Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1908-11-19
Governments of Three Great
States Determine to Take
Hand in Future Direction of
Foreign Affairs,
FIRST STEP TOWARD FULL
PARLIAMENTARY RULE
tmperofs Assurances, Say
Liberal Leaders, viii Serve
to Quiet Popular Demands
Only for the Present.


Berlin, NOV. lS,--The emperor has
given his imperial pledge to hold him
self within close constitutional bounds
hereafter in matters concerning af-
fairs of state. but though the situ-
alton has cleared, serious questions
have arisen in political circles as to
the Significance Of the emperor's ac-
ton with respect to the future rela-
lions between the reichstag and the
executive branch of the government.
While calm Observers interpret the
emperor's surrender Of what he had
considered his prerogative as regis
tering remarkable victory for pub
lie opinion, they fully recognize tho
fact that 1t leaves Germany far re-
moved from popular government.
The emperor, It is pointed out, yield
ed to the most impressive demonstra-
ton Of the people ever seen In Ger
many but such an occasion can
hardly arise once IN generation
when the minds OF the whole peo-
pie are fixed with such unanimity
upon "a single demand, as IN this case.
Yesterday under these unusual CON
ditions the reiohstag when the sub
Jeet OF the emperor's Intervention in
national affairs came up for debate.
was unable 10 agree upon simple
course of sending an address to the
emperor setting forth the views OF
the members who were one In their
opposition to his maJesty's course. No
action could be taken because the
conservatives, on the pretext that the
reichstag did not possess the right 10
address the crown. refused 10 co.
operate. The radicals and socialists.
however, intend 10 attempt to pass "A
resolution demanding an amendment
TO the constitution making the min
isters responsible to the reichstag, but
1t is already certain that this win he
rejected,
The conservatives viii present a
united front against all proposals OF
this kind. They have everything TO
gain ANA nothing To lose in main
tanning the present system under
which they supply the ministers or
the crown by traditional rights ana
fin an the valuable diplomatic, mil-
tary and civil positions in the gift of
the government
As conditions are now they are in
political ideas which can cover the
government policies. whereas
change iu the parliamentary govern
mont would signify the surrender of
immemoral privileges on their part
The clerical party, while contain
ing democratic elements, is too accus-
toned to the tradition of authority,
acting from above, tu. permit the peo-
pie to acccpt "a political transforma-
tion not in harmony with that tradl-
tion.
The liberal party Is too permea-
ted with conservative ideals TO admit
The expectation that its representa-
ives would agree to support an
amendment shifting ministerial r,-
wholly TO the reichstag.
Nevertheless. the liberals are like
9 to accept a compromise measure
diving the reichstag greater influence
n shaping the decisions of the gov
rnmenL
This leaves only the radicals and
ocialists with the possible assistance
z the Poles. making together barely
NO fourth of the membership of the
ouse To support the out and out de-
land for parliamentary government
I Is further pointed out that lack
{ large united party units Ger
many for parliamentary government.
{ would be impossible with the pres
Mt multiplicity of parties In the
eichsag 10 bring enough homoge-
eous elements together for the form
ng of compact majority capable of
working together harmoniously for
ny length OF time.
For these reasons men best ac-
uaiutrd with the political charac-
cristcs Of the German people say IL
,ll require a long period of prac-
zeal schooling in politics before
government can be in
reduced with beneficial results for
hc fatherland.