HOW THE SPEECH HAS BEEN. RECEIVED.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11152, 19 December 1901, Page 5

HOW THE SPEECH HAS BEEN. RECEIVED.

I LONDON, December 17. Lord Rosebery was continuously cheered , during his speech. The Right Hon. H. H. Asquith and Sir Edward Grey, members of the Liberal Party, were present, and unreservedly endorsed the views expressed. The general opinion is that Lord Rosebery's" brilliant speech strengthens the war , policy. Ita strong Imperial ring has been much commented upon. "The Tunes" says:—"Lord Rosebery rises with rare completeness to the level of a ■ great occasion." ! The "Standard" expresses disappointment at Lord Rosebery remaining stationary, and not supporting the Cabinet in a wholehearted manner. 'The "Daily Chronicle" is hopeful that the speech will do good all round. The. 'Westminster Gaaetbe" saye: — "Everybody finds something, but nobody finds everything they want in the speech." The extreme Radical Press is bitter and cynical. (Received December 19bh, 12.14 a.m.) LONDON, December 18. Mr Ritchie, speaking at Kensington, said Lord Rosebery had done great service by ihis manly protest against the foul aspersions on British humanity, and his clear declaration of the one essential condition of peace. ; Lord Rosebery's speech was delivered in ' response to en invitation to him from the Chesterfield Division Liberal Association, that he should address a meeting of Derbyshire Liberals. TSbe secretary of Ijhe Assooiainor*, in writing to Lord Rosebery, eaid:—"Aβ you are probably aware, a very large proportion ol tfhe electors in thds county are concerned in the coal mining industry, arad, apart from or beyond all polJtioal considerations, they entertain the warmest personal regard for your lordship on account of your successful efforts | in winging to a termination the disastrous struggle in the coal fcracte a few years ago—a feeling which ibJas been intensified by witnessing the sympathy whicfh your , ' lordship ibas displayed in reference to those political and social questions more immediately affecting tihe working classes, as tie 'housing question , and the subjects of 'teanperanice* arwi 'education.' Wβ are convinced that a declaration 'by your lordship of yonr views on Liberal principles | generally and the policy to be pursued jin ordler that they -may be carried into effect, would result in the rallying/round the Liberal banner of a large number of Liberate who at present hold aloof because i they do not see any clear indication at' the present time of wftab the Liberal party proposes and hour it intends to set about doing ifc. We think we may assure your , lordship, in conclusion, tfoat should yon ac- ■ cede to our request, your welcome will Ibe of each a character as to dispel any : doubts which you may Ibave entertained as to the desire of the general body of elec- : tors tWat you should again take en active part in tbe cause of Liberalism." After "taking time to consider," Lord Rosebery replied aa followe:—"I have come Ito (the conclusion tfhat it is my duty not to refuse; not that I flatter myself t-bat, situated as I am, I can be of much use, but because I feel that at a crisis in the fortunes of the conntry, which I am persuaded is grave and daily increasing in gravity, I should put my views into the common stock. Subject, then, to our being able to arrange a date, I gratefully accept this mark of confidence, and will accept your summons."