The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-12-29
MIn the Secret.o

A precedent for Mr.. Disraeli's voluntary sur.
Ienoer in anticipation of an adverse vote in
Parliament has been sought in the resignation
of ord Goderch (afterwards Lord Ripon) in
1928. IL was rather, however, from internal
disseDsions in his own Cabinet than from any
other cause that Lord Goderich retired. He
bad been accepted as stop-gap Premier on the
oeath OF Cannin. but, though an excellent de-
paItmental Minister, he was conspicuously
deficient in the ability and spirit required for
the leadership of rather turbulent party at a
critical time. His appointment OF Mr.. Herries
politician Of the Liverpool school, as Chan
celor of the Exchequer, had estrangeda section
OF the Wings VINO wished 10 see Lord Althorp at
the Treasury. Domestic atfiiction added to his
distress of mind, and when several OF bis col.
leagues threatened to desert, be resigned i'll
despair afte- barely SIX months of Office.
Another precedent OF a voluntary resignation
in anticipation of Impending iefeat is furnished
by Lord Norths career. The incident is de-
scrbed both In Wraxalrs "HlstorIcal Memoirsn
and in Lord Hollands "Memoirs.n The account
given by the latter Is lively and amusing. He
bad the facts, he tells us, from his uncle Fitz-
patrick. In the beginning of 1882 three sue
cessiye resolutions, implying in substance a
want of confidence in the Ministers, though
House of Commons, had been proposed by the
Wings within few weeks. Lord North had
obtained victory on each division, but his
majority was constantly dwindling. From
fallen TO ten few days after was one less on
the 10Th OF March, aud threatened to disappear
altogether on motion of Lord Surveys Tor the
dismissal of the Cabinet, which stood for the
Goth. On that day the House was crowded with
an anxious audience expecting decisive strug-
gle. 1t was known, however, to the chief men
amorg the Wings that the Premier had
satisfied himself of the hopelessness of his
position, and had persuaded the King reluc-
family to permit his resignation. The subs lance
of the victory, however, would not satisfy his
opponents, VINO were anxious TO have the show
OF it as we'll. They were anxious, therefore,
that Lord Surveys motion should come on
| before the resignation of Lord North was oils
cially announced, THAT his removal from office
might be more manifestly and formally the act
of the House of Commons Lord North and
Lord Surrey rose together. 1t was a race
between them which should first catch the
Speakers eye. After much clamor, disorder,
AID some insignificant speeches on order" says
Lord Holland, "Mr. Fox, with great ouickness
and address moved, as the most regular
method Of extrcatng the House from its en-
| barrassment That Lord Surrey now be heard
But Lord North, with yet more admirable pre-
| sence OF mind, mixed with pleasantry, rose i'm
| mediately and said, u rise to speak to thai
motion, and as his reason for opposing it, stated
| his resignation and the dissolution of the
Ministry. The House, satisfied, became i'm
| patient, and after some inetfectua
efforts of speakers on both sides tt
| procure hearing, an adjournment tool
place Lord North's pleasantly, however, was
not yet exhausted, and he had another opportu
nifty of taking good-natured revenge on hi
| successful opponents. The day had been re
markably cold, with fall OF snow. When tn,
! House dispersed ''snow was falling and the nigh
was tremendous" Members expecting a latt
sitting, had dismissed their carriages, and Mrs
Bennet's room at the door was crowded. Lor(
| North was more fortunate. His carriage was q
! hand. 'He put into 1t one or two of his friends
! whom he had invited TO go home with him. ant
turning to the crowd, chiefly composed of hi
bitter enemies, IN the midst of their triumph
| exclaimed, in this hour of defeat and suppose,
modification, with admirable good-humor an
pleasantry:-1 have my carriage You see
gentlemen, the advantage OF being in the secret
Good night Pal Mall Gazette.