The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-10-07

, ingly for Democratic ideas. He has not been discouraged by the fact that he has often been in the minority. on the contrary, he has felt as confident in his position when he has had to maintain it amid taunts and 5eers as when his speeches brought forth ap- plause. He Is not as great an orator as Gladstone, but he has a very per suasive manner, and his fine sense of humor gives brilliancy to his spec ches: party last December, he credited the I victory at the polls to several causes the tariff question, the chinese question. the educational problem and municipal questions. He pledged ms party to certain reforms and boldly I advocated a reduction or military ana naval expenses. He pointed out that there could be no retrenchment in taxation if the appropriations for arm aments and for armies continued to increase He has been called "lttle
 Englander." but that did not deter nim from uttering protest against the rivalry which seems to be going on in Europe in the building of war ships.
 Tn view of his utterances in favor or a arbitration and against militarism, 1t was most appropriate that he should deliver the address of welcome at the recent session of the 1nterpariiamen- tary Union, better known as the Peace congress. His speech on that occa- sion was an epoch making deliverance. In no uncertain tones ne threw the in- fluence of his ministdy on the side or peace and opened the door for the adoption of a far-reaching proposition in favor of the submission of all ques- tons to investigation before hostii1ties are commenced. He used the North Sea incident as an illustration and nf 10 the board of inquiry. His now famous exclamation: "The Duma Is dead long live the Duma," illustrates both his moral courage and his devotion to representative government. The" sem tence was a part of his Peace Con- gress speech and was uttered in the presence of the Duma representatives. who left Russia before the prorogung of that body. It electrified the audi ence and has been widely commented on throughout Europe.
 Few premiers have had so large a majority back of them, or possessed so fully the confidence of their sup portsers, and the program prepared by the ministry Is a most comprehen- sive one It is too much to expect that the liberal majority can be maintain ed on all the questions which will be under discussion. but 1t Is evident that the new government will have number of importsrt reforms to its credit when It finishes its work.
 The president of the house of lords the lord chancellor. is one of the most popular of the liberal leaders. His name is Robert Reed, and he Is also a Scotchman. He Is a rare combination and one of the most lovabie of men. There Is striking resemblance be- tween him and the Edinburgh statute of walter Scott, and in his heart there is the democracy of Burns. With high ideals, an eloquent tongue and dis position which attracts men to him. lie is especially fitted for public life. and 1t is to be regretted that upon retire. ment from his present position he be- comes a judge for the bench does not afford an equal opportunity with the forum for the moulding of public opin- ion.
 The foreign secretary. Sir Edward Grey, is a man who would attract at- tention anywhere by the strength of his face. He reminded me of the late William Evart of New York. He play ed an important part in the campaign which led up to the liberal victory and his selection was regarded as fitting one His position. however. Is not dif- ficult to fill, because Great Britain's relations with the other powers are quite amiable.