RETROSPECT.

Evening Star, Issue 9582, 31 December 1894, Page 1 (Supplement)

RETROSPECT.

♦ The year 1894 has been in many respec notable, although happily the peace < Sjurope has been preserved. The Grei Continental Powers; although "armed 1 the teeth," have adopted mutually a moi conciliatory attitude than during the pr vious few years; and the improved relatioi between France and Germany are espec ally to be noted. The development < Anarchism, which menaces every form < settled government as well as the ver existence of society, may possibly have ha some influence in drawing the natior together by the sympathetic bond of common danger; but there is withou doubt a very general feeling among th people of the Continent against havin recourse to war whilst any other mean remain open for the settlement of intei national difficulties. Notwithstanding th blustering of the Parisian Press and th attitude of a section of politicians, this i notably the case in France; whilst, outsid of the purely military element, the subject of the German Empire desire earnestly to b freed from the perpetual apprehension c war. In Russia the complexion of affair is altogether changed by the death o the Czar and the accession of hi Bon, who is well known to be under in floences by no means favorable to an allianc offensive and defensive with France. H already demonstrates independence in regan to the policy, domestic and foreign, of th< Empire, and is not in the remotest degre likely to place himself in the hands of the wa party, who have indeed had little practica power for some years. Notwithstanding th< efforts of propagandists, anarchy makes ni headway whatever in England ; and evei modern Socialism, although it has manj Votaries, makes no material progress amonj the people. The Trades Union Congresi which met this year at Norwich, and wai attended by 380 delegates, was, it is to b( iloted, predominated by members of thi '* Independent Labor party," of whom Mi Ketr Hardie, M.P., is the organising chief and succeeded in passing a - resolution il favor of the nationalisation of the land anc of the whole means of production, distribu tion, and exchange. The effect is not likelj to be material on public opinion, which it decidedly opposed to the theory of collec tivism. The new party was, it must be conceived, accidentally strong in the ConSress, since, according to Mr Keir Hardie imself, as stated at a meeting on September 10, it does not number 50,000 all told in the whole country. The doctrines, however, are so attractive to some minds that it may not impossibly become a political force that will have to be reckoned with. The object is to realise Socialism by bringing about the collective ownership of all the means of production, distribution, and exchange. The party professes to care nothing for existing political combinations, and, irrespective of these, expresses the determination to place men in Parliament and on the local governing bodies, who, irrespective of all considerations, would, as Mr Hardie expressed it, "ruthlessly go forward until their ideals had been realised." Possibly enough in the next Parliament Mr -Kant Hardie may have something of a following, butiie is hardly likely to become a power in the House or the country. The Independent Labor party would do more praotical good in the interests of the workers if they co-operated zealously with Ministers in their earnest endeavors to carry out a true Liberal policy, and especially to improve the condition of the masses. The question of the reconstitution of the Upper Chamber has during the year become a burning one, and it is evident from recent utterances of the Prime Minister that proposals to this effect will be submitted during the ensuing session, which commences in February, and Mill be presumably the last before a dissolution of Parliament. The session of 1892, with a brief recess, extended to March of 1893; but beyond the passing of the Local Government [England] Act, which establishes parish councils, very little practically was done. The new session opened in March, but was mainly a session of postponements, none of the great measures indicated in the Queen's Speech at the opening having been successfully carried through. The Evicted Tenants [lreland] Bill was thrown out in the Lords, and the Irish question remains much in statu quo—this being in measure owing to the divided counsels among the Nationalists. The most important business transacted was the adoption of a new naval programme involving the appropriation of several millions sterling for additional ships and the service generally.. This year the House of Commons will be called on to- deal, among other matters, with the ecclesiastical State establishments in Scotland and Wales, the amendment of the electoral laws in the direction of " one man one vote," direct local eontrol over the liquor traffio, the establishment of local government in Scotland, and probably the municipal unification of London. Lord Rosebery and his colleagues are therefore likely to have their hands full, quite apart from the Irish "measures which are foreshadowed. The political event of the year was the resignation by Mr Gladstoke on March 3 of his office as First Lord of the Treasury, which necessitated the reconstruction of the Cabinet. The post of Prime Minister was offered to and accepted by the Earl of Rose&sry, whose appointment was most favorably received by the Liberal party and the people generally. Sir WnxuMHABCOTOT was the only alternative; but, although possibly disappointed, he has proved unswerving in loyalty to his new chief. The retirement of Mr Gladstone, although for some time expected, was felt as a shock throughout the Empire, He towered as a Colossus among the statesmen of the day,and.his absence from the immediate counsels of the Queen was regarded as little less than a national calamity. Owing to advancing age and infirmities, Mr Gladstone has Pflflttß cally withdrawn from active POuticafln| although he has not resigned Jus seatlßß| House, of which be has been-a memherw over sixty years. His record, indeed, is a -,'". remarkable one. He • has held office under : J {ha Crown for twenty-six years, 'during

