Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1900-08-04
NEW PARTY SEEMS INEVITABLE
ImperiaIist Wing of the Liberals
Ma Hcorganizc.

Imperialist Wing of II Liberals
May Rcorganizc.
London, July 31.-(Copyright, 1900,
by the Associated Press.)-Almost as
remarkable as the breakdown of long
established social customs before the
tropical wave is the breakup of the
liberal party. Were the general cleo
tions far distant the condition OF the
liberal party would be serious, but in
view Of the fact that the country is
face to face with dissolution the situ-
alton of the opposition seems hope
less. The formation of a third party
issgenerally considered the almost In
evitable result of the internal dissen-
sions now raging in the liberal ranks.
The imperliaists have thrown OF the
mask and demanded control OF the
party, maintaining that both by num-
bers and influence they are entitled to
dictate its policy. In this they are
opposed by the forwards" or anti
imperialist liberals, with a vigor ana
bitterness that can only be compared
to the ascerbity with which the Glad
stonians assailed the liberal
when home rule brought n parting OF
the ways.
Climax Of Trouble.
The climax of the strife that has
been simmering since the commence
ment of the Boer war came Wedncs-
day, when one-third of the liberal par
ty. voted to condemn Colonial Secre-
tary Chamberlain and all his works.
One.third voted with the government
TO sustain him, while the Smallest Sec
ton, including the nominal leader, alb
stained from voting at all. 1t is
scarcely surprising that Sir Henry
Campbell Bannerman should be anX-
ious TO throw up his thankless task,
but that only represents the minor
feature of this grave situation. One of
the liberal whips, William Alexander
McFilur, member for Leicester, has
openly thrown Off allegiance by vot-
ing with the government, an almost
unprecedented action on the part of
one holding such a position. Herbert
Gladstone, the chief whip, is on the
point of resigning to show his dis
gust with what he believes the dis
loyalty of Sir Edward Grey and 9TH
ers who follow him. Meanwhile the
imperialist section demands that Sir
Edward Grey assume the leadership,
which would be another way Of bring
ing Lord Rosebery back into active
political life. Such a development
would never be swallowed by John
Morley, Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Henry
L~abouchere, Leonard Courtney and
their followers.
Split Seems Inevitable.
Campbell-Bannerman's consent UNI
der pressure to temporarily retaining
the leadership is but a slim guaran-
tee Of peace within the liberal ranks,
for upon another repetition OF
Wednesdays scene he will promptly
resign. 1t is impossible TO see how
such n repetition can be avoided, and
so another secession from the liberal
ranks equulling in gravity the split Of
1886 may confidently be expected.
The government is considering the
appointment of a royal commission on
the question of future naval coal sup
ply. This action is greatly due TO the
increasing production and chcapness
of American coal and the diminishing
supply of Welch steam coal, with
which warships are furnished.
Salisbury Fears No Invasion.
In the house Of lords yesterday the
earl of Weymiss asked whether the
premier, Lord Salisbury, had received
information confirming the view of
one of our military attaches to the eff
feet that it was all important that
England should be entirely unassail-
able by November next and whether
he had satisfied himself that our
means of defense were such as to rem
der all attempts at invasion futile?"
Lord Salisbury demanded the name
of such attache.
The earl of Weymiss said: 81 can
net give it,"
Lord Salisbury-"Thcn you have no
right to quote him."
The Earl of Weymiss-"You have no
right to ask It,"
Lord Salisbury, proceeding with
some warmth, said the early of Wcy-
miss inability to quote the name was
evidence that the story was pure in
vention. lie said he had never heard
that 1t was important that England
should be unassailable by November.
He understood that a number of
shooting stars might be apprehcnded
in November. If his Albert hall
speech on this subject were read in
It's entirety II would be seen he did
not point to any Immediate danger.
He believed the defenses were quite
adequate and had every confidence in
the future.