New-York tribune., 1901-07-18
LORD POSEBERY AND HIS PARTY.

A striking corroboration of the estimate of
the English Liberal party which was last week
made by The Tribune and its London CORE
spondent appears In the letter of Lord Rose
berry TO the City Liberal Club, of London 1t
emphasizes the hollowness of the truce which
was the other day trumped up between the
warning factions of the party and the hopeless
ness of the party's outlook for the Immediate
future as we'll as the deplorable effect upon
the government and nation of having only one
effective party in country in which govern
ment by party is the rule. and in which, ac-
cordingly, efficient opposition is a moral
necessity. Such statement Of the case is
peculiarly forcible, coming, it does, from the
foremost statesman of the party, the man who
was chosen by the creator of that party to be
his successor in the leadership of it, and the
one living Liberal who has been Prime Min
lister; the man of all men, moreover who has
no axe to grind and who cannot be suspected
of selfish or ambitious motives in making this
utterance
Lord Rosebery makes II clear that the chief
point at issue is not after all, the right the
wrong of the war in South Africa. but rather
the fact that leading of the party sincerely
disagree concerning it. They disagree, more
over on a matter of the highest moral prln-
ciple. Some hold that the is unjust and
the British course is criminal. Others declare
the war 10 be just, righteous and praseworthy.
And those who take the one view are as sin
cere as those who take the other. For either
side TO sacrifice such principles would be self
qualification such as would stamp q man as
unfit for leadership. Yet so long these diff
ferences exist 1t is impossible for the two
factions of the party to work together to
have common leader. 1t is likewise impossi-
BILE TO temporize until after the war; to hold
the matter in allegiance. A question of national
righteousness or criminality cannot be shelved.
The man who lodges it is unworthy of leader
ship. Nor, indeed would such temporizing be
effectual. For the issue is one that will outast
the war. 1t will be perpetual If the war
should end to-day In the complete esta blsh-
ment of British authority south of the Zambesl,
and tomorrow Messrs. Morley and Labouchere
and their colleagues should come into mower.
they would be morally constrained TO undo the
States. The differences between the two fac
tions of the party are irremediable and ner-
petual.
There can be no doubt as TO the side to which
| Lord Rosebery inclines. Neither can there be
much doubt that IL is the popular side not only
| IN the British nation at large but also within
| the ranks of the Liberal party. The great ma
| tority favor imperialism and the prosecution Of
the war TO its logical end, just as the great ma
| jority of Americans favor the acceptance of the
results Of our war with SPAN. That does not
mean that they approve the beginning of il
| Millions of Americans were opposed TO going
| 10 war with Spain, but once the war was begun
| We're in favor Of fighting It out; and il NAV he
| that there are many who sincerely regret that
! this country ever had TO assume the burden Of
caring for the Philippines, yet who, since the
| burden was laid upon us, are now In favor Of
| bearing it manfully and honorably In like
manner many Britons regret that the country
was forced into war with the Beers. and vet
are in favor Of prosecuting that war to an end
which will be final and will be for the welfare
Of the empire. A great leader Of men, holding
| such views. could doubtless rally to his follow
| ing the great mass OF the once great Liberal
party. But such leader is not within the
present view. Lord Rosebery himself measures