twenty of whioh he has been a Cabinet Minister, and during twelve Prime Minister. Thepolioyof Lord Rosbbhry's Cabinet hai not shown any divergence from theprin oiples of that which it succeeded. Lord Kimbkblby, as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, walks closely in the footsteps of hit predecessor, the present Prime Minister, maintaining a firm but conciliatory attitude towards foreign Powers, as exemplified in respect to the Egyptian and other questions whioh have given trouble during the year. Lord Rosebbry appears to enjoy the unbounded confidence of his party, who I thoroughly believe iti his devotion to advanced Liberalism. The extreme Radicals and the Redmond wing of the Irish Home Rulers regard him at least with suspicion; but no Minuter who exercises ordinary common sense would be at all likely to commend himself to theso particular sections of the House. The by-elections which have taken place during the year have not materially affected the Dalance of parties in the House of Commons. The more recent ones indicate, however, that the Conservatives have been very active in- the Registration Courts,' where, according to Lord Palmerston, the " battle of the Constitution " is really fought out. It is premature, however, to discuss the results of the next General Election, so much must depend upon the developments of the session of 1895. The

Labor Commission, after more than two I years' work, Bettled their report in May, the minority presenting a report of their own, which advocates the adoption of what is practically Socialism. The report signed by the majority is a most powerfully drawn and widely comprehensive document, and a most valuable addition to economic literature. The general tenor is to the effect that many recognised existing evils cannot be remedied by any legislation, but that "we may look with confidence to their " gradual amendment by natural forces now "in operation, which tend to substitute a " state of industrial peace for one of indus- " trial war." Apart from politics proper the.events of the year in the Home Country have not been particularly notable. By the birth of the son of the Duchess of York the succession to the Throne has been assured in the direct line for many years to come. The Duke and his wife are very popular, taking an active

interest in all works of beneficence or usefulness, and both being English to the backbone. The Manchester ship canal, connesting that great commercial city directly with the sea, was opened by the Queen in person on May 21. It has been a costly undertaking, and we may trust will not disappoint the hopes of the citizens. In July another great public work was completed and opened by the Prince of Wales with all the pomp of royal ceremony—the bridge over the Thames close to the Tower of London. Without impeding navigation, this elegant structure—a triumph of engineering—joins the opposite shores at a point where communication was urgently needed. Taking the year through, there has been a freedom from troubles at Home and abroad. Mr Asquitq makes an excellent Home Secretary, and has done good service in forwarding the settlement of several differences between employers and their employes, which at times have assumed threatening aspects. In her foreign relations England has also been fortunate, and no serious difficulties have arisen. France, always restleas and not infrequently unreasoning, requires to be most skilfully dealt with ; and happily the interests of England are in the hands of Lord Dufferin, whose splendid abilities and marvellous tact make him the i verymodelofanAmbassador. Heundcrstands the French people thoroughly, and to him it may with truth be said is owing, not the mere maintenance of peace, but the entente cordiale which, notwithstanding the bluster of a section of the Press, really prevails between the two nations and their respective Governments. Just now there is a slight straining of relations in connection with Madagascar, which France appar l ently- propooco to practically annex. The English Cabinet, it is understood, have come to a decision iu the matter; but this has not as yet been publicly disclosed. There is no reason to apprehend that the differences between the two Governments will not be diplomatically arranged. The relations of England with the other great Powers have been and continue to be most cordial. It may be said that there is not "a cloud on the horizon." As regards the "Greater Britain"—the colonies and dependencies of the Empirethere is nob much of moment to record. In always turbulent Newfoundland there have been very serious constitutional and financial crises. In Canada the event of the year has been the Intercolonial Conference at Ottawa. The Earl of Jersey, who was present on behalf of the English Government, in his report states that the recommendations agreed on are sound, praotical, and likely to prove of Imperial advantage. New Zealand was represented by our worthy fellow-citizen Mr Lee whose report, if yet submitted to Ministers, has not up to this time been made public. The Australian colonies, as usual, have been politically lively, w becomes practically independent States where the principles of the new democracy prevail. In New South Wales and Victoria there has been a shifting of the cards, and entirely new Ministries have come into jffice with, as a mattes of course, brand-new policies. It is satisfactory to find that Protection, if not dead, is at its last gasp, sven in its former stronghold, Victoria. Fhe late elections were decisive as to the >pinions of the people on the question. The >pening out of a rich goldfield at Coolgardie ras brought Western Australia iuto prominence and induced a large influx of population. This colony would appear to be mtering upon an epoch of very general prosperity. In Tasmania the calm, lociai and political, has been broken by Ministerial crises and the opening of art intercolonial Exhibitiqn atHobart. England das extended practically her already Targe iependencies in South Africa. Early in the year the Matabele war was concluded by the total rout and death of Lobengula. Mashonaland and Matabeland are to be administered by the South African Company, and it has been decided after long debate in the House of Commons to retain Uganda under the Crown. A terrible disaster marked the termination of the war with Lobbngula. A reconnoitring force, under the command of Captain Wilson, was absolutely annihilated. Special interest was excited in New Zealand, since a son of Sir Julius Vogel was among the killed. The small but flourishing colony of Hongkong, the headquarters of the British Navy in the Eastern seas, was afflicted during the year by a most virulent > Bpidemic, resembling in its character the great plague. A large number of deaths, especially among the Chinese population, occurred before it was effectually stamped out. In the continent of Europe the year has not been uneventful. The President of the French Republic—an able statesman, a single-hearted and amiable man—was ioully murdered at Lyons on Juno 24 by an Italian Anarchist. The crime evoked deep sympathy and unreserved indignation throughout'the civilised world, and has induced repressive legislation of a drastic character by all the Great Powers. M. Carnot was succeeded by M. Casimir Pjerter, who Btands high in the opinion of his countrymen, being endowed with high qualities suitable to his exalted station. He has already evidenced excellent judgment in dealing with complicated political situations, and demonstrably has the best interests of the . people at heart. The death of the Comte De Paris, the head of the Bourbon family, on September 14, although not of direct significance, marks an era in the history of France. With him have, to all appearances, expired the last hopes of a restoration of the old dynasty. The point most of interest in the bolicy of the French Government has been the. revival of colonising aspirations. A Ministry of the Colonies has Jbeen established, ind the attempt is undoubtedly being made to constitute Madagascar a French depeniency. The New Year will doubtless

