The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-01-24
ENGLAND's POLITICAL CRISIS.

ENGIAAND'S POlIIIOAL CRISIS.
There are many Indications that
the coming session of the British
parliament is to be one of the most
memorable in the history of that ia
nous body" says the Chicago Tri-
bune. Some of the measures which
are to be advocated are 50 important
that If they are successful the result
will approach close to revolution. II
they fail for the time they are sure
to be stronger in defeat than ever be-
fore and their friends will rally
quickly for the renewed battle which
they firmly believe will be rewarded
with complete victory.
1.-THE programme to be presented
includes the Irish home rule project,
for whose success it's friends are more
hopeful than ever. Sooner or later
they declare that England must yield
to Ireland's claim and give the island
system enabling it to manage its ma
tional affairs for itself. The sooner
this is done the better it will be for
all concerned, and the Irish nation
aHsts now see victory ahead after the
long fight. The Irish universities
bill may be the one around which
the struggle will be waged, the larger
project being brought to the front in
the debates on this educational mea-
sure.
Interesting from an entirely differ
emit standpoint is the licensing BILL
In sense it is a reflection of a world
movement some of whose aspects
have been brought to public atten-
ton in the United States in recent
| months. 1t provides that at the end
Of a specified period all licenses shall
cease and the granting of new he
enses shall be placed in the hands of
the authorities. 1t is a sort of local
option measure and will be fought
vigorously by the associated brewers,
distillers, and license holders through
out the kingdom. The lords are
counted ON to support these inter-
ests against the representatives of
the people who are pushing the tenn
perance fight
There are other questions which
have a vital bearing upon the well
fare Of the country. There will be
another attempt to amend the educa-
tional act. There will be land ques-
3,
old age pensions, and similar subjects
of popular interest and discussion.
each of them supported Dy active and
energetic adherents. If there were
nothing special in the situation the
| session would be a lively one because
of these great topics now in the
minds of Englishmen.
But beneath them all and behind
them all, every one sees the greater
conflict which is impending. 1t will
be heralded by speakers on every
other theme. 1t is the central thing
in public thought. 1t is the inevitable
| struggle between democracy and
| privilege. 1t is modern political
| theories against medieval survivaIs.
| The house of lords must be reorgan-
| lied. That is the demand which the
commons will make with increased
vigor. That is the governments pro-
gramme: to deprive the hereditary
it's autocratic and absolute power
over the decisions OF the commons,
which represents the great majority
of the people Of the country and the
trend of modern political thought.
at will be a royal battle. The vic
tory will not be easily won The gov
| eminent may have to appeal to the
people. But If that is done the lead
ers declare the result will be unoues-
| toned It is a critical year for Great
Britain. The sympathy of Ameri-