The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-05-07
and listen to their views. 1t il high
time for Montana's workers at Washz
ington to catch that spirit and give both
energy and activity to the cause.
TUE rIGHr AGAINST HOME RULE.

1t is evident from the remarkable Of
forts to defeat the homo rule bill, that
the conservatives fully appreciate the
bearing Of this question on the existence
|of the house OF lords. AS matters stand
now, Mr.. Gladstone is backed by Il pre-
|nounced majority in the commons and
there can be no question as to the pas
sage of the bill in that body. II is
quite as certain that it will be defeated
in the lords and in this event Mr.. Glad
stone will appeal~to the people, not with
the view of forcing tho measure through
the upper house, but for the purpose OF
creating such a sentiment as will either
remove that body from the autonomy of
the British government or compel 1t to
pass a measure after the next general
elections.
With the prospect that the issue may
be subverted, the unionists have under
taken a great campaign against tho
home rule measure. They are holding
monster mass meetings and torch light
parades with all the adjuncts in every
part Of England. In Ireland they have
aroused a considerable sentiment against
the bill, and Us we have lately seen, this
has been carried into sharp conflict be-
tween the two parties. University stu
dents, who seldom appear in political
gatherings except in countries where
the socialistic element is strong, have
responded to calls and are taking an ac-
tive part in the campaign. 1t is reason
ably certain that this warfare was not
begun with the direct purpose of de-
feating the measure in the commons
since its success there seems us sure as
its defeat in the lords, but to prepare
for the further agitation affecting the
adjustment of the upper house and to
show the home rulers that they will be
met by a strong and fierce opposition.
1t therefore seems probable that the
voters of England will soon be brought
face to face with this frequently dis
cussed question.
TO the American mind, no popular
government should have a legislative
branch, the membership of which is
fixed by inheritance of title or blood.
The idea hat o man should be called to
legislate for others by right of birth
seems not only absurd but farthest re-
moved from an intelligent view Of rep
resentative government. The abolish
ment of the United States senate has at
times been seriously discussed in this
country, and yet it is a body wholly diff
ferent in character from the house of
lords. It's members are elected by leg
islatures and are thus representatives
of the interests of the state in coniunc-
tion with the representatives of con-
gress who act more directly for the PEG,
pie.
The growth Of liberalism in England
has brought many expressions of alarm
from conservative periodicals and news
papers. Criticisms on the and
habits of royalty, opposition to the ire
mendous burden on taxpayers for the
support Of the queens family, the use
lessness of a court with all it's trappings
have never been SO outspoken as within
the past two years. 1t is not TO be Won
dered, therefore, that the vision OF no.
b.lity extends beyond the home rule
measure in this agitation.