New-York tribune., 1899-02-05

plies 20 Sir Henry Fowler and Sir Edward Grey
one beinc a natural trimmer, while the other
is Inexperienced although possessed Of brilliant
abilities BY a process Of exclusion the choice
was then narrowed down 10 TWO. Mr. Forster
and Lord Harrington. and IL was determined
by considerations Of political expediency. Mr..
Forster was the abler man, with a larger re-
serve Of experience and superior resources as a
debater. but by his Education act he had irll-
tated the Nonconformists. and he was passed
over Lord Harrington united the party and
rroved q capable courageous leader In the
earna wav the choice OF Sir William Harcourt 8
eucceeeor Is now restricted 10 two men, MI.
Asouith and Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman'
md Will be largely Influenced by political eX-
nedlencv One is earnest aggressive and IN
pulsive. and lacks the hexibllity required for
dealing with his supporters The other is the
most popula- Liberal in Opposition. whose sue
cessful canddature now seems inevitable unless
he withdraws on account Of delicate health
THE GooD-NATURED MAN.
Tho selection Of Sir Henry Campbell Banner
man II It be made Will probably be described
bv I-nionists as the triumph u the good-natured
man In politics. but In reality the parallel
which have been tracing. requires this choice
on le ground Of political availability he Is
something more than a lght-hearted' easy gong
poutician whom everybody In the Commons
lu,es because he has tact and winning qualities
lie is among the veterans on the Liberal SIDE
having entered Parliament with Sir William
Harcourt in 1868. and by virtue OF long service
Legislative experience and successful conduct Of
several great Offices has fairly earned the dis
,,nction Of leadership Whether in Ireland, the
ha has
markable capacity and tact in dealing with men
and in commanding general respect and personal
prestige Sir william Harcourt. Mr.. Morley.
sir Charles Dixie. Mr Labouchere and other in
dependent Liberals can get on with him more
comfortably than with anybody else. and con
seouently his candidature Ike Lord Harting-
toms In the previous contest, follows the line OF
the least possible resistance
Sir Henry Campbell -Bannerman is a rich man.
who disllkes the confinement and hard work OF
the House of Commons. and IT may be i'm
practicable to drag him into harness In that
event Mr. Asquth will be the natural subst-
tute although he can hardly afford 10 relinquish
n lucrative law practice The same objections.
which ruled Mr.. Forster out OF the previous
contest do not apply with equal force TO Mr.
Asqulth He has not estranged from him any
considerable body Of Liberal supporters. He is
a man OF force outspoken I'm debate impetuous
in disposition and uncOnclliatory in manner He
would be q strong rather than a tactful leader
but would not have to overcome any feeling OF
personal dislike or factional resentment. Mr.
Asquith is a favorite in the West End and in
the exclusive circles OF the fashionable country
houses and has the best wishes Of society for the
fulhlment OF any political aspirations. His close
association with Lord Rosebery would prob
ably be n source Of embarrassment In parrying
the strokes OF free lances so formidable as Sir
william Harcourt Mr.. Morley and Mr.. La
bouchere.
The leadership of the Opposition In the Com