Birmingham age-herald., 1894-11-04
A''''$ $@ $II TIE LORDS The All Important English Politi-
 cal Topic at Present.
SALISBURY'S WEAKNESS
Loudly Condemned-The Puri- tyites Makes Rapid Strides.
 Other Gossip of Note.

Salisbury's shirking of the task of formu- latine a scheme for the reform of the house of lords, while admitting that recon struclion of that body is advisable, is the theme of general regret on the part of the conservative press. The explanation of the ex- premier's reticence accepted in unionist circles is that his address being made only forty-eight hours after that of Lord Rose- bery, he did not have time to consult with his colleagues as to an alternative pro- gramme.
 Rt. Hon. Arthur J. Balfour has promised to address the conservatives of Newcastle on November 13 if his health will permit. The unanimity of the demand of the party that they be given some idea of their leaders, policy with regard to the house of lords is so complete aud so well grounded that MT. Balfour must be more explicit than was Lord Salisbury or leave the coun- try convinced that the tories are prepared to fight to the end for all the privileges of the peers.
 Among the unionists several propositions are being debated, including one for the appointment of select committee of the house of lords to consider what char ses can be made that would promote the efficiency of the upper house. The appointment of such a committee was proposed by Lord Rosebery in 1888, but 1t was at that time rejected. Iu the present critical condition such action might serve to stave off the at tack upon the peers by the commons. Tue project of Lord Dunraven for the restrlc- tion of the number of legislative peers to 1S0, chosen by their order In similar man. ner to the existing practice of the scotch representative peers, with the bulk of the house composed of life peers, has been re- vived and meets with considerable favor among the unionists.
 One thing Is certain, and that IS what ever plan the conservative leaders decide upon must be quickly put into operation. Unless the liberal unionists speedily pre- vail upon Lord Salisbury to agree to some reform of the government, the coming general elections will sweep the unionists out of parliament. Since Lord RoseDery's speech in Bradford all of the political par ties recognize tbe fact that the question of the reform of the house of lords dwarfs all others now before the country. The Mo- Cartbyjtes, though chagrined at the pros- pect of the prolonged struggle over the house of lords question, postponlng all con- sideration oi home rule, accept the govern ment plan as eventually the surest road by which 10 reach their goal.
 The clamor ofthe Redmondites that home rule must remain in front of all-other measures is not supported by single prac- tical suggestion as to how this is to enable Ireland To attain the main object of the na- tionalists.
 MT. John Dillon, speaking at Mullina- hone, voiced the opinion of majority of the Irish party when he said: ssWe would be madmen and traitors to the cause if we refused to give all the assistance in our power to help the radicals of England break the power of the house of lords, which throughout generations has been the bitterest enemy of the Irish people,.
 The coming conference of the leaders of the McCarthyites of the Irish parliamen- tary party will doubtless decide to support the government provided resolution be submitted to the house of commons snfi cientIy drastic In It's opposition to the upper house.
 Disclosures made during the past week that certain members of the London coun- cil, who are also prominent in the ranks of the Social Purity league, have been financing obscure papers at the expense of the rate payers, have caused a shock to the public, and have given the opposition to the putty movement a chance to allege that s'purityite, i" "progress" and "bood- Ter" are synonomous. When the matter was brought up in the council it seemed likely to be burked. Outside inquiry, however, brought out proof that the chair man of the council and the chairman of the taxation committee. with other "pro. gressives.' held the majority of papers to which are given ex- clusively official advertisements, the coot of which amounts annually to thousands of pounds. These papers, it is also shown,
 
 agitation thus started is being actively car- ried on and the indications now are that demand will be made that the members accused withdraw from the council.
 Another charge levelled against the social purityites is that the evidence upon which the Empire Music hall was deprived of it's liquor license and obliged to close its promenade was heard in secret conclave prior to the meeting of the council by several of the members of that body, whose opinion guided the council to it's decision. Should this assertion be proved 1t would lead to the ultimate success of the appeal of the managers of the music hall from the decision rendered against them.
 In an interview with Mrs. Ormiston Chant this week, the lady declares that victory will not be snatched from the purityites by legal red tape. Legislation, Mrs. Chant says, has already helped to cleanse London since the time when girls of 13, with painted faces, piled their calling on the streets.
 The purity league is about to close the sittiDgs of the divorce courts to the public and to procure the enactment of @ law pro- viding that all actions for separation or divorce shall be heard in private.
 crowded conference was held last even- ing in connection with the woman move ment, at which was considered the subject of "Woman's Share in Local Govern ment."
 Lord Meath presided at the meeting, and among those present were Princess Chris tian and many members of the aristocracy.
 Letters were read from Rt. Hon. Arthur J. Balfour, the arch hbisbop of Canterbury, Commoner Fowler and Cardinal Vaughan. All present concurred in the opinion that women ought to be elected to the various