Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-10

the post Of premier. The only reason he
gave was that he did not wish to sacrifice
an ancient. historic and honored name, for
there is already a Lord Balfour. who held
the Office of secretary OF state for Scotland
in the recent government. II he had been
elevated to the peerage Mr.. Arthur Bal
four would have been compelled to have
selected some other name, and preferred TO
remain a commoner rather than do so.
Arthur Balfour belongs to one of the
proudest families in the realm. He traces
his descent to Robert Bruce, and has his
pedigree drawn up and sealed by the Col
lege Of Arms in Edinburgh. where 1t was
prepared at the request of his father James
Maitland Balfour OF Whittingham. who was
brother-in-law OF the late Lord Salisbury
Cause Of the Overthrow.
The causes for the overthrow Of the con-
servatives are very plain. Ever since
Great Britain has had representative gov
eminent the pendulum has swung back
ward and forward at almost regular in
tervals, and during the last forty years
the liberals and conservatives have divided
the time almost equally In control OF af-
fairs. Each successive administration be-
gins to decline in popularity almost from
the very day It takes over the seals Of Of
fee. regardless Of its legislative or diplo-
matte successes. Each cabinet loses what
is called over here 1.-THE confidence OF the
country after being in power about four
years the lawful term for our administra-
ton in the United States. The recent gov
eminent. however. has been in ONCE since
1895, longer than any other for half CEN
tury which was due to the war In South
Africa.
According to tho etiquette OF British
politics. when a government goes out OF
power its leaders become "the opposition"
and it IL their business and privilege to at
tack their successors az violently as posi-
BILE for their management OF Affairs. Critics
who condemn book or q picture are not
Ilr4 tn ia ha tint
the other. but in English politics the re-
verse is the case. The political critics OF
the opposition who drive ministry out Of
ONCE are bound to accept the responsibility
and correct the mistakes that they have
criticised both In legislation and in the ad-
ministration Of the executive department.
Unlike our system. the British executive Is
always In sympathy with the Legislative
branch of the government. and the cabinet
Is chosen from the members OF congress,
so that they have q double function and
double responsibility in making the laws
and In enforcing them.
The attacks upon the late Balfour gov
eminent were based. first, upon the con-
duct of the war In South Africa, the scan
dals due to army contracts and the weak
ness OF the military organisation. and also
upon their responsibility for the enormous
Increase for taxation caused thereby The
income tax e now 2 shilling In the pound
income OF over $500 Must pay the govern
ment Is cents for every Is he receives.
In the second place the Baifour govern
ment was responsible for one OF the most
odtous laws that has been enacted In Eng
land for century, which authorised the
application Of money raised by general
taxation for the support of sectarixn
schools Professionals Of all denominations
Catholics. Jews. non-beltevers and ali
property owners II the community were
compelled to pay the expense Of the prop
asati0n Of the doctrines Of the Church OF
England. Many non-conformists refused
to pay, and psrmitted the tax collectors to
seize and seIl their household goods to sat
isfy the claims. This ocular demonstration
OF religious intolerance was q powerful ar
g.ament against the parliament aud the
government which was responsible for It.
and adenated practically all members OF
religious organisations outside the estab-
lished church.
The liquor trafY1c was also involved In the
late administration. and Mr.. Balfour's gov
eminent failed to satisfy anybody In its
treatment Of that very sensitive subject
The Tariff and Chinese.
Another important question Vas the
tariff. Mr.. Chamberlain. A. You WIN re-
member, proclaimed himself protectiOnine