The Washington herald., 1911-01-15
Makes Concessions to MOham-
medans in India.
LORD MAYOR SORRY FOR SIMS
Reprfmand Recalls Occasion When
Naval Commander Expressed Opin-
ion Which Stirred Germany-As-
quith in High Spirits Over Result
OF the Recent Elections.
By WILLIAM +. STEAD.

London, Jan. 1.-THE announcement
that the King and Queen, accompanied by
the Prince of Wales, will open Parliament
on February has given general sat
isfaction to the Liberals. They take it as
sign that the King is Scrupulously fol-
lowing the advice Of his ministers and
has no inclination 10 hang back. as he
might easily have done, in such matter
of pure ceremonial as that of opening
Parliament.
The King will also have the particular
satisfaction of being the first British mon
arch to make a declar alton as to his Prot
estantism. which has been Invested of all
offenSe to Catholics. The alterations in
the declaration were made by Parliament,
but the initiative largely came from the
King
The scrupulouS regard which the King
is showing for the religious susceptible
ties of his subjects is also demonstrated
by his alteration of the coronation day in
India from .kfle 1st of January to another
date because the next New Years Day
falls on the great Mohammedan festival.
1t is hoped that he will be able to make a
similar concession to the HindoO Senti-
ment, for the HindooS, VINO are in a great
majority, are apt to regard any differ
ence shown Mohammedans as a slight to
themselves. If COW killing is prohibited
in India during the coronation that would
ing is an outrage.
Dangers of Visit to India.
I have had the opportunity of discuss
ing the Kings contemplated visit to India
with the leading representatives of the
Anglo Indian and Indian National par
ties. For once 1 found them in accord.
Both deprecate the visit as involving
risks which are out of proportion TO its
possible advantages. The initiative in
the matter, as in the case of the altera-
ton in the Protestant declaration, is en-
tirely due to the King. He is bent upon
being crowned in India, although his ad-
visers must be held responsible if any
thing goes wrong, SO it is we'll it should
be known that they yielded to his own
eager desire against their better judgment.
l hear that Mr. Asquith is in the high
est spirits. In the opinion of his col
leagues and party his conduct in the last
election was admirable. and now for tine
first time he is recognized as having won
the right to the position which he occupies
as leader or his party. After the pre-
viouS general election Asquith collapsed
physically and mentally. For weeks his
condition was that of nervous prostration
which alarmed his friends. The last cleo
tion left him in full strength of mind and
body.
He will meet the new Commons not
only with the enthusiastic devotion of
followers but with strong resolution to
stand no nonsense to put the thing
through"
Lord Mayor Sorry for Sims.
The Presidential reprimand for Com
mander Sims for the frankness with
which he expressed his personal opinion
as to the future relations of the United
States and Great Britain had one good
effect 1t caused thousands of people
throughout the world to read what Sims
said for one person who read it before.
The critics of Commander Sims have thus
unintentionally rendered him great serv-
ice, and the opponents OF the sentiments
which he expressed are to be congratu-
lated upon having advertised throughout
the world what would have otherwise
passed unnoticed as an Insignificant sem
tence in an after dinner speech.
/ was lunching with the lord mayor
the day the papers announced the arrival
of the 1riSh-American and German pro-
test to Washington. Sir Eezey Strong,
one of the kindest hearted OF men, pro-
fessed the profoundest regret that the hos
pitality of the city should have entailed
this Unexpectedly untoward consequences
to one OF its honored guests, Sir Vezey
said:
Il am afraid | led him on. and if so 1t
was ] who was really to blame
/ dined with Lord Morley the other
night and was delighted to find that the
cessation of the daily grind of the India |
Office had already produced 4 most grati- |
flying change in his appearance He,
looks years younger than he did two !
months ago. He has been spending a |
pleasant vacation in Germany. by which !
he greatly profited
1 found him keenly interested in all
American affairs. One of his first New |
Year letters was from Andrew Carnegie |
He was full of interest in the proposed |
peace commission which President Taft |
is about to appoint and l am not with |
out hopes that possibly Mr. Morley may /
yet become chief of a similar commission |
at Westminster. !