The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-07-28
The Conservative Victory.

The result Of the English elections thus
far has been a surprise to both the con-
servative and the liberal leaders. The
conservatives expected a majority, but not
such a sweeping victory. The conservative
party is composed of the conservatives
and lberal-unionists. and the liberals of
the liberals and the factions of the Irish
party. Thus far the conservatives have a
majority even If the liberal unionists are
counted with the liberals and the Irish
party, but with their allies, the liberal
uniOnists. they have an overwhelming
majority, and may reasonably count on a
long lease of power. 1t looks as
if they would have small
majority without the liberal union
lists when the elections are over. In that
event they would not be dependent upon
the liberal unionists, who under the lead
ership of Mr.. Chamberlain, have mapped
out programme that is hardly accept
able to the conservatives. 1t is not i'm
probable that Mr.. Chamberlain thought
he would be able to dictate the policy Of
the new government. He would have that
power If the conservatives should not
have a majority without the liberal-union-
lists, but as it seems almost certain that
the conservatives will have a majority in
dependent Of their allies, Mr.. Chamber
lain must be conscious of a feeling OF
disappointment.
There are numerous reasons given for
the tremendous change in political senti-
ment that has taken place. The liberal
leaders say their defeat is due to the in
fluence exerted by the public houses and
the brewery interest. The public houses in
England are practically what the saloons
are in this country. The liberals were in
clined to favor local option. The public
houses and the great breweries are against
any legislation that would lessen the sale
Of beer and other kinds of alcoholic drinks,
and, therefore, they assisted the conserv-
atives. who regard the sale Of intoxicants
with more favor.
But the local option issue is not the only
one that is playing an important part in
the elections. The liberals failed to push
the home rule policy as vigorously as they
promised to do, and almost abandoned 1t
after Lord Rosebery became prime minis
ter II may be q fact that home rule is
not as popular in England as it was a few
years ago; still, as it was the chief issue
on which the liberals obtained control Of
the government. its practical abandon
ment by them had the effect Of lessening
respect for the liberal party.
The bimetallists pretend that they have
materially helped the conservatives to win
their victory, but it would be a difficult
matter to discover what they have done
that entities them to recognition 1t is
quite certain that the present government
is no more likely to take a step towards
bimetallism than was the Rosebery gov
eminent.
If the conservatives should have a ma
jority without the liberal-unionists the
chances are that there would be some
changes in the ministry The liberal-union-
lists have now a representation in the
government altogether out of proportion
to their political strength. This fact is
already being commented on, and conserv-
atives are asking If this condition of af-
fairs is to be permitted to continue. If
the conservatives become aggressive in
this matter the attachment between them
and their allies may cease to be as strong
as 1t is at present. Lord Salisbury is,
however. clever diplomatist, and he may
be able to avoid trouble over the offices.