The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1910-03-31
English
Politics
compared with American Methods
In Very Entertaining Man
ner by a Chautauquan.

In Very Entertaining Man
ner by Chautauquan.
Paper Read Before the ChaatauQua Circle.
There are many distinctions between
the politics of the United States and
those of Great Britain. One difference,
for instance, was aptly pointed out in
an anonymous article in Harper's Week
iy last November. In America, it is
usual to vote for men; in England, for
measures. There are exceptions, of
course. In 1896, Mr.. Bryan's great is
sue probably dwarfed personal consid-
>erations; while the storm which broke
over Parnell after the divorce suit in
which he participated may serve as an
exception on the other side. But the
main contention holds true; in the Unit
ed States, votes are cast for Taft or
Bryan; in England, for free trade or
protection.
If this may be cited as psychologist
al distinction, there are others which
depend on environment. The problems
and methods of a country of three mil
zion square miles must necessarily diff
fer from those of group of islands,
containing about one hundred twenty
thousand square miles, even though
the latter nominally rule far larger
area of territory.
While the Houses IF Parliament seem
within easy reach O f the voter, the
Capitol at Washington is at great dis
tance from most of those who elect its
occupants. There is very natural
tendency to regard what is Icing done
SO many miles away as something re-
mote from present needs and interests
This tendency. together with the Qua
system of government, enables it to be
said that the Congressman to the coun
try at large, is much less important
figure than the Member of Parliament
There are a so differences in the sys
TENS. | need not here describe thu
American plan Of government, will
which you are all familiar, but it ma.
ae advisable to point out some of tn
workings of the English scheme. Th'
House of.COmmons is not elected for
stated term of yeare, but an election
must be held at least once in sever
years. The suffrage is not universal
but the qualifications that a voter mus
possess (besides that of being Of TIA
male sex) are extended to include any
body who can rent room for two do
lars week. The House of Lords, O
the other hand, is an hereditary chan
Der, but is constantly being, recruite
from men who have distinguished then
selves in any way. A large contribr
ton to the party funds frequently col
stitutes distinction of this kind, but .,
casionally a scientist or poet CREEP
in-they have to keep up bluff, {
course. In the preseDtcrisis, the Hous
of Lords is the issue. Its rejection {
the budget, creating asituation unpre
q Tented in English history, has bee
the signal for a dissolution of Parli
ment.
The Church Of England is inextri
ably bound up with the State. Its bis
ops and archish0ps sit and vote in Il
House of Lords, but their power is lir
tied, they are comparatively fe
in number. This mingling of chur'
and state frequently leads to a mo
unpleasant association of religion wi
politics. When an education bill
brought forward, every shade of re
,giOus conviction is heard from in tur
The connection of Mr.. Gladstone wi
the cause of disestablishment of t
church has forced upon the Llbel
party the position of dissent, and t
nickname of NOnconfOrmists, althou
there is, at present, no inclination
reform the system.
The Irish representatives in Parl
ment are out for Home Rule, and agail
every party that will not instan
grant it. Their long antag0nism
the Conservatives and Mr.. Gladston