31 DECEMBER 1898, Page 2

The result of the so-called plebiscite organised by th Daily

Mail cannot of course be seriously regarded as a indication of what the Liberal party thinks, but the result nevertheless, of some interest. The prize-winners—i.e., thee who came nearest to hitting on the wishes of the majority were those, five in number, who named Lord Rosebery a leader, who wished for the following reforms--(1) refor of the House of Lords; (2) registration reform ; (3) old age pensions ; (4) temperance reform ; (5) Disestablishment —and who desired to drop Home-rule. Apparently the was praetical unanimity as regards Lord Rosebery. should imagine that, speaking roughly, this does in far represent the attitude of the rank-and-file of the party ) regard to leaders and measures, except probably in the matte of Disestablishment. At the same time, we cannot imagine programme and a leader more likely to run the ship on to ft rocks. Disestablishment and a serious attack on the House Lords are questions which when put definitely before tb electorate will rouse half the country to furious antagonise while the feelings of even those who advocate them loude, will, in truth, be quite frigid. Every Government that 11 held power for six years is unpopular, but the combined crY 0 Disestablishment and a single all-powerful, unlimited, an uncontrollable House would rejuvenate any party hover, "stale." Unionists should devoutly hope that the winner of the Daily Mail prize have really found the missing Pt,: gramme and the lost leader.