Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-04-19
Side1ights on the European War

The Hague, observation-disclosures
pondence of The Associated Press.)-
The present constitutional position in
the Netherlands is a remarkable one
in the history Of modern constitutional
states, being the outcome Of the extra
ordinary circumstances in which the
country finds itself. The present gov
eminent has announced, and already
put into practice on several occasions,
the theory that only individual minis
tiers need fall if the bills introduced by
them with, of course, the approval Of
the whole CabineD are defeated in
parliament, and the ministry as a
whole proceeds with its work as If
nothing had happened. The prime
minister, Mr.. Cort van der Linden, a
sound liberal and consequently a great
respecter Of good constitutional rules,
has just publicly declared in the first
chamber Of the Dutch parliament that
even If the proposals for the revision
Of the constitution, which form the
main item of the governments legis-
lative program and for which he is
personally responsible, should be re-
jected by parliament, he will remain in
office.
1t seems unconstitutional, SAYS
one press organ, and a unique develop
ment IN the evolution Of modern con-
stitutional ideas, when a cabinet NAV
have its entire legislative program re-
jected and coolly stay in office as if
nothing particular had happened.
There are, however, naturally good
grounds for the super constitutional
ism" of the present Dutch ministry:
and 1t is silently endorsed by the ma
ton as whole. They are found in
the perilous position of the country.
The ministry will not make a cabinet
question of any subject of internal pol
itics because it considers itself a cabi-
net OF foreign affairs, and its raison
d'etre the preservation of the coun-
try's independence and safety. Thus,
while Mr.. Cort van der Linden Is nom
inally minister of home affairs, he
makes it clear that he really regards
himself as the guardian and director
of the national international policy of
the Netherlands, saying in effect that
only direct vote of censure on HIM
self and his colleagues will bring about
their resignation.
The effect Of this attitude on the
home political situation is a curious
one, for the questions placed by the
government on the legislative program
constitutional revision, including I'M
iVersal manhood suffrage and the
question Of woman's suffrage and DOS
sibly the thorny education question:
far-reaching taxation reforms, old age
pensions, etc.-are of very contro-
versial nature and deeply divide the
various political parties. But to the
reproaches addressed to It by the
parties Of the right that It is thus
breaking the political truce. the gov
replies; ut is high time
these questions, which have 80 long
occupied the political arena and which.
indeed, we promised to deal with,
were settled. Just now, when all par
ties have been drawn together in up
holding the safety of the country. let
us take advantage Of the spirit of con-
so evoked and with as little
partlsanship as possible try to solve
them. But while these are our propos
ais as cabinet, we leave you entirely
free to accept or reject them as YOU
Will, with the full assurance that our
life as cabinet, and the foreign pol |
Icy OF the country, on which all are
agreed. will not be affected thereby. |