, 1909-01-13

%nus publc sFeahllg resembles preaching to
the converted, and unusual reliance is placed
upon personal calYassing. Daily, a million
women are making house to house visits.
Both sides profess bouudless confidence,
which, however, ueeher feels, as both are
anxious over the shifts in the popular in
terest. Home Rule has fallen into the back
ground, both The Press and Government
speakers ignore it, and The Uniouists seldom
mention it, apparently accepting it as the
price Of a sound financial policy, and an
adequate defence. The Liberals Seem to be
losing ground, the MOderates becoming
frightened by the growing Socialistic pro-
posals. Mr.. ChurchilPs unauthorized pro-
gramme now includes the decentralization
Of railways, payment Of members OF
the House of Commons and insurance
against sickness and unemployment, which
attracts the Radicals and Labourites..
There is also a growing interest in Tariff
Reform, the lists o, converts since 1906 are
long ones, and the beerage and the Peerage
are exerting tremendous influence, but the
Uuionist8' prospects are apparently q gain Of
only enough to reduce the Governments
majority.
The Observer publishes forecasts by ex-
perts on behalf of the various parties; the
Conservatives predict respectively, MAORI
ties Of ninety, forty and sixteen, the Radicals
predict respectively, two hundred and one
hundred and ten, and a third allows the
Conservatives q majority Of eightt Tn
Observer remarks upon this unprecedented
conflict i'll expectations. At the last moment
the Liberals have nominated Mr.. Bell to
oppose Mr.. BaItour considering it prejudicial
if both Mr.. Balfour and Mr. Joseph Cham
berlain are elected uuopposed.
The Times acquits Mr.. Asquith Of any
responsibility for the election disorders, but
charges Nj. Lloyd George with deliberately
inhanIing She p~opulace against botlAclPsses
and individuals. This mornings ne VS.
papers publish an interview with Mr.. Wyune,
United States Consul, in which he asserts
there is work for all in the United States
through protectiouism. The New York
State quarterly report states that the per-
centage of idleuess among Trade Unionists
is tea per cent against twenty two per cent
last year, and the average unemployment
between 1901 and 1906 inclusive, was soysu
per cent.
Sir Edward Strocbey has been appointed
Parliamentary Secretury to the Board of
Agriculture.
A Berlin despatch states that Sir Ernest
ShackIeton has announced a new Antarctic
Expedition, in which Germany viii cooper
ate, believing that the new route assures sue
cess.
The French Aero Club has challenged the
United States for balloon and neroplane
championships.
A Toxic despatch says that statesmen pub
tfcby- dtsapproFe of the naturalization of the
Manchurian Railways, andoficials decline to
be quoted, but they are known to be in com
muuication with Russia. Japan questions
the necessity, if necessary it should be ex-
tended throughout China, and regards the
question as one wholly between China and
Japan, and the Intervention Of the United
States as unwarranted. Newspaper editors
ask sarcasticalIy Of the United States will
neutralize enterprises in the Philippines, and
criticize the American amateur diplomats as
b~unglIng oriental politics. French comments
lean towards Russia's eventual decision. A
despatch from Hardin says Chinese, British
aud American residents have held demon
stations of approval.
Today's Daily News hopes that England
will give the fullest support to the proposal
in harmony with Americas oriental policy,
which renders the United States the only
western nation able to look China in the
face without Il blush of shame.
Ill., D~,to 49, -..41z4- l. H. --