The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-02-08
VIII the Liberal Unionists Desert the
Tories?

II it were generally believed in London
that Mr.. GLADsToNE's resignation is not iar
distant. We might take for granted that the
Liberal Unionists would be considering the
possibility OF ultimate reunion with the
bulk Of the Liberal party. AS matter OF
fact. step WAS taken in that direction on
Tuesday In the House OF Lords. when the
Duke OF DEvoSsHIRE successfully opposed
an amendment to the Parish Coun ills bill.
which had been offered by Lord SALISBURY
in the interest OF the landlords.
There is one thing. aud one thing only,
which could prevent the Duke Of DEVON
SHIRE. and his followers in both Houses,
from renewing their former relations Of
comradeship with the Gladstonians. II the
latter. after the retirement OF their chief,
should adhere firmly to his intention to
give Ireland separate Parliament. the
Liberal Unionists would. OF course con-
tinue to hold themselves aloof, and to CO.
operate with the Tories. But no one be-
lieves that home rule. considered as a
principal and an inseparable feature OF the
Liberal programme, will survive the with
drawal OF Mr.. GLADSTONE to private life.
The McCarthyites themselves do not be-
lieve 1t. They know that. outside OF Mr..
JOHN MORLEY. there is not one leading
Gladstonian who Is sincerely devoted to the
project. So firm are their convictions ON
this point that they are already preparing
to resume Mr. PARNELL's independent at
titude; and the moment Mr.. GLADSTONE
leaves the public stage they will present a
peremptory ultimatum TO his adherents
They will insist that the Gladstonians
shall forthwith give guarantees OF
fidelity to their Irish allies. not only by an
immediate relntroduction OF the Home Rule
bill. but by proposals for the relief Of evicted
tenants and for amnesty to political prison
ers. AS further precautiOn against
treachery. they will demand that these
measures shall take precedence OF all other
legislation. The McCarthyites will be forced
to exact these pledges OF good faith. in or
der to determine precisely where they
stand. 20 forestall their Parnellite rivals.
and TO set themselves right with their con.
stituents. But. AS We have said. 1t is ex-
tremely improbable that the Gladstonians,
who are VIGOROUSLY lukewarm about home
rule. and who will be broken into fragments
after the retirement OF their leader, will re-
turn favorable ans to such resolute
demands. II they reject them, they will
cApNoo ~ hclcdl III the House
OF Commons. to effect which the Mccarthy
ties need>only abstain from voting. They
must. then. appeal to the country; but how
slight will be their chance Of returning a
majority over UniOnists and Irish National
lists combined! Evidently. the detection OF
the McCaTthyites will have to be counter
balanced by a reunion with the Dissldsnt
Liberals, unless the Gladstonians are to fall
between two stools.
Should the Gladstonians determine to
reject the MeCarthyite demands. they
would obviously have strong motives for
enecting reconciliation with the Duke
of DEvOSsHIRE and Mr.. CHAMBERLAIN.
There is not one feature OF the Newcastle
programme to which these leaders OF the
Dissldent Liberals would not assent, pro-
yided home rule was discarded They
would unquestionably support not only the
Employers Liability bill aud the Parish
Councils bill in their original forms, but
also the abolition of plural voting, a re-
form Of the registration laws. and a large
extension Of the powers ot the London
Council. Probably, too. although this Is
less certain, they would agree to the discs |
Enlistment Of the Kirk of Scotland aud of |
the Anglican Church Ia Wales. The coon |
GRAFTON Of the Duke Of DEyoNsHIRE would |
give the Liberals fair prospect Of control |
ling the House OF Lords. as was made clear
on Tuesday by Lord SALIsBURYs admis- !
sion that no could not hope to carry his |
In the face OF the Dukes OPP |
position. IL is true that the D!ssident Lib !
erals have not votes enough ia thu present |
House Ut Commons 10 Offset the detection /
Of the hcCarthyites, who will. therefore.
~ any circumstances. 30 allie ~ eonpel AZ