Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-02-20
CHAMBERLAIN HEADS THE OPPOSITION
Protectionist Throws Down Gauntlet in
Brilliant and Sarcastic Speech.
KING DRIVES IN STATE TO HALL
Queen is Absent, Being at Copenhagen to
Attend Fathers Funeral
BRIEF REFERENCE TO MOROCCAN MEETING
President of United states Mentioned
as Being Responsible for Con-
clusion of War Between
Russia and Japan.


Russia and Japan.
LONDON, Feb. l9.-The pointed refer
ence TO ireland contained In King Ed
wards speech to Parliament today. coupled
with the announcement OF the detcrrHina-
ton to grant constitutional government to
the Transvaal brought these two ques-
tions TO the forefront in the debate in the
House of Lords and the House OF COM
mons. on the motions on the address IN
reply to the speech from ;he throne. In
the former house the debate was almost
perfunctory, except where Lord Lans-
downe, assuming his new role of leader OF
the opposition in the upper house. pointed
out certain dangers connected with the
proposed changes and incidentally com
mented on the Algeciras conference ana
the situation in Macedonia, warning the
government of possible difficulties arising
in the near east until Great britain main
tained firm attitude.
ChamberIain's Brilliant speech.
1t was in the House OF Commons that
the debate on the address became Interest,"
ing when Joseph Chamberlain. In the alb
sence of former Premier Balfodr. took the
place of the leader OF the opposition and in
D1llllant anu lenkNnN SDt'Nh "hAo'NNN wv
government on all points. especially on its
South African policy. He threw down the
gauntlet regarding home rule for Ireland
Regarding tariff reform MIR. Chamberlain
promised TO give the government several
bad quarter hours.
Mr. Chamberlaln's speech undoubtedly
was the feature of the first day of the
House of Commons The small coterie OF
unlonists took heart under his spirited
leadership and his brilliant thrusts and
sarcasm were greeted with the heartiest
cheers Even some of Mr.. Chamberlain $
opponents could not refrain from accord
ing him the need of acclaim for his re-
narkable attack.
Premier Campbell Bannerman's reply
was lengthy and perfectly good-humored,
the speaker assuming that his position was
one of such strength that he could AFFORD
TO be generous.
Attitude of NaSfonaiists.
The reference TO ireland In the king 3
speech is received with mingled feelings
and some degree of doubt The nuticnalists
are noncommittal and decline to accept as
more than possibility these seeming steps
toward home rule. John Redmond who
followed Premier Campbell -Bannerman at
the night session. boldly announced that
the nationaiists would not he satisfied with
anything short OF complete self govern
ment. On the other hand some of the less
radical Irish members do not hesitate 20
say that the clause in the kings speech
means modified form of home rule and in
Innate that Mr.. Redmond would be salts
Ned with such step, as IL would surely
guarantee home rule i'm the future. The
liberals profess themselves well pleased
with the clauses in the kings speech at
fcting their special interests.
speech from the Throne.
King Edward opened the second Parlia-
ment OF his reign this afternoon with the
customary ceremonial. Tho weather was
cloudy. but rain held off and all the point:
of vantage along the troop-lined route fol
lowed by the royal progress were well oc
egpied by cheering crowds.
tor the first time since early in the reigr
q the late Queen Victoria only a single
chair occupied the dais in consequence o
the absence from England of Queen Alex
andra. The king. arrayed in robes of Grim
son silk and velvet, edged with gold lace
and surmounted by heavy cape of ermine
having seated himself on the throne. com
manded the presence of the commons L
hear his speech.
The speech contained no surprises. TIL,
usual reference to the continuance o
friendly relations with foreign powers wa
followed by paragraph rejoicing over tn
fact that the Russo-Japanese war ha
been brought to an end by tho satisfac
tory conclusion of the negotiations com
nienoed In August and due to the initiatv
OF the president of the United State
which had resulted in an honorable peace.
Refer nk to the Moroccan conference. tn
king remarked: 1T is earnestly to be hope
~. ~.
be conductive to the maintenance OF peac
among all nations"
Colorless mention ~as made OF the Anglo
Japanese treaty, the dissolution of tn
union Of Norway and Sweden and the con
dition OF Macedonia. (which has continues
to give cause for anxiety"
The speech closed with mention q
prospective legislation.
Home RuIe for ireland.
An Important paragraph devoted to Ire
land was follows:
My ministers have under consideration
plan for improving and eenecting the eeeo
nCnies In the system of government ia
lreinrd ard for Introducing therein mean
for associating the people with the conduC
81 Irish affairs, IL is my desire that TIA
upon the ordinary law, should be carrie
On so far as existing circumstances perm
IN spirit Iegardful OF the wishes and SCI
'nat tits may conduce To the maintenanc
of tranquility and good feeling between tl
cin"rent classes of the community.
II WAS noticeable that the king is sti
SUFFERING from the injury To his knee. II
walked haltingly aided by a stick.
Ambassador Reid ana Mrs Reid WEI
among those present at the ceremony
Petition from Sunragists.
Wkc1 the members Of he House
C0n,mons arrived at the house this ate
noon To commence the business Of u
session they found Il motley crowd ,
women outside, who were eager to eaIii
the legislators in support of the women
suffinge bill The -eeptioh which the
received was mixed but rhe attitude
tie new house Is undoubtedly mere friend
u the movement than heretofore.
Balfour Higgins His Campaign.
The liberals OF the city OF London ma,
chsnscd ground since Sunday. and att
several conferences with Thomas Gibs,
Bow'lcs. late free trade member for King
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