St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-03-03
GLADsroNk,s SUCCESSOR.

GLADSTONk'S SUCCESSOR.
Mr.. Gladstone has stepped down and
out. aud Is no longer the bright particu-
lar star in the political armament of
Great Britain. Old age and physical
infirmities have diminished his vital
forces, and he is no longer able to lead
his party on the floor of the house with
that skill and daring that have been
characteristic of his campaigns in the
past. lie is approaching the end, and
desires to descend into his grave sur
rounded by peace and in the midst of
the quiet Of his home.
The question arises: Who will be
Mr.. Giadstone's successor as leader of
the Liberal party in parliament In
stlnctively the attention of the public is
drawn to his faithful and capable lieu
tenant. Lord Rosebery. and there is
general agreement that he would be the
proper man to assume the reins. But
there are objections to Rosebery. He is
member of the aristocracy. descended
from one OF the Oldest families III the
realm. His relations with the royal
family heve been exceedingly inu mate,
and rumor has it that he will shortly
marry daughter of the Prince OF
Wales, the future king. There would
be grave Inconsistency in the son-in
law of the king leading the party of the
people against the policy of the crown,
if the time should come when the TWO
should be arrayed against each other.
Could the people have confidence In
such leader?
There is an earnest protest through
out the country against the selection Of
Lord Rosebery as the future Liberal
leader. No one questions his ability or
doubts his sincerity. He has for years
sat at the feet of his Gamaliel, Glad
stone, and imbibed lessons of political
wisdom. In his habits and thought he
is far more democratic than many of
the protested advocates of republic in
England. He is in favor of the largest
liberty to the people and the most
stringent Limitation upon the power and
privileges of the government. His
greatest fault is that he has fallen In
love, and that the object of his affec-
tions is the granddaughter Of the queen
and the daughter Of the future occu-
pant of the throne. 1t now seems as if
he would have to choose between two
paSSionS-either forsake his love for
handsome and distinguished woman or
his love for party and a cause to whose
interests he has devoted the best years
of his manhood.
The fact that Rosebery is lord would
not Of itself disquaiify him for the lead
ership Of the Liberal party. There have
been titled leaders of both parties here
tofore. In fact, Disraeli and Gladstone
have been the only untitled leaders Of
the century, and the latter the only one
who persistently refused the honor of
peerage. But the motives OF Rosebery
would be perpetually open to suspicion.
No matter how honestly he might strive
to serve his country and his party, his
personal relations with the royal family
would subject him to criticism. And
the position would be diStasteful to him
personally as we'll. Although there is
seldom occasion for hostility between
the governing party in parliament aud
the crown, such conditions have existed,
and it is possible for them to exist again.
In case of such an emergency it would
be exceedingly unpleasant for both par
ties, and might give rise to embarrassing
situations.
While it would be by no means i'm
proper, it would be embarrassing for a
lord, and a member by marriage of the
royal family, 20 hold the position of
leader of the party of the people, SO long
held by that distinguished cOmmoner,
William E. Gladstone. 1t would be far
better for the party to choose another
champion. But who could fill the place
of Gladstone? No one in the nation
possesses his genius, his untiring indus
try, his sincerity, and his capacity as a
| leader of men. No man i'll the nation
has so firm hold upon the affections
| and confidence of the people. His
strength has arisen not alone from the
| justice of his policies, but from the COLI
seriousness that he was right.
| Rosebery is no doubt as earnest in the
Liberal cause as his great preceptor. But
he is handicapped by title of nobility
and by prospective royal alliance.
These prejudice the people against him,
and naturally so. and would interfere
greatly with his influence, both with the
people and with parliament. Ii he re-
ceives the appointment it will be but a
temporary Hakeshitt. to give the people
time to unite upon some one else who
can be assured of their loyal supper;
through whatever crises may arise.
Who that man shall be cannot at present
be foretold, but he will surely be found
for there never yet was situation,n the
affairs of men where just cause was
lacking in leader capable of pllotine
its followers to a haven Of perfect vic.
tory.