Omaha daily bee., 1898-03-27

have been checkmated without this risk.
Now Salisbury Is virtually gone ard Cham
berlain Is steadily becoming the dominant
factor In the cabinet and Is violently urging
extreme measures. The cabinet Is practi-
cally without a head and would have surrcn.
dered itself to Chamberlains guidance be-
fore this but for the influence Of Queen VIC
toria, who strenuously opposes wcr. The
conversation in political circles is most
pessimistic. The British empire is pressed
by difficulties on all sides and is being driven
to fight for its existence under the most un-
favorable conditions that have prevailed for
fifty years. 1t has not single great states
man to guide its destinies. not one whom the
people would confidently follow in undertake
ing q great war.
OPINIONS ON ALLIANCE.
have obtained some further expressions
Of opinion on the practicability OF an al
lance between Great Britain aud the United
States from prominent representatives OF the
British peerage. Earl Russell, oue Of the
most liberal minded and thoughtful OF Eng
lish arietocrats. says: ~ am scarcely In a
position to express any opinion as to the
desirableness and practicability Of an alli-
ance for all purposes between Great Britain
and the United States, but there are certain
considerations which at once occur as prac-
tical limitations For example, I can well
conceive that the people OF the United
States might not feel disposed to allow them
selves to become involved in any complica-
tions to which Great Britain might be ex-
posed by her position as a European power.
At the same time l hope the most friendly
and cordial feelings may always continue
to exist between the people of both countries
| and am convinced that II the existence OF
either country were to be threatened by an
| attack or invasion of foreign power the
| strong naticnal sentiment OF both the great
| English speaking races would naturally and
inevitably lead to cordial cooperation In
a defensive alliance. Under no possible cir.
cumstances could l permit myself to con
ceive OF war between them nor of the
| possibility of any differences grave enough
| to juGtify such a civil war, which would bt
a national crime no less than nationa
| disaster. am sure this is the general feeling
| Of the people of this country and hope ant
believe 1t finds ready echo in the friendl!
feelings Of the citizens Of the United States.
Although the earl Of Jersey does not ex
press q view on the question submitted b!
your correspondent, the sentiment Of his re
Iply makes it equally worth giving. The ear
of Jersey has filled high Offices in his coun
try's service, having acted with distinction
as governor of New South Wales and bein
now mentioned as possible successor t
the present viceroy OF Canada He says
II regret must ask you to excuse my non
compliance with your request, greatly as
hope the destinies of the United States an
Great Britain will be worked out on freudl
lines
The earl Of Lonsdales view Of this subjec
is of particular interest because it might b
expected to be colored by the opinions Q
his intimate friend Kaiser William. but lik
all other notable Englishmen approached o
this topic his sentiment Is cordial. Fl
writes in third person that he "would gladl
give his opinions On the subject, but
afraid he is not in a position to do so at tn
moment, beyond informing the world that b
holds and always held the very strong vie'
that there should be an alliance between tn
United States and this country"