The Portland daily press., 1894-02-28
No Longer Any Doubt that He
Will Soon Retire.
ATTACKS BY FORMER FRIENDS
ONE OF THE CAUSES.


His Ewes in Bad Condition.
London, February 27.-Though the
condition of Mr.. Glaostone's eyes is re-
garded as sufficient reason for his wish
ing to lay down the cares of Office, it is
not believed to be the real reason for his
resignation. Reports that he intends to
resign are true. Owing to his great age
and waning physical power he is unable
to withstand the shafts of criticism
hurled at him as he was few years ago.
He recently has been deeply affected by
the comments of his political friends and
allies on his course in regard to several
party measures. These evidences of in
gratitude panied him severely. His
course in withdrawing the employees
liability bill, when many of his followers
were clamoring for parliamentary fight
against the House of Lords, with the
ultimate view of compelling the aboli-
tion of the hereditary body, has driven
the more radical of his adherents to de-
clare that his moral courage had under
gone a change. This ACQUISITION they have
taken great pains should reach his ears:
The uFsvate secretary of the premier Will
neifffer affirm nor deny the reports. 1siIe
ntoss he will say is that the positive
statement of the Edinburg Evening
News that Mr.. Gladstone has resigned. is
" entirely unauthorized"
Later inquiries, however, made by a
press representative, tend to con firm the
report that Mr.. Gladstone's resignation is
inevitable within a few weeks. Since
Mr.. Gladstone's return from Biarritz, the
cataract which has been forming in his
eye has ripened fast. Dr.. Bond, Dr.
Granger and otheryphy ysieians whom he
has Consulted consider that an early
operation is advisable. The treatment
will necessarily involve seclusion in a
three months, with complete cessation
of all work attended by brain strain or
worry. Mr.. Gladstone's colleagues wish
him to postpone the resignation of the
premiership until the latest possible
moment and keep sinecure seat in the
cabinet, such as by taking the office OF
lord of the priyy seal. The liberals are
divided in opinion as to whether MT.
Gladstone's retirement will betemporary
or permanent Mr.. Gladstone himself
tells his friends that lsfs hearing is going
with his eyesight. His health is other
wise still vigorous His voice in last
nights debate in the House of Commons
was full and clear and his bearing up
right and firm. The Radicals who be-
Iieve him an obstacle to the reform of
the House of Lords hold that Mr.. Glad
stones withdrawal from the ministry
will be final.
The renewal of the report of Mr.. Glad
stones contemplated retirement was
made public today by number of lead
ing newspapers.
The Pail Mall Gazettey the St. James
Gazette and the Westrainistery Gazette
publish articles aln8ohb identical in sub
resign at an early, date. The reason
given in each case is that the premier's
eyesight is failing SO fast that his vision
will become wholly obscured ii he does
not Immediately retire from active
political duty. 1t is also stated that it
was the intention of Gladstone to allude
to his approaching resignation IN the
House of Commons yesterday, but he
was dissuaded by his colleagues from
doing SO.
The Manchester Guardian and York
shire Post and many other provincial
newspapers publish these rumors and
accompany them with articles expressing
belief that they are.well founded.
The Chronicle and Sun claim to have
information that Earl. Rosebery will be
Gladstone's successor, and Sir William
House of Commons.
The Edinburg Evening News claims to
have been informed upon authority that
Gladstone has already resigned the
membership, but will retain seat in the
cabinet.
The Edin burgh Evening news, in com
menting upon the report that Mr.. Glad
stone has resigned and that he will rec
ommend Lord Rosebery as his successor,
saws; AS Lord Rosebery has been for
MANY wears the advocate of ending, un-
der the guise of mending, the House of
Lords, even the Radical lncorrupti bles
ought to give him loyal support The
Liberals generally must ask whether UNI
der Lord Rosebery or Sir William Har-
court the party could go before the
country with the best chance of success.
There can hardly be two opinions. Lord
Rosebery is the man."
The Eveuir News says the Earl of
Rosebery has been offered the premier
shin and declined it. Later it was
offered to Earl Spencer, first lord of the
admiralty, and he accepted it, 1t adds
that Mr.. Gladstone's resignation goes
into effect at Easter.
I,ondon, February 2S.-The Daily
Graphic this morning says it has re
ceiyed information that the situation sc
| far as Mr.. Gladstone is concerned remains
| the same as it was when Sir Algernou
West sent out his statement omBiarritz
| January 81. Apart from the contingen-
| cies mentioned in that statement, the
| Granhic adds, Mr.. Gladstone intends tt
| remain at the head of the govern men
and continue to lead his party in the
| House of Commons during the coming
| session.