The Conferences of the Liberal Associations at Glasgow and Manchester
have set forth a number of very wild claims, to which no one who knows anything of politics attaches the smallest importance. Even the more serious principles adopted, such as that of the claim for Disestablishment, is not at all likely to be reached so long as Home-rule blocks the way,—and hence, probably, the very light heart with which the Gladstonian leaders endorse them. We observe, however, that the Disestablishment Committee of the United Presby- terian Church have been gravely lecturing Lord R,osebery on the- very unsatisfactory character of his adhesion to the principle of Disestablishment. They will not be satisfied unless he declares all Established Churches to be grave wrongs, as well as inexpe- dient in the present condition of politics; and they conclude by saying :—" The supporters of Disestablishment are not fighting merely through jealousy to strip a sister-Church of her goods, but to secure the practical expression of Scriptural Church principles, which, when duly recognised, will be the best guarantee for the Church's stability and usefulness. It is a position that cannot be acquiesced in, even to hasten Disestab- lishment, that the hand which removes the State chain has the right, if it should choose, at any time to reimpose it." We do not at all agree with that view, but we deeply respect the attitude of mind which is expressed in that passage, But the Presbyterian Disestablishers must be sanguine indeed if they expect Gladstonian wirepullers to subscribe to it. The new programmes of United Liberal Associations are full of asser- tions of political doctrine which have no ring of principle about them, but are mere baits to catch votes.
Previous page
