Omaha daily bee., 1910-09-24


ON the political chessboard which attract
little attention from spectators at a dis
lance, and yet are of vital concern to
those VINO are playing the game. Next to
the British premier himself no one has
played the game with such consumnate
skill as John e Redmond. Even his tory
critics, hitherto rarely uttering a kindly
word have accorded him merited praise
for his masterful handling of many deli
cate and trying situations during the last
session of Parliament. The message he
brings to friends Of the cause in this
country is summed up in substance in
speech recently delivered IN Kilkenny.
The conference, which is seeking an ad-
justment IL the differences between the
House of Commons and the House of
Lords. is looked upon with suspicion, Mr..
Redmond said Only one result of the
conference can be satisfactory to the ma
tionalists, namely: The abolition Of the
power of the lords TO defeat or delay
action on a bill passed by the commons
beyond the life of one Parliament In
that case. he said, home rule for ireland
would doubtless be granted Immediately
by the first friendly House Of Commons.
Failure to reach satisfactory conclusion
would leave things as they were before
King Edwards death and plunge the
county into the vortex of fierce cam
paign in mid winter. at a time when the
public mind would be engrossed in prepara-
tions for the coronation of King George.
While Mr.. Redmond does not consider
friendly sentiment as q factor in the
cause. 1t is generally understood in re-
liable quarters that powerful influence
backed by the king are seeking solu-
ton Of the Parliamentary crisis that will
dispose of the burning issues of the day.
Necessarily that means self-government
for ireland, putting an end to a century
old feud, and surrounding the kings coro-
nation with a real united kingdom.
The first election for members of the
new federal assembly of the South African
union, held last week, resulted, as pre-
dicted, in a victory for the nationalsts, or
Dutch party. though 1t strength is not as
great as expected. Returns show siXty-four
ministerialsts and a combined opposition
of ffty-four members. The unionist party
representing the elements opposed to the
proposed system of dual languages In
schools and government developed surpris-
ing strength, especially in the cities, and
will form a strong minority party led by
DR.. jameson OF raider fame One of the
defeat of General Louis Botha, premier
and minister Of agriculture of the union, by
Sir Percy Fitzpatrick. 1t is difficult to
understand how an Irishman and with a
British handle to his name could beat a
Dutchman. in his own stamping ground, but
the unique fact sticks out as prominently
Jas Spion Kop in wartime. The election
district comprised large portion OF the
| city of Pretoria, where the English-speak-
| ing element is strong. and naturally OPP
posed to the reactionary spirit of the Dutch
II ia expected a vacancy will be made for
General Botha in a safe district. The new
government cannot well dispense with the
services of a man as broadminded and pa
trfotic in peace as he was brave and skill
full in war.
The great deluge Of water classed as
cloudbursts in this country very rarely
registered a rainfall of five inches. The
Salt creek downpour Of last month, scoring
fall Of eight inches. in a few hours, con-
stitutes a record for the middle states Yet
that is a record OF a gentle shower besides
the August rainfall in Japan. which flooded
the empire and caused enormous losses of
property and destroyed 300 lives. A corre-
spondent of New York Evening Post who
was flood bound 100 miles from Toxic
states that the rainfall far surpassed any
previous record of country where rain
falls are as common as In Panama. From
| the 18th to the 18th of August II was q con-
uuous cloudburst. Twenty and a half
inches OF water fell in fifteen hours, and
the total for the first fifteen days of the
month was flfty-one inches. 1t may readily
be imagined that such rainfall In
mountainous country like Japan filled the
1 a.
landsldes, destroyed thousands Of homes
and flooded vast acres of cities, villages
and country. At the time Of writing, Au-
| gust 20. the writer says 100000 persons were
| homeless and dependant on public charity
! In Toxic. The people, says the writer, ap-
| pear to take such visitations as the hand
| of fate. 1t is this spirit OF fatalism that
keeps the nation in its present unprotected
condition. leaving 1t always at the mercy
OF the elements.
| A striking instance of the social and re-
liRious resistance to British domination In
/ India Is found I'm the resignation of the
well-known native lawyer Mr.. Sinha, who
was recently appointed to a seat in the
Viceroys council This was the first time
in the history of British India that a native
| has been admitted to the very citadel OF
| the BRUSH power anu IL TAKE part III
framing of the most intimate policies
whereby the Engishman keeps his hold
on India. That MIR, sInha, after few
months in office, should have laid down
the highest position that has ever fallen TO
a native of India under the British rule,
is generally ascribed to the working of
public opinion among the distinguished
Hindu's countrymen,
| go
The recent Trades Union congress at
! Sheffield. representing near 100000 British
unionists, unanimously agreed TO ask Par
lament sor relief from the decision deny
| ing the privilege OF paying their members
OF Parliament out OF union funds. The
! action of the preceding Parliament in re-
/ lIeving trades unions from liability for
damages arising from the boycott fore
! shadows favorable action on the latest
grievance, Both parties desire the good
will OF the iaborites. The agitation pro-
vokcd by the adverse decision is likely TO
hasten the passage of a law for the pay
ment of salaries OF members OF Parlia-
meht. system now general In all English