The Washington herald., 1910-11-13

London. Nov 12-The confusion from
which American politics is just emerging
is more than matched by the utter de-
moralization which nolg prevails in Brit
ish public affairs.
Ten days ago there was every reason
to believe that modus vivendi had been
reached between the two. principal par
ties, by which a calm settlement might
be reached on nonpartisan lines OF the
great constitutional question of a second
chamber in place of the present House
of Lords. Mr.. BalfQur. Lord Lansdowne,
and Austen Chamberlain were ready TO
make an agreement al the price Of con
siderable concessions. Before giving
final consent N-T Balfour thought it
would be best TO secure from the con-
ference permission to consult with the
members of the last Unionist cabinet I'm
order 10 make sure he was acting with
the full support of his party.
Old Guard RevOIfs.
The result was a threat of revolt by
sufficiently numerous section of the old
guard to compel him 10 withdraw his
assent TO the compromise. Three more
HtFEAaHE0 VI litt NUlllFAEC0 NGAE llNAAs Ut4t
no fresh basis of agreement could be
found. The members of the conference
decided not TO disclose the details OF the
negotiations or the cause of their failure.
but IL is well understood among the
leaders OF both parties that the collapse
was due TO a Unionist split as outlined
absve, It Is also known that both sides
equally resent Irish domination OF tho
rsituation by reason OF the Irish members
nolding the balance of power hi tise
House Of Commons, and they are de-
termined 10 eliminate this factor
1t has developed clearly that 1t Is i'm
possible in any event 10 obtain a ma
jority in the present house for tie form
of home rule demanded by John Red
mond and John Dillon. The radical op-
position led by Mr. Lloyd George and
Winston Churchill. is unyielding on this
point Moreover, the Unionists are ready
in sufficient numbers to abstain from Yot-
ing in order to make II impossible for
the Nationalists to place the government
in a minority
Premier Asquith can, therefore, retain
office for another year II he chooses, for
the Unionists. in face OF the open split
in their ranks. will gladly postpone a
general election. The present indications
are that Mr.. Asquith viii decline both
alternatives. He will not be driven from
Office by an attack of the Nationalists,
nor remain by favor OF the opposition.
He and his Radical colleagues especially
believe that the sudden generalization
of their opponents gives them the oppor-
tunity TO snatch an independent majority
in the house by an immediate appeal to
the country
Asquith Visits King.
There is no public indication Of his de-
cision beyond his sudden visi; to King
George at Sandrlngham yesterday, but
the general expectation is that he will
announce at an early date the dissolu-
ton of Parliament at the reassembling
of the House Of Commons Tuesday
The idea OF another election is extreme
ly popular throughout the country and
II the impression becomes general that
the Unionists are indirectly responsible
ii will react 10 the government advan-
tage. All depends, however on the exact
form of the issue. II the radical wing of
the government should succeed in max
ing the official policy one of practically a
single chamber OF government. then there
is little doubt that the Liberal party viii
be overwhelmingly defeated
The chief practlcal question Is Will the
unionists be able 20 acquire sufficient CO.
hesion and harmony 10 bring forward
promptly a broad. genuine scheme for
the reform of the House OF Lords. II
not, their chances Will be dubious
Amid the present confusion OF opinion
both sides are inclined to the belief that
another election will result in a practical
repetition of present conditions. The
Irish and Laborites would hold the bal
anee of power This gives pertinenee to
the Times query tO-day-why, then, have
another election? Any government TO
enain in Office must then have an un-
,Ierstanding with the opposition by which
the small minority would be deprived of
the power OF wrecking the administra-
ton Such an arrangement Is perfectly
feasible to-day.