The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-11

things will last One cannot. without shut
ting the eyes to the lessons OF recent
political history, assume that the vital
ity OF the Liberal party Is irreparably
snpped. 1t seemed to be threatened with
dlslntegration in 1874, yet six years
later, II was as strong as ever 1t expe-
renced, In June, 1886, disruption which
was believed by many onlookers to be fatal,
and which did bring about defeat at the
ballot box In the following month. Never
thelcss, six years later the party regained
nscendancy. Remembering these things.
some OF Lord SALIsBuRYs stanchcst friends
arc urging him to tako advantage Of the
temporary decentralization in the Liberal
ranks and appeal Immediately to the cleo
tore, from whom n favorable response may
now be counted on with certainty.
The strongest argument for an early dis
solution is based upon the fact that there
is, for the moment, lull in the contest
over Rttualism. The lull was secured by
Sir RICHARD WEBsrERs amendment TO the
Church Discipline bill an amendment pro-
viding that the Bishops should have little
more time in which to try to reprcss abuses
before the interpostion OF the legislature
should be invoked. When That time OK
pircs, the Salisbury Government will
havo to show its hand distinctly, either
for the Ritualists or against them. 1t
can take no definite stand, however,
upon this question without exciting dis
scnsons in the ranks Of its own follow
crs. The question whether practices, which
BY Protestant Dlssenters and by the Evan
gclical element in the Anglican Communion
are stigmatized rs "Popish," shall be tol-
Grated in the Church Of England is one
which deeply stirs the feelings and which,
consequently, is likely to overshadow all
other issues. 1t il not inconceivable that,
even in the present House OF Commons,
Lord SALIsBuRYs Government might be
beaten, should it take the Rtualistic side,
and at general election it would almost
certainly encounter a disastrous defeat at
the hands Of the opponents Of Ritualism
seconded, as these would be, by the whole
body of Nonconformists. Home rule and
imperialism would be alike forgotten, and a
vast mo Popcry" wave might sweep over
the electorate.
The difficulty encountered by Sir MICHAEL
HIcKs-BEACH in shaping the budget also
discloses n rock ahead. 1t can be only q
question OF time when tho tremendous rate
at which England's expenditure is increas-
ing will bring about a popular revulsion,
and commend once more. though it be only
for Il season. the Little Englander pro-
Grammc to the British taxpayer. There Is
a limit to all things, cven as experience
has shown, to tho amount Of money that
Britons are willing to spend upon their fleet.
Then, again, just now, Lord SALIsBURY's
treatment Of the Chinese question Is re-
gardcd with something like satisfaction by
the mass of his countrymen. A year hence
it may be otherwise, for then tho incom-
parable superiority OF the position ac-
quired by Russia will be better understood.
Thus we see that a good deal can be said on
behalf OF the proposal that Lord SALISBURY
should dissolve Parliament at once, instead
OF waiting until near the close OF its statu-
tory term.