The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-13
GLADsT0NE's PHEDIcrMENr.

The Ministery Tottering, and Its Collapse
Certain If 1t Opposes Vigorous Campaign.
LONDON Feb. 12.-The young and popular
Earl of Roseoery succeeds Lord Carlingford as
Lord of the Privy Seal The resignation of Lord
Carlingford has been accepted by Mr.. Gladstone
in the name o. the Queen with the usual epstol-
airy flourish of regret at tho loss of his invalua-
BILE services. The letter which informed the
Earl of Rosehery of his appointment to seat in
the Cabinet is also couched in the stilted language
of Downing street, and it begs that his Lordship
will lay aside other engagements in order to
her Majesty. Rosebery has been itching for
a ministerial portfolio, and his letter of accept
ance was in type before his commission had been
signed. His appointment, however, is generally
reg arded as a shrewd strategic move on the part
of Mr.. Gladstone. The Premier is warrantably
nervous over the questions that are sure to be
asked at the reassembling OF Parliament next
week. 1t is no moro than natural that he
should seek to strengthen the Cabinet by the
enlistment Of man 80 forcible in oratory and so
popular in person as Lord Rosebery has proved
himself to be- The Young Earl has large
personal following, as is proved by the number
of Rosebery clubs in England, and the members
of these clubs all look upon him as the coming
Premier. 1t is certain that all his persuasive
power will be needed in the House next week,
equaled ferceness.
The present government is undoubtedly totteri
ing, and its collapse is certain, If, as is runored
to day, it intends to oppose vigorous campaign
in the Soudan, on the plea that since the death
of Gordon there is nothing worth saving at Khar.
toum. Last year the Radicals urged the recall
of Gordon before it should become too late and
advised that he should make a stand at Wady
Halfa where he could collect all available troops
from Upper and Lower Egypt and await the
coming of the Mahdi. The Radicals now argue
that if their advice had been adopted the Arabs,
instead Of the British, would have had the toll
and causalities of the desert march; that Gordon
would still be alive, and that Egypt would be
much safer than it is at present. 1t is probable
that Mr. Chamberlain and his Radical followers
will still urge this plan of campaign. with neces
sary notifications, as soon as the House re-as-
Sembles.
Some startling revelations have Just been
made regarding the condition of the British war
establishments 1t has been ascertained that at
the beginning of this year many regiments OF
the line which were reported at their full COM
pliments were short by hundreds of men. There
were twenty two regiments which had the regu-
lation number of men on paper. hut which. on
inspection were found to be from 100 to 800 men
short Some regiments which were, and are,
liable to immediate orders for foreign service,
carried on their muster rolls 300 more men than
could he found in tho ranks. and cooks, servants,
and all sorts of campfoowers were put into
line TO satisfy the inspectors.
There are unfounded rumors tonight that Mr..
Chamberlain President of the Board of Trade,
has resigned his portfolio Mr. Chamberlain Is
in perfect a. reement with the other membcrs OF
the Cabinet