ENGLISH POLITICS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 8420, 20 January 1899, Page 3

ENGLISH POLITICS

(Electric Telegraph— Copyright— United Press Association.) (Received Jan. 20, 9.10 a.m.) London, Jan. 18. Mr John Morley, speaking at Brechin, justified Sir W. V. Harcourt resigning the leadership of the Liberal party. Speaking for himself he said he would be unable to take a further responsible part in the councils of the party. Rclerring to the Imperialistic tendencies of many prominent politicians, he said Imperialism meant militarism.

Mr H. W. Lucy hints at the probable withdrawal of Mr John Morley from politics, which, he adds, would have an important bearing on the fortune of Home Rule. It would be impossible for him to accept a seat in a Liberal Cabinet which deliberately effaced Home Rule from its programme, oreven indefinitely postponed it. He is by personal convictions, as well as by official connections, irretrievably committed to Home Rule. But of all his colleagues in the Cabinet that brought in a Home Rule Bill, he stands absolutely alone in his fealty. lam not sure that at any time any of the rest, with the possible exception of Lord Spencer, were enthusiastically attached to the Home Rule flag under which, from 18S6 to 1892, they ranged themselves; compelled by the fiery zeal of Mr Gladstone, they avowed Home Rule principles, and loyally fought for them. But they feel they have done and Buffered enough for a cause whose chief enemies are those of its own household. They are not prepared again in a lifetime to sacrifice everything for men who, to serve their private ends, whether in respect of education or other matter dear to the heart of Liberals, straightway go over to the enemy. Amongst the captains of the Liberal host Mr Morley is the List of the Home Rulers. He cannot, singlehanded, uphold the flag. He gone, it finally droops.