The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1906-10-09
Nv WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN.

-. : II
William Jennings Bryan.
there could be no re~trenchment in
taxation if the appropriations for arm
aments and for armies continued tC
increase. He has been called a little
~Euglandcr," but n a did not deter
him from uttering q protest against
the rivalry which seems to be going
on in Europe in the building of war
ships.
In view of his utterances in favor OF
arbitration and against militarlsm, ii
was most appropriate that he should
deliver the address of welcome at the
recent session of the Inteparliamen-
tary Union. better known as the Peace
Congress. His speech on that Occa-
sion was an epoch making deliTerence.
IN no uncertain tones he threw the in
fuence of his ministry on the side of
peace ANA opened the door for the
adoption Of a f~ar-reaching proposition
in favor Of the submission of all queS-
tiOns to investigation before hOStilities
are commenced. He used the North
Sea incident as an Illustration and
urged the extension of the powers of
the board of inquiry. His now famous
exclamation: The Duma is dead
long live the Duma." illustrates both
his moral courage and his devotion 70
! representative government. The sem
J tence was Il part of his Peace Con
gress speech and was uttered in the
t presence Of the Duma representatives,,
who left Russia before the prorOguing
of that body. 1t electrified the audi
cnce and has been widely commented
On throughout Europe.
Few premiers have had so large Z,
majority back of them, or possessed
so fully the confidence of their sup
poftefS, and the programme prepared
by the ministry is a most comprehen-
SlVe one. 1t is too much to expect
that the liberal majority can be main
tanned on all the questions which will
be under discussion. but it is evident
that the new government Will have a
number of Important reforms to its
credit when it finishes its work.
The president of the house of lords
the lord chancellor, is one Of the most
popOular of the liberal eaders. His
name IS Robert Reed. and ne is also
a ScOtchman. He is a rare cOmbina-
ton and one of the most Iovable of
men. There is a striking resemblance
between him and the Edinburgh statue
Of Walter Scott, and in his heart
there is the democracy of Burns. With
high ideals. an eloquent tongue and =
disposition which attracts men to him,
he is especially fitted for public life,
and it is to be regretted that upOn
retirement from his present position
ne becomes q judge. for the bench
''tS I'N diLoiQ an tqudl opportunity
with the forum for the moulding of
public opinion.
The foreign secretary, Sir Edward
Grey. is a mar who would attract at
tehtion anywhere by the strength of
ms lace. he reminded me of the late
William EVart of New York. He
played an important part in the cam
paign which lead up to the liberal vic
tory and his selection was regarded
as a hitting one. His position, how
ever, is not difficult to fill, because
Great Britian's relations with the
olher powers are quite amiabIe.
*
We extended our stay in London in
order to hear the minister of war. Mr..
~Halddnc, make his argumcn i'm favor
OF the reduction in the size and cost
OF the army. by the courtesy Of our
3mbassador, Hon. Whitelaw Reid, |
llad an excellent seat in the gallery
of the house of commons.
The reader may be interested
IN a brief sketch of this most
alclent OF parliaments, and most
powerful of all the factors which
British isles. The hall will only seat
90 per cent. of the Inembers-an as
tonlshing fact to an American, who
Is accustomed to see each of his SEN
aIors, Congressman and State legisIa-
tofS with a seat assigned to him for
the session. The members who are
present sit on cushioned benches. re
semhling church pews. ana these
benches rise one above another on
either side of the hall. The liberals
SIT on the right of the speaker and the
front bench is reserved for the minis
try. The conservatives occupy the
pehches at the speakers left. the front
bench being reserved for the leaders
OF the opposition. On the left. but
farther from the speaker. are the Irish
members and the labor
There is a narrow gallery on each
side which is occupied by members
when there Is a large attendance, and
a sinai gallery in the rear for visit
ors. The ladies' gallery is lust over
the speakers desk, and is so caref1Iny
screened that the occupants of the
gallery cannot be recognized from
the floor. While no one. least of all
the ladies, seems to defend this
screen. it still remains. Most of the
members wear their hats in the hall
but as they have no desks they can
not write when a colleague is speak,
ing. although was old Of one mem
her who occasionally occupied his
time knitting.
As parliament virtually selects the
ministers. and as these ministers are
responsible to parliament rather thar
to n king, they must attend the see-
SlonS at stated times and answer
questions. Any menbe Of parliament
Is at liberty To submit Il question in
writing. and the minister is obliged to
give answer. provided. of course, an
S"er would not make an improper dis
closure.
The leaders. facing each other from
the opposing benches. present a very
interesting picture. and after listening
to the discussions back and forth
one can understand why free speech
has had so large an influence in he