New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-10-16
LATEST LONDON COMMENT.
Mr.. BRYCE on THE ELECTIONS - DIS
SOLUTION ADROITLY TIMED BY
THE GOVERNMENT

Copyright; 1900: BY The New-York Trfbune1
IBT CABLE TO 1RIBUNE1
London. Oct. 16, a. m.-James Bryce has
been wandering about the country and speak
ing for his friends since his own election for
Aberdeen. but have succeeded in obtaining an
expression Of his views respecting the results
Of the canvass and the prospects of the Liberal
party. 1 must assume responsibility for re-
peating his judgments. as he ordinarily refuses
10 say anything for publication in America re-
garding English politics. American readers who
have accepted him one Of the highest au-
thorities on their own institutions will be GER
tain 10 respecl his opinions on public questions
IN the United Kingdom.
Mr.. Bryce says that the dissolution of Parlia-
ment was quite without precedent and quite
opposed 10 the spirit and usage of the British
constitution. The law fixes the duration Of
Parliament, and established usage has settled
that Parliament ought not to be dissolved pre-
msturely save TO take the opinion Of the coun-
try upon some definite issue, usually when a
bill has been rejected or the Ministry censured
To spring dissolution especially upon a stale
register for the sake Of party advantage is a
new departure and q very bad one here There
has been really no issue before the country, be-
cause the war is over and annexation is fait
acccmph- Consequently. this general election
settles nothing and outlines no future policy
foreign or domestic No one has the least idea
what the Ministry will now do Perhaps they
don't know themselves.
Mr.. Bryce is not disheartened by the results
Of the elections He maintains that too much
dscouragement is expressed regarding the posi-
ton Of the Liberal party He SAYS:
Considering the difficulties under which it has
had TO fight this election. ii has given proofs Of
strength which make it probable that before
long the current may be setting in its favor The
represented NJ men her
OF each party returned is very much greater
than the disparity represented by the votes cast.
Alr Bryce's personal triumph in securing his
reelection has been rendered more significant
by the unexpected success of the Unionsts in
upsetting a strong Liberal majority in Aberdeen
shire and winning their sixth seat in Scotland
This gain gave them a lead of a single seat
over the majority of the last Parliament, with
only one out Of seven seats to defend in the
remaining contests.
Mr.. Chamberlain having finished the work Of
the canvass. has returned to the Colonial Of
fee, where business is in arrears. The only hint
which has been thrown out respecting the form
Of settlement in South Africa is his own fore
cast that the new territories Will be governed as
Crown Colonies, after they have passed out OF
the condition of military rule Objection is
offered by some critics that this will mean gov
ernment by Downing Street, with all the wires
in the hands of Mr.. Chamberlain. His enemies
are hardly consistent when they insist that he
must mop up the mess which he has made, and
at the same time object to his keeping the ten
tatiYe administration Of the new colonies under
his own direction. His detractors are forced to
eoncede that he was a shrewd politician in
bringing on dissolution when he did The
Unbnists have barely kent their majority under
most favorable conditions. They would certain
ly have reduced IT by waiting until January or
March. The cost OF living has run up by leaps
and bounds and the various industries are
hampered by high prices Of coal and raw ma
terfal The cotton supply for Lancashire is a
serious problem which menaces the working
class with loss Of employment and the full
burden Of increased income taxation will be felt
during the spring. The khaki election was
adroitly timed for the Government but it was
premature far Lord Roberts was con-
cerned, since his return is not expected until
'HIBnuBr
Now that the general election is practically
over, rumor is again very busy in regard to
the reconstruction Of the Government. The
latest name that is suggested to strengthen the
Ministry is that Of Lord Pauncefote. As a
matter Of fact, however, nothing is known in
official circles of any intention to recall this
accomplished diplomatist from the post which
be so ably occupies at Washington.
It seems that Charles T Yerkes Of Chicago, /
Is not 70 be allowed to have matters all his own /
way in tie building Of another underground
railway for London. Two English civil en-
gineers claim to be originators of certain essen
ual portions Of his scheme. and they accord I.
hgly intend TO offer opposition to his plans be-
iore committee of the House Of Commons. 1t
Is not expected, however, that Mr.. Yerkes will
nave much difficulty in obtaining Parliamentary
sanction for his proposals. and his representa- /
i've expresses himself with entire confidence /
as 10 the success Of the undertaking. ]. n. F..