The San Francisco call., 1898-08-14
HER MAJESTY'S SPEECH.

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 Parliament and dismissing her Lords and 'A Commons from further legislative service until after the shooting season. has evidently desired to start them on their holidays in a cheerful mood. As far as was possible she spoke to them in what Ten nyson called large divine and comfortable words, assuring them that their labors had been excellent and that by their statesmanshp the interests of her people and her empire had been duly safeguarded
 Fortunately for her Maesty's reputation in the world of high politics 1t IS well known that she did not write her speech. The Ministers who conducted the work of Parliament the authors ot the speech commenting the work, and upon them will devolve the task of defending it against the severe criticisms to which it is certain be subjected It is notorious that the interests of the empire have been safe guarded, and that they are in such peril ous condition that before the shooting season the moors is over the military among the guests at the hunting lodges may be called away to war
 AS matter of fact despite its general cheerfulness, the speech itself admits the threatening nature of the situation It asserts indeed that relations with other nations continue friendly, and that arrange ments have been made with the Emperor of China which a.e expected to "conduce to the maintenance of his independence and the security O. his empire and be favorable to the development of the extensive commerce carried on between the pc les of Great Britain and China" In another paragraph, however the Commons are thanked for their liberal appro- priatons for the army and navy, and the heavy ton voted for imperial defense, and the significant statement is made The sacrifices asked o you are severe but greater than the exigences of the time require"
 It clear from the latter statement that the Minis ters of her Majesty do not see plain sailing ahead nor are they facing the future with confidence in the continuance of peace There difficulties all around them and not the least these is that caused by the growing uneasiness and discontent in Great Britain itself. Salisbury is now an old man, and with his age there have come weakness and vacillaton- Even the members of his party doubtful of his ability deal with the crisis that has arisen in China and to cope successfully with the astute diplomats and resolute statesmen who directing this unctlre the policies of Russia and Germany
 For long time there has been in Great Britain a camor for younger man to take charge Of the for egn affairs of the empire, but Salisbury holds on He is willing to retire and give free hand to the aspiring Chamberlain or to Balfour Neither is the country altogether willing accept either of these in his place. The call for young and vigorous states remains unanswered simply because there IS no one to answer it. The Lords and the Commons will therefore go to their holidays this year in dubious mood They have done the best they could for their empire They have voted millions for defense and now it remains to be seen whether the Ministry can make wise and effective of the treasure and the weapons that have been placed in their hands.