Omaha daily bee., 1908-03-01
LABOR PARTYS NEW LEADER
Arthur Henderson Keeps His Social
ism Well in Background.
CAUTIOUS IN ALL HIS POLICIES
DevOtes Attention TO Reforms that
stand Some Chance of Being
AdOPted-PraetieaIi in
Methods.

LONDON. Feb. 2s.-Cspecial labor s
strength in Parliament is largely due to
the practically and sound oommonsense.
combined with energy and enthusiasm, Of
its representatives there. OF this striking
evidence has been afforded by the election
/ Of Arthur Henderson as the chairman OF
the party. In theory, at least. like most Of
his colleagues, Mr.. Henderson is q socialist
but he does not make an effusive display Of
his label He does not even sport a red
necktie. With MIN socialism stands for the
millennium-something that can be realized
only in the more or less dim and distant
future. He does not believe in the. adage
Attempt impossibilities and you will ac-
complish wonders" He is for striving for
the things that are possible as opportunity
offers and using them when gained as step
ping stones TO more sweeping measures Of
social reform in the interests Of the toilers
school of Experience.
Like most Of the labor members Of Parlia-
ment, he has been trained in the school OF
practical experience Born at Glasgow in
1868, he was apprenticed as a mou,der to
the Newcastle firm OF Robert Stephenson
& Co., when y years old. With that firm
he remained for many years. Before he at
tanned his 2lst birthday he Joined the
Friendly Society of Iron Founders and
speedily attained 10 official distinction in
that body. In 1894 he was made secretary
TO the Northeastern Cancellation board and
in that capacity rendered much valuable
service in settling labor disputes and avert
ing strikes He served his apprenticeship
in public affairs as a member Of various
borough and county councils. including
those Of Newcastle, Durham and Darling
ton He has also served on the magisterial
benches Of two Of these towns. In these
days when socialism is being assailed as the
deadly Zoe Of religion, it is not without
significance that the new leader Of labor
in Parliament is one Of the shining lights
Of the Wesleysn church, whose services as
a lay preacher are eagerly sought
Wins by Small Majority.
He was first returned to Parliament in the
interests Of labor in 1903 when at a bye
election he captured the Barnard castle
division Of Durham in a three-cornered
fight by the narrow but stin surprising ma
jority Of forty-seven votes. But at the
general election in 1896, when he had only
a Tory candidate against him, he led the
poll by 1852 votes. He is a forceful speaker
and a hard hitter in debate. He possesses
in an abundant degree one Of the most
desirable qualities for leadership-taet. Per
sonally, he is popular with men Of various
shades Of political opinion
At present tremendous efforts are being
made for political purpose TO get up a scare
about socialism as something which is
threatening England with red ruin and va
rious other catastrophes, but Henderson
does not lend himself well TO the popular
conception Of a destructive monster. He is
difficult man TO make bOgey Of II was
much easier 10 treat his predecessor, J.
Keir Hardie. in that fashion. Hardie was
much more OF 8 whole hogger" socialist
and much addicted to the utterance Of blaz-
ing indiscretons- All the same, he would
probably have been reelected chairman Of
the labor party had he cared 70 stand again.
But be had held the job two terms and
shares the American prejudice against third
terms.