New-York tribune., 1900-03-04
LQPD RONEBEKY.
jOrity.

Lord Rosebcry's resignation of the presidency
OF the Scottish Liberal Association is regarded
by some as indicating hlsN entire withdrawal
from political life. For that conclusion, how
ever, we can see no adequate ground He has.
il is true severed all official connection with the
Liberal party, of which he was once the leader.
But so, we may say, did Sir William Harcourt
some time ago; yet the latter is still uncom
monty active in the political arena Lord Rose
berry occupies more independent place than
Sir William. His seat in Parliament does not
depend upon the favor Of any electorate though
If il did he would never be In danger Of exclu-
sion from Westminster. Whether he belongs TO
the party machine or not, he is of his
seat and he is sure OF commanding the ear and
the heart of the British public. Nor is there any
indication that he has lost his interest in politi
cal affairs. On the contrary his words and
acts since the Boer war began have demon
strated q renewed interest and an intention of
lending his great influence and ability to the
support of what he deems the true welfare OF
the kingdom and the empire
1t is probable that the issues of the war and
the attitude of the various parties toward it
have impelled Lord R0sebery 10 take this step
He is clearly not in harmony with the Liberal
party on the question of dealing with the Beers
There is no one less of a staggering lingo than
he but ut the same time there is TO one less OF
a Little Englander." The fundamental prin-
ciple of his creed is that the integrity OF the
empire must be maintained When. therefore
he finds n considerable faction Of the Liberal
party, with the full sanction, apparently, of its
official leaders, striving TO embarrass the Gov
eminent in its arduous tasks-much as some of
Aguinaldos adulators have acted In this coun-
try-he declines longer to give them even the
appearance of his cooperation. 1t does not ap-
tbot ba will fo;,,
ment party But in his independent capacity he
will doubtless be n source of aid and comfort to
the Government more than to the Opposition
And when the issues of the war come to he
closed up in the final settlement his dictrm
that ANY repetition OF the Majuba policy Is
impossible" may well be the keynote of the
Government
The incident is significant. moreover of the
sad estate into which the once great Liberal
party has now fallen. Time was when that
party comprised much fine constructiy 20
craftsmanship and pure patriotism as to make il
political marvel. In Gladstone and Bright
and Forster and Harrington and their col
leagues in both houses it had an unrivaIled
galaxy of orators and statesmen who made an
inefaceable mark for progress and for righteous
ness upon the history Of Great Britain and of
the world. But other times have come. with
other men and other manners. When through
Dad faith and intrigue Sir William Harcourt
was crowded from the leadership the party or
ganzation lost its last man Of the first rapl, In
the House of Commons To-day ii suffers q
Ike loss in the House of Lords II has Sir
Henry Campbell-Bannerman, an eminently re-
spectape ana nara working bureaucrat; and
MI Morley III Whom a fine man Of letters is
wasted to make a poor politician. and Mr.
Bryce, who has his former chiefs nimblenoss In
changing his point of view but little Of his
genius for 1ustifying such changes And besides
these? Mr.. Labouchere and Mr. John BURNS,
Upon the political fortunes of Lord Roseharv
hiihsef this resignation will probably have a
beneficial effect. 1t will set him free from all
party entanglements and save him from ,vbot
ever odium the party may incur. II cannot in
lure his standing before the nation And ono
OF these days time Of fiux will come Tho
conservatives cannot hold office forever Tbe
Liberals must have some othsr leader.h,n .han