t i see further - relntipM , ibetween France, and Germany i: [indicated above, far more 'Satisfactory .'lthan at the commencement of the year. I fTime is closing the woundß inflicted in 1870, i and the great war is becoming a tragio i memory only, On both aides are ultra patri- , fotio spirits, who never cease to gird at their i former enemies; but the German Emperor, upon whom everything may be said practii oally to depend, Has demonstrated that he - desires to be friendly with France) and the two countries are iu sympathy on several important international questions. An event of note in Germany has been the reconciliation of the Emperor' with Prince Bismarck, whioh Jwdeß ..well for a generally judicious pqlioy. Enormous armaments,' however, by. land rindieat; are being kept up by both Powers, and it cannot, unfortunately, be considered that peace is secure. In Russia the death of the Czar Alexander has placed on the Throne a young man of great ability, who has already shown a will of his own, and who notoriously l is opposed to a policy of aggression. His marriage with a grand-daughter of the" Queen of England allies him closely with our own Royal house, and it is no secret that ho is much in accord with the liberal and constitutional opinions of the Prince of Wales and that very astute and common-sense monarch the King of Denmark. This bodes well for the future of Russia, but the conditions in that Empire are imch that material reforms cannot be hastily effected. That there will be no rushing into war is, however, certain; whilst the French alliance, which not so long ago seemed to menace * Europe, is no longer a factor of great importance. In the manifesto issued by the Ciiar Nicholas on assuming the sovereignty, his tone was so moderate and so distinctly in favor of peace as to favorably affect the English funds and the foreign bourses. Iu the other Continental States

no very remarkable events have to be recorded. In Belgium the first eleotion after the passing the new electoral laws, whioh increased the electorate from 140,000 to 1,200,000, grievously disappointed the Radicals. In the new popular Chamber the Clericals nunfber over 100, the Liberals 23, and the Socialists 25! An English content- I porary observes: " English Liberals should "learn from these returns the lesson "that when selfish electoral measures are " pushed too far they recoil on the authors, "and that when religious men are forced "into political action they can take pretty " good care of themselves." Greece has been visited by serious earthquakes, causing some loss of life and heavy destruction of property. The dominions of the Sultan in Europe have also Buffered from Bimilar calamities. In Asiatio Turkey atrocities perpetrated by the troops in Armenia under the pretext of enforcing the payment of taxes have roused the indignation of Europe, and the active intervention of the Great Powers is not unlikely. The event of the year has been in the far East —the war between China and Japan, whioh possibly may be fraught with consequences but little anticipated. The Japanese have had the decided advantage so far, having, by several defeat)} of the Chinese fleet and the capture of Port; Arthur, gained command of the sea. The end is not yet within sight, since China, with a population of 400,000,000, has enormous resources of men and money. It • is evident that the European Powers have now to reckon with Asiatic ' States, provided with all the equipments of modern warfare In their fleets and armies and an almost inexhaustible supply .

