The Irish standard., 1910-08-20

of the conference SO long and from the
determination to continue much long
er that things have not been going al
together badly-that is hopelessly.
The conference, meantime, has had
almost extraordinary effect upon the
whole political temper in England. Of
course, there is great deal of non-
sense which is always inspired in poll
tics by the leading incidents of the
hour and with that rapid change of
humor characteristic of the Hobbies of
legislative assemblies.
England Courts America.
I put down as one of the contribut-
ing factors to this change of feeling
the extraordinary desire of England to
have the friendship of the United
States. 1t is now ever present to the
English mind that such a good under
standing between England and the
United States as would range them on
the same side in a great international
complication would be a tremendous
weapon not merely for offense but for
defense.
The amount of anmosity coupled
with certain apprehension which now
exists in England with regard to Ger
many has done much to encourage this
feeling.
Perhaps, also, there may be some
latent notion that things may not go
50 easily in the far east since the cryp-
tic power of Japan has come into be-
ing.
Japan is friendly to England now
as she is with America, but there is
danger and a new movement in India
and Egypt. There is new tariff
against England in Japan.
In short, things are full Of vague
menace in the far east and the inter-
ests Of England and America are iden-
tical.
Statesmen Favor Irish Cause.
After a great deal of hard work the
idea has at last found lodgment in
the British mind that the reconcilia-
tion of ireland: and thereby Of the Irish
people is an, irnportan factor toward
the better Understanding between Eng
land and America which is now the
object of British craftsmanship.
There is another and more unself1sh
element in this gradual growth Of an
understanding between the two races.
The peace party in England has
been largely augmented by many re-
cent events, by The Hague conference
by the successive appeals of what
might be perilous disputes to that trib-
unal and above all by the terror pro-
duced in human minds by the gigantic
growth of armaments.
Though the action of Germany has
made it difficult for England to stand
still in the building of dreadnoughts,
the feeling is almost universal EXCEPT
among fanatical jingoes that both ma
tions are engaged in an insane occu-
patton.
Present Temper May Change.
Suppose it to be possible that Eng
land and America act together in the
reduction of armaments and in the
preservation of peace in the world, a
means would be found which would en-
able the stopping of this growth Of
armament.
Place these factors together and add
to them the great calm which has
come over England owing to the con-
ference and the temporary cessation OF
party strife, and you will more clearly
understand the psychology of the pres
ent strange and unprecedented hour.
All the present temper may change;
it would, of course, if the conference
broke down. But my own belief is
| that public opinion is for the moment
SO weaned from futile strife and so
|
of old scores that the conference won't
be allowed to break down.
That we are on the eve of a settle
ment not only Of the future relations OF
the house of lords and the house of
commons but also of the too long con-
tinued misunderstanding between Eng
land and Ireland is almost certain.
Look here" said the reforming hus-
band, 1--WE must have things arranged
in this house so that we shall know
just where everything is kept"
with all my heart" sweetly an
swered his wife, "and let US begin
with your late hours, my love. l
should very much like to know where