Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-05-18
Complaint Against Stand
By Foreign Office.
Representatives Of People Not
Consulted by The Minister.
Example Of Influence Of King and
Queen in Club and Society.
Mail Correspondence

London, May 5.-While the entire
tendency of British government is
toward democracy, and IL the Conser-
natives are to be listened TO the coun-
try is rushing into socialism, one eX-
ception to this rule is charged against
the Asauith government. In the field
of foreign affairs Sir Edward Grey
manages to stem the tide and even u
push back the hands OF The clock.
Complaint is raised in Parliament that
the Foreign Office takes legislators and
the public into its confidence in an in
creasingly smaller measure. Even
members of his own party are joining
the insurgents against the Grey
regime.
The basis Of complaint is that the
Foreign Minister with the Cabinet of
course, connits the country to the
most momentous policies which may
even involve war, without consulting
tie representatives of the people. The
Anglo Japanese alliance is cited as an
example. The complaint is made also
that Sir Edward Grey does not appear
in Parliament as often as his predeees-
sors lid to discuss foreign affairs, and
IS more seeretiVe in his attitude
toward questions. Suggestions arc
heard FOR some sort of legislative
group corresponding to the Foreign
relations committee in the American
Houses Of Congress which shall prac
ticdliy shore with the Cabinet the
knowledge if not the shaping of for
eign policies.
In paving the way fer the Anglo
American arbitration treaty Sir Ed
ward Grey took an opposite course. He
not onls explained the situation to the
country but invited expressions Of
opinion. There is no DOUBT that the
negotiations going on at Washington
would he shelved if the country had
replied 9nfaynrabl, to his memorable
speech. Another departure from the
path of secrecy Will be mace in favor
of tie colonies. l. the Imperial do
miniCns over sea are. to contribute
ships apG aen for defence of the cru
prc they must know imperial ques-
ticns s. y taeit spokesnten The gov
ernm.nt recognizes the reasonableness
OF this claim. In future Il proposes
not only to reveal some OF the secrets
of international affairs and of diplo-
macy To tie governors of self-goyern-
liz thlpiij''S mi 6stn u tiOilSplI Iittlt
in the making OF treaties ard framing
Iires of action aud policy The APP
preaching mpe.ial conference furnish
es the first opportunity. There will be
a mutual searching of hearl or imp-r-
ial interests as they rub elbows with
each other nations, heretofore denied
TO colonial statesmen.
ss.41, 4 =
casiCaed abroad by the ban placed b.
the present court on all skirts cut
closely 20 the figure suggests that the
great influence which the King and
Queen may exert over CLUB life nd
society. is not generally understood.
King Edward was not member of
any London club out he frequently laid
down the law to cub land as his H.
lustrious mother lid TO society. Late
il his reign n Young continental dipio-
mat lost Sj0.9ep nj laccarat in one of
thc Oldest clubs noted for its high
play n century ago when high play
WAS the thing among gentlemen. The
j. ing summoned AN official of the club
10 whom nc said ,hat he did not wish
10 hear Of heavy gambling there again.
While he had no technical right to
Aactate to this club no one connected
wit, it cared to risk the censure of
His Majesty and 50 his advice was re-
spected
The new Queen is as conservative is
possible in her prejudiees against any
ilting suggesting loudness in dress or
manners for her sex. and equally 50
in regard to questions of morals. The
Victorian bar against divorces is being
RAISED again while cigarette smoking
by ladies Of the court circles is strong
~ disapproved.
KNOX