The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-01-21

JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN. principles with
what appeared to be shameful ingratitude
and 6ippancy, had not been three months
g member of the Tory cabinet before he
began to obtain reputation as leader in a
new imperialist policy in the treatment of
colonial affairs which had too long been
mismanaged by mere bureaucrats.
Mr.. Chamberlain saw the opportunity
and was quick to seize it. He was already
making big reputation when this pro-
digious piece of luck came in his way.
For many years past the conduct of colo
NAL affairs has been SO fiabby that when
the people saw minister displaying cour-
age, tenacity and sagacity they set up a
great shout of admiration and thankful
moss. The mob always admires a man of
action, and so it is admiring Mr.. Chamber
lain.
He cannot walk along the street with
out being followed by cheering crowd
and people assem- Bile at the railway sta
lions when he is travelling and throw up
their hats and howl encouraging approval
and exhortation at the popular idol. His
friends say this sort of thing will never
spoil him.
In his heart Mr.. Chamberlain is dem
agogue with a thorough contempt for the
mob, and he pursues his way with his eyes
always on the goal of his ambition, which
is and ever has been the premiership OF
England. He has passed most of his rivals
in this exciting and deeply interesting
race. Mr.. Gladstone being disqualified by
age, Mr.. Chamberlain feared 10 other
competitor, and events have justified his
confidence.
Sir William Harcourt has become impos-
sible as leader of the regenerated Liberal
party. He may be depended upon to lead
a lively opposition in the house of COM
mons during the coming session, but
when the country once more swings round
-
retire to the dignifled seclusion Of the
house of lords. The reversal of his for
tunes was pathetically illustrated only
yesterday, when he appeared in his new
capacity as Welsh member of parliament
and member of deputation which waited
upon the chancellor OF the e1chequer, suing
humbly for small grant from the imperial
treasury in support of the University of
Wales.
Mr.. John Morley, who ought to be Mr..
Chamberlain's most formidable competi-
tor, shows no burning desire to resume an
active part in political life. Mr.. Arthur
Balfour and the Duke of Devonshire are
too indolent to maintain for any length Of
time strenuous opposition to Mr.. Cham
berlains claims to precedence. In the
present cabinet there remains only Lord
Salisbury to be taken into serious cOnsid
Grafton. Mr.. Chamberlain is bound to
come into collision, sooner or later, with
Lord Salisbury, and the struggle will be
decisive of Mr. Chamberlain's political
fortune, and it will not be entered into for
a long time to come if he can avoid it.
Mr.. Chamberlain S idea seems to be that
four years hence the Liberal party will be
glad enough to have him back again at
his own price, and he is probably right.
1t will be quite time enough then to pick
q quarrel with the Tory premier. Mean
time the most noble Marquis of Salisbury
is the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain s
venerated chief and leader. Somebody
once described politics as the most exhila-
rating of all sports, and certainly Mr..
Cham berlain's hunt for the British pre-
miership is deeply interesting and exciting
even to onlookers.-New York Sun.