The Washington herald., 1910-12-18

London, Dec. 17-John Bull finished
making a record to-day of the fact that
he does not alter his political opinions
within the short space of a single year
That is really about all he has TO say
as 10 the result of the farcicaI unneces-
sary election which has just finished with
the election of Unionist in st. Andrews
district. giving the coalition a majority
of one he could not have expressed
himself with more remarkable clarity
lie returns TO the House of Commons
adjusted almost 10 "a hairs breadth
10 the same political proportions. but he
manages at the same time 10 rebuke
those who compelled him 10 make
superhuous use OF the franchise by sub
stantially reducing their popular majority
throughout the country.
A short month ago the leaders on both
sides and the entire press of the country
agreed that Great Britain vas phsnging
into the most momentous constitutional
crisis of this generation. and that the
most vital intsEests Of the empire were
iEgolved in tlE outcome. II looked at
that moment as though Premier Asquith
and his coalition, following the failure
Of the conference for the reform Of the
House OF Lords would secure substantial
additions TO its strength which would en-
bic il to carry out the most radical
schemes of constitutional revision
Sudden Change Evidenced.
Then, vowing to lhe prompt Unionist
proposals Of genuine reform of the upper
house, there came such a sudden change
in the aspect of the situation that the
shrewdest observers on both sides were
convinced that a great reaction was in
progress.
Never was apparent confusion worse
confounded and never did the British or
any other electorate keep its head more
calmly. il refused to relieve MS repre-
sentatiVes OF any Of their recently con-
terred responsibility for governing the
country To-day verdict teilss shefs
plainly 70 take up the task which is no
more difficult here than in France or !
Germany. Parliamentary government is !
also by groups. Democracy is not in
danger; attend 10 your business of admin
istering the government" That is Eng
lands cool unpertuTbed message to Mr..
Asjuith and his associates in the past
foHnight's polling
First and foremost. its effect viii be
SOLDERING on both sides. IL viii call a
halt TO the fierce extremes of a struggle
which has developed un- English features
cf bitterness and method 1t viii bring
an immediate manifestation Of one of
John Bulls less familiar but closely
inherent characteristics, final COM
promise in a useless or losing quarrel.
No political embrOglio ever offered
triumph in his policy in the new Parlia-
ment in only one way, the passage of
the veto bin by closure in the House
or Commons followed by the creation
OF 800 peers and the coincident passage
Of a home-rule bill. This programme
must be carried out. under the menace
OF the Irish Nationalist whip
Ambition of Asquith
But Mr. Asquith's whole object in
going 10 the country was the hope OF
riddins himself OF the Nationalists hu-
initiating domination. MoreaYer. he or
any leader would shrink from the ere
alton OF 500 peerlets and the spectacle
Of an assembly of lords resembling a
mass meeting. The idea before it could
be carried out would become revolving
In the entire country.
on the other hand nothing could be
easier or more practical now than a
quiet understanding with the opposi- !
tion, whereby the administration could !
be carried on for the next six months, /
and the NaHonalists deprived of the /
power Of upsetting the government dur !
ing the interval II is more than prob |
able that some basis of genuine reform |
of the lords may be hit upon which viii /
preserve a second chamber, however /
demOcratically constituted. Of real |
power.
such is the spirit of the English I
political world AT the present moment. |
Practical developments cannot be ex- /
pected till some time after the Christ /
mas holidays. No one Is. OF course, en- /
titled to venture any definite forecasts, /
but llere is no mistaking the tendency /
OF events.