The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-11
BRITISH POLITICS.

a
-H
BRITISH POLITICS.
Lord SaIisbury's Victory and the Re-
union of Irish Agitators.
LONDON, Feb. 1o-It has been great
week for the government. AZ foretold In
these dispatches, Lord Salisbury held his
own in Parliament and with the country.
The disunited Liberal party was no match
for the Conservative organization. and
even the small minorities mustered into
the Hobbies were largely leavened with dis
contented members, who. much against
their wills, voted in favor Of the party
amendment The crushing government
victory in the bye-election at York and the
definite break between the Liberals and
the reunited Irish leaves the field clear for
the party in power. Already meeting or
the Liberal party has been called to ex-
press confidence in its leader in the House
of Commons, Sir Henry Campbell-Banner-
man, and it is freely rumored that he
meditates throwing up the thankless task
Of the nominal leadership and that the OPP
position is turning wistful eyes in the di-
rection of Lord Rosebery. That so-called
sphynx, however, is much too astute to
retake the guidance of such an illcondi-
toned body during a period so crucial in
the countrys history, and, though spas
medically he evinces a desire to re-enter the
field of active politics, he is the last man
In the world to take pig In poke, hence
the remainder Of the session will probably
be only marked by desu,tory opposition.
talr he Of ha
course and the Irish adhering to out-and-
out denunciations Of the government and
it's war; But neither win be able to pre-
vent the chancellor Of the exchequer, Sir
Michael Hicks-Beach, from passing any
financial measures he decides upon to meet
the tremendous drain caused by the hos
tilities. In the same way the secretary for
war, the Marquis Of Lansdownes. hands
cannot be forced. and whatever explana-
tions, Investigations or reforms may be
forthcoming in relation to Great Britains
military system, they must await the con-
sent of that much-abused Cabinet men,
ber.
The reunion of the Irish members under
Mr.. John Redmond may be regarded more
as personal triumph for that stalwart
ing upon the politics of the immediate fu-
ture. The organs of all the Irish parties
are unanimous in declaring that he is the
right man in the right place. Yet, since
the downfall of Charles Stewart Parnell,
Mr. Redmonds hand has been against al
most every other mans, steadfastly refus-
ing all compromise. until. by sheer
strength of character. he has forced his
countrymen to acknowledge his abilities as
a leader Of no mean order. However, while
his party continues to act without alliance
with any English section he can accom-
plish practically nothing. If the present
felicitous organization proves permanent,
which some people doubt. 1t may be pow
erful factor after the conclusion of the
war. especially subsequent to the next gen.
eral election. But until then it is hard to
see how the Irish members can effect any,
thing except intermittent obstruction and
perfervid advocacy of the Beers cause,
which daily diminishes the possibility of
securing home rule. However, it must al
ways be borne in mind that the govern
ment's supremacy would be considerably
modified in the event of an overwhelming
British defeat or failure to attain some
definite and important objective. But, such
is Lord Salisburys strength. and so Injured
has the nation grown to reverses, that it is
scarcely feasible to conceive that the
greatest of such disasters could accomplish
the complete downfall of the present Min
istry.
The most instructive index of public feel
ing is the cessation of bitter criticism of
the government by the leading organs,
after the voting in the House of Commons
and at York had proved that, right or
wrong, Lord Salisbury's Cabinet retained
it's hold
With the exception of Joseph Chamber
lain's statesmanlike speech Timothy
Healy's stands out as the bright exception
to a rather featureless debate. While he
stirred the anger Of the Liberals and Con-
servatives alike and outraged their patriot
ism. Mr.. Healy was unanimously. though
grudgingly, accorded praise for making the
finest rhetorical effort heard since the
House convened. His delivery and Ian
guage were worthy Of Edmund Burke and
the best orators who have spoken the Eng
lish tongue. And those who are saying
this have added, in the same breath, that
the man ought to be shot for traitor.
The election held to-day for a member OF
Parliament to represent London University
in succession 10 Sir John Lubbock. who has
been elevated to the reerage. resulted as
| follows: Sir Michael Foster. Independent
Unionist. 1.271; DR.. Collins, Liberal. Ss3; Mr..
Buck Unionist.' sss: Sir Michael Fosters
plurality, 40S. At the previous election Sir
John Lubbock Liberal Unionist was re-
turned unopposed.
EXPLOSION OF POWDER.