The Press. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1910. THE MELTING POT.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13884, 8 November 1910, Page 6

The Press. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1910. THE MELTING POT.

A full authoritative account of the proceedings at the Veto Conference would bo the most interesting piece of news that a London .journalist could | sccuro ..tint now. It is tantalising to think that great changes aro probably being disciifwed there—channel moro important th.r.i anything that has hap- , pencd in British politics- for many years—and that public curiosity ! cannot ho satisfied. If rumour :is worth anything, and experience shows that reliable information j hr. a way of loakius out from such conferences, tho British Constitution is in tlio melting -xii. This is not sur- > prising. The two parties set themselves to eomo to an agreement about tho question of repairing part of the edifice, and they found that the building required attention in. several places. Wo may have, as a result of the Conference, a programme embracing not merely the reform of the House of Lords, but some form of self-govern-ment for Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, and perhaps an attempted advance towards Imperial Federation. It is in-teresting—-almost amusing, in fact—to note the effect of the rumours on various sections of the parties. The Irish Unionists announce with a loud voice that they aro as opposed to Home Rulo as they over were. Tho "Reveille" Committee of the Unionist Party declares its "uncompromising hostility" to the same policy. Labour leaders aro apprehensive lest the leaders of tho two parties should combine to fetter democracy. Perhaps the person' to bo pitied most is Mr Balfour. His party has long 'been restive under his leadership. The "young bloods" dislike his caution, and chafe against his lack of energy, and long for a leader with more "ginger" in him. Of late there has been a growth of resentment at- the headquarters management of the party's alfairs, and tho alleged slackness of the leaders. "The responsible " leaders aro dumb," complains the '•('lobe," and though the party is "full "of young men, who are keen, confi"dent, and eager for action," they are "bidden to hold their peace," for "in- " terruptions on their part might "put Mr Balfour off his golf." The "Globe's" attack is unfair. As a member of the Conference, Mr Balfour is bound to abstain from active campaigning, or at any rate from making the most of his opportunities, until the Conference's work is done. When its decisions are announced lie may havo a lively time managing his lebellious team. It is quite likely that he has eomo to the conclusion by now that sonic*- form of devolution is necessary j in view of the overburdening of the Imperial Parliament, but already a section of his party is warning the public) to beware of Home Rule. Decentralisation proposals, however, would not seriously endanger thf. Liberal party's stability, for Liberals are naturally inclined towards such a policy. Whether they break loose will depend on whit has been agreed upon with regard l i* the Lords. Whatever the proposals that emanate from tho ■ Cnnferr-nco, w»» are likely to witness r=ome rather diverting- roping-in of political wild cnttle—cither that or tho 1 establishment 111 British politics of tho < •group" syst-jn of France and G er-