of men. The admirals, captains, and officers of both navies have demonstrated the possession of courage and high scientific attainments, and it may not bo safe much longer to regard either the Mongols or the Japs as weak and inferior races, not worthy of consideration politically. In the United States of. America the year has not been uneventful. Labor troubles of intensity culminated iu a great coal strike, the march of Coxey's industrial army to Washington, and the railway strike initiated at Chicago, which finally had to be put down by the intervention of the armed forces of the Republic. The new Tariff Bill was passed in July, and thus a deadly blow was dealt at Protection ; but so utterly inexplicable are party politics that the Federal and State elections in November resulted in a substantial success for the Republicans, who have secured a large majority in the House of Representatives, and very probably in the Senate of the next Congress. The United States Government have recognised the Republic of Hawaii, and all immediate idea of annexation would appear to have been abandoned. In Brazil the civil war terminated in March, but in this as well as other South American States there has been a chronic condition of unrest, which seems to render settled Government impossible. The death roll of the year in Europe and America includes many distinguished names among others those of Kossuth, the Hungarian patriot; M. Waddington, so long the French Ambassador at the Court of St .James's; Lord Coleridge, Chief Justice of England ; Lords Bowen, Hannan, and Denmak, Sir Henry Layabd, Edmund Yates, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Madame Alboni, Ferdinand De Lesseps, R. L. Stevenson, and Anthony Froude. The record of the year in New Zealand has not been particularly eventful. Very general depression"has prevailed, which may be attributed partly to the low prices ruling of agricultural produce, and in some degree beyond question to the unsettled conditions consequent upon the upsetting policy of the Government and legislative interference, at their instance, with all branches of business, trade, and industry. There has been an almost complete paralysation of enterprise, and, as an inevitable result, a dearth of employment both in town and country. The "unemployed " difficulty has never been so intense; and although the Government have done what they could in relief, much suffering has prevailed among the workers and their families. The results of "killing the goose with the f olden egg" have been sufficiently apparent, 'he new Parliament cannot be said to be an improvement on its predecessors. The House was dominated by a Government majority, who did very much what they were told, and did not venture to "call their boulb their own." Ministers consequently had entirely their own way, Swallowing all the principles upon which they acceded to office and went to the country at tha.General Election at the end of 1893, they went- in for borrowing on an extensive scale, and involved the Colony in several millions of additional indebtedness. It is unnecessary to refer in detail to the political and parliamentary history of the year—the record is neither pleasant nor honorable —and we can only hope that the old adage may prove true: " When things "come to the worst, they sometimes "mend." Two members of the Legislative Council, both old colonists', the Hon. Mr Hart, of Wellington, and the Hon. Mr Dignan, of Auckland, and one member of the House, the veteran Vincent Pyke, died during the year, the latter being succeeded in the representation of Tuapeka by the Hon. Mr LarnAch, who failed to secure a seat at the General Election. There have been no changes in the personnel of the Ministry, but Mr Cadman has been quite recently appointed Minister of Railways under the Government Railways Amendment AotOf lastseasion. -Tawhaio, the titular Maori , King, died on August 26, and is succeeded in his shadowy funotions by his son, who appears to Ije endowed with more ambition than common sense, and may not improbablygive trouble if not firmly dealt with by the Government. The year has been marked by a terrible casualty: the wreck, with great loss of life, of the fine steamship Wairarapa. The report of the Court of Inquiry, which has recently been made public, fixes the blame on-the unfortunate captain, who was drowned, and unable therefore to explait} conduct which certainly appears inexplicable,

' ' la regard to* matters purely local there is tidt ttittoh that calls for.distinctive record. .The event df the greatest public interest was. the death on May ISS of the Rev* Dr :Stoabt, who was practically the head of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland, and through his personal qualities _of head and heart exercised a very wide influence. * His position as Saator of Knox Church has not yet been lied up. —The rev. doctor was Chancellor ;of the pniveraity of Otago, and he has i ;been suooeeded in this office by Mr Justice ' Williams, Severalleading men among our citizens have gone over to the majority during the year. We note among others Mr iPbtbb M'Giiiti, the well * known Tokomairiro miller j Mr ScouLab, who, withjiis fljife and two daughters) was drowned in the . Wairarap'a \ Mr Use, for some years registrar of births, deaths/and •■marriageß, and registration officer under the electoral laws; Mr Weldon, once commissioner of polioe ; and Mr Caldwell, the well-known governor of the Dunedin Gaol under the Provincial Government and Borne time subsequently. Musical and artistic circles have to regret the decease, under specially affecting circumstances, of Mr Ebnest Paokeb, a young man singularly gifted, who gave promise of rising to eminence. • The year 1895, we hope, will see a revival of agricultural and commercial prosperity. To all our readers we cordially wish A Happy New Yeab.