The herald., 1894-02-28
GLADSTONE WILL RESIGN,
Little Doubt Of the Premier's
Retirement,
ais Failing Sight Incapacitating
Him for the Position.
An Operation on HIS Eyes Thought 10
BE Necsssary--Eisher Rose berry
or Spencer TO 30 His
Successor,


BY the Associated Press
LONDON, Peb. 27.--The Evening News
Of Edinburgh announced on what 1t calls
reliable authority that Gladstone has
resigned ~ premier. but will retain a
place ia the cabinet ssd continue to
represent Midlothian. Though follow
ing many ooutfsdiotsd rumors regarding
the intentions 81 the crest ststseman,
it meets vide belief in well-iniormed
circles. and is sausins the great
est excitement and hurried
exchange OF telegram. between the
leaders and bis Intimate advisers. That
he has actually rendered his resignation
is not counted on 30 much "a that he
expects 10 take such action during the
present week. The reasons assigned
are that n cssarset is forming on one OF
his eyes which must coon be operated
on, and the criticisms OF Liberal papers
on him for not forcing she fight on the
housS OF lords.
To the Associated Press Gladstone's
private secretary would not deny the
truth Of the published rumor, restrict
ing himself to the statement that it was
unauthorized.
The Evening News this afternoon says
the premiership has bean rendered to
Rord Rosebery, who declined. 1t was
later offered to Earl Spencer, first lord
Of the admiralty, who accepted. Il adds
that Giadstone's resignation goes into
effect at Easter.
In an interview today Chairman Cow
an OF the Midlothian Liberal association,
stated Gladstone had often said he
would take the earliest opportunity for
resigning.
The Chronicle says: The retirement
of Gladstone lie imminent. II ia almost
an open secret that his eyesight is no
longer equal even to the least important
duties of political leader. All the
stories Of dissension and disappointment
at legislation being baked may be dis
missed as unaffecting his decision.
When Gladstone resigns the wand
it will be becauee his hand can
no longer WELD it and for no other rea-
son whatever. 1t is probable no deci-
sion has vet been reached as to the
moment of his resignation. 1t 10 an
nounced that Sexton, M. P. for Kerry,
has already taken steps to obtain pledges
with regard to home rule in the event of
Rosebery or Earl Spencer becoming
premier.
The Daily News says Gladstone has
taken no step in the direction of resign
ing. Earl Rosebery's visit to the queen
had no relation to current political
rumorB.
The Standard believes Gladstone's
sight is growing much worse and that
an operation will soon be necessary.
Recognizing this fact. Gladstone in
formed his colleagues that his early re-
tirament was inevitable. but hoped it
would be only temporary. He told
them he would resume the. pEamiership
should his eyes Decome
to warrant ". ...Au tne denial of Glad
stones actual resignation may be ac-
copied as question by those unable
to adopt the inference that the alarm in
the Radical camp was altogether cause
lees, but IL can badly be doubted
that the semi-official denial signifies a
postponement OF the crisis. Lord Rose
bery's leadership would be more salts
factory to the country generally than
that Of any other Gladstonian.