO show a tyraHnical and domi-
neerlng spirit toward the majority who en-
terrain such professions Intolerance in
agnUstieS can have no rational explanation.