Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-12-16
Former English Premier May
Again Be Called to Head Of
Government.
Rosebery's Speech Today Await
ed With Almost Breathless
Interest in England.
May Be Beginning Of 4 New
Alignment OF Political
Parties.

| press Saturday united In appealing tC
Lord Rosebery to take the lead in the
organization of a new party 1t is de-
clared that $50 members of parliament
are ready to follow him. The press de-
clares that the time has come to con-
struct new imperialistic party. LORD
Rosebery's speech at Chesterfield today
is awaited with almost GREATNESS inter-
est.
| The intense interest, amounting to
anxiety. which prevails turnout the
country over Lord Rosebery,s forthcom-
ing speech is significant OF several
| things in the remarkable political situa-
ton OF England 1t testifies not only to
the wonderful influence possessed by
| this simple rural person." as he has
facetiously described himseR during his
retirement, but 1t means that the pro-
cess of rapid disintegration Of political
| parties in Great Britain has reached q
crisis and that this man, more than any
other. has the power to shape the gen.
| eral reorganization which unquestiona-
bly, is at hand.
1t has been commonly assumed that II
is only the liberal party which Is hope
lessly dlsorganized. There can be little
doubt, as matter OF fact, that Lord
Rosebery could command larger fol-
lowing among unionists than among lib
erals. If the war should last little long
er and he should offer himself as leader
of new party.
Hence 1t is that the government press
unites in appeals to him to do nothing
as Its party savior or for the gratiflca-
ton OF his personal ambition.
All beseech him to be patriotic, to
strengthen the hands OF the government,
and speak for England the empire They
assure him that he would thereby be the
greatest potentiality sin our political
life." and by other batteries and argu-
| ments seek to dissuade him from taking
advantage Of the governments mistakes
and weakness.
There is no reliable forecast Of what
will be the attitude OF this remarkable
man at Chesterfield today 1t Is asserted
with some confidence In certain quarters
that Lord Rosebery energies from his
retirement at the suggestion Of num-
Der of liberal-unionist supporters Of the
government, who are sick unto loathing
of the imbecility Of that government and
who are anxious to follow q leader who
knows how to lead
These overtures are said to have coin-
|.oided with Lord Rosebery's own ma
tured view that the time has come to
construct out of the ruins of the liberal
party new imperialistic party devoid
alike Of parochialism and faddism and
purged of home rule.
With such program and Lord Rose
berry in active leadership this new party
would, it is estimated, meet parliament
Eext month $50 strong in the house Of
commons, while one session Of strenu-
ously conducted opposition would, 1t is
asserted. compel the government to at
tempt to save itself from disintegration
by appealing to the country.
This is the extreme view OF Lord
Rosebery's intentions. The most general
belief is that he will not attempt at the
present moment to lead political revo-
luton, but content himself, while criti-
cising severely the management of the
war, with urging the patient support OF
The liberal leaders decided last week
to demand the dispatch Of a special
commissioner to South Africa as soon as
parliament meets next month. Their
contention is that the Beers will never
conclude peace with Lord Miner as
British negotlator, but will readily talk
proposals with any statesman OF COM
manding position specially sent from
England.
The liberal leaders are doubtless too
sanguine. but there is good deal in the
suggestion to commend itself to tories
as well as liberals Of sending special
commissioner. 1t would be tantamount
to an expression of lack OF confidence in
Lord Miner, and for that reason the
government is not likely to do what the
opposition wants. Ministers cling to
the idea that Lord Miner is the one in
dsipensable man in South Africa.
The peace rumors, which discussed
week ago, have grown stronger and
more circumstantial in the last day or
two. 1t Is repeatedly asserted from va
rious sources that offers of liberal terms
have been unofficially communicated to
the Beers both in Holland and South
Africa and with some prospects Of sue
cess.
An encouraging feature is that the
Beers finally realize not only that there
is no possibility of aid Of any nature
from European governments, but that
the latter are really using them as a
catspaw. The longer the war continues
the better the continental powers will be
pleased. as by it's prolongation they are
enabled to attack British interests in all
parts Of the world with impunity.
Men of foresight understood this two
years ago, but it is only recently that it
has forced itself on the Boer conviction
with such an effect on their feelings as
can readily be imagined. At all events,
news of this nature is sufficiently cred
tied to cause an impression on the stock
market that peace Is not far off.
CONSERVATION is the only word with
which to describe the effect in England
of the news of the probable passage of
the ship subsidy bill. 1t will constitute
a deadly blow to British shipping inter-
ests. and the heads of great shipping
firms in all parts OF England and Scot
land do not attempt to disguise their
alarm. not to say despair. 1T would
within few years deprive the British
carrying trade OF an annual revenue of
more than $500 200, 0o0," in the words OF
representative shipowner. The attempt
made by the press to preserve a friendly
attitude in the matter is rather rueful
lows at Washington.
Washington, Dec. 16.-Martin F. Lit