The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-09-26
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER &c, 1900.
THE COMING ELECTIONS IN ENG
LAND

The approaching general elections in
england have a more than usual interest
for the Democrats in America, because
the Liberal party in England is going TO
contend against the Republicans, who are
far more strongly entrenched in popular
estimation by their successful imperial
policy than are the Republicans in
America This is due to the fact that
despite the feeling among a great number
Liberal that the Boer war was unjust,
and despite the 1nismanagem Of the
army sent to South Africa, yet the British
nation has been FOR such a. long time en-
gagged in the international game of ac-
curing territory under the name of inn
.7,erialism. that the Conservative party
does not have to bear the odium of break
ing into a new field, which is now weigh
ing so heavily on the Republicans in
America.
i. However, the Britishers are not totally
devoid of common sense, and they see
THAI the Conservative party has grown
immeasurabIy proud and overweeninsly
self-confident in its great majority in the
House of Parliament, with the perfectly
Car-seeing result that the people OF Eng
land have been served with inefficiency
and an ever-growing presence of red tape
An the most essential governmental al
fairs
1t Is truism in modern politics that
when q nation, be it republic, a con-
stitutional monarchy or an empire, IS en-
gagged in foreign war, no individual at
nome Is TO be allowed to raise his voice
against the course pursued by the Gov
eminent without exposing himself to the
yociferous charge of treachery. by All
who are OF the persuasion of the party
in power. And so the British Government,
which has been solely in the hands OF
the Conservative party since 1888, mas
been able to turn the popular mind from
all home affairs and to focus its attempts
at government on the territorial ques-
items that were involved in the South
African dispute. China, the concessions OF
railroads in Pretoria. and the ever present
India question
The Liberal party, which owes Its great
position in English politics to the master
full personality OF Mr.. Gladstone, allowed
itself TO be turned from its traditional
policy. and instead Of admitting when
the war against the Beers was first begun
that there could be no outcome O. it from
an English standpoint but the triumph
of English arms. at first set itself against
the war In toto. Now. however. the Lib
eral party, seeing the error of that course
of action. has come out and admitted that
the war in South Africa is 10 be regarded
as an EVIL which must be met and dealt
with and not as q condition that can be
overlooked or nullified, and on tardy
recognition OF the fact that the cues
lion now before the British people is
how TO deal with South Africa, the Liberal
October elections.
II seems to us that the Democrats OF
America can learn a valuable lesson from
the leadership of the Liberals In England.
We do not believe that the people of
America. as a whole. are satisfied to give
acquired by the Spanish war, no matter
by what means we came into possession
OF those territories. and no matter what
our traditional policy may have been.
And We believe that This is true because
II Is fundamental principle in human
nature. not only of individuals, but a,sp o.
nations, and II was q distinct lack o.
leadership on the part of the Liberals in
England not TO recognize this principle
before. That they have recognized it a,
the last shows that the party is stun vital.
lied and full Of energy That they ar.
going 70 make :he.- fight on this .ssu,
speaks well for The continuance Of Eng.
lssa institutions. for 1t means that 3,
high-hended proceedings win be allowed
ia South Africa under The name OF Re
pressing rebellion.
Whether fhe Isasrals sstsl be zetnrnet