Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-02-28
GLADSTONE RESIGNS
The Grand Old Man Gives Up
the Premiership.
Failing Eyesight and Hearing the
Cause--To Take Effect Easter.
Rumored That Earl q Spetcsr Has Bstn
CMered and Rcespisd 0a.cs.

LONDON, Feb 81 The subject of Glad
stones resignation 10 revived today IN q
way huggestipg that there msy be some
found stion for the report. The Pail Mall
Gazette, the st. James Gazette and the
Westminster Gazette publish articles a.
most identical il substance. indicating
that Mr.. Gladstone will resign At IN early
date.
The reason given in each case il that the
premier's eyeyight 10 failing 90 fatt that his
vision will become wholly obscured II he
does not immediately retire from active
political duty.
Ii 10 also stated that II was the intention
of Gladstone to allude to his approaching
resignation 10 the House Of Commons yes
terday, but he was dissuaded by his col
leagues from doing 20.
Though the condition Of Mr.. Gladstona's
eyes are regarded 40 sufficient resson for
wishing to lay down the cares Of Office, Il Is
not believed TO be the real reason for his
resignation, If the persistent reports that he
| 10 to resign are true. Owing to8 his great
age and waning physical powers, he 10 una
BILE to Withstand the shafts Of criticism
hurled at him as he was a few years ago.
He has recently been deeply affected by
the comments Of his political friends and
allies on his course In regard to several
party measures. Thsse evidences of In
gratitude have panied him severely. His
course in Withdrawing the employer liabil-
ity bill, when many Of his followers were
clamoring for parliamentary 6sht against
the House Of Lordr, with the ultimate view
Of compelling the abolition Of that heredi-
tary body, has driven the more radical Of
his adhere nts to declare that bis democracy
has undergone change, and this sccnsa-
ton they have taken great pains should
reach bis ears.
The private eecretsry Of the premier will
neither affirm nor deny the reports. The
most he will ssy 10 that the positive state
ment OF the Edinburgh Evening News that
Mr.. Gladstone has resigned 10 "ensirely un-
authorized"
Labor inqui les made by press reporters
tend to confirm the report that Mr.. Glad
stones resignation 10 inevitable within q
few weeks. Since Mr.. Gladstone's return
from Biarritx, the cataract which has been
forming in his eye. has ripened fast. DR..
Bond. DIR. Grsinaer and other physiciaus
when be consults d consider an early opera
tiap advisable. The treatment will neccs-
ssvilv invclve serlnsion IN da,kened room
for long time, probably three months.
with complete cessation from all work at-
tended by brain strain or worry.
Mr.. 0ladstone's colleagues wish him to
postpone his resignation Of the pfemisSship
until the latest possible moment, and keep
sinecure seat 10 the cabinet, such o. lord Of
the pfivy seal.
The Liberals are divided in opinion % to
whether Mr.. Giadstone's Yetifement will be
temporary or permanent. Mr.. Gladstone
tells his friends that his hearing 10 going
With lis eyesighs. His health Otherwise d
still vigorous. His voice in last nights de-
bate In the House Of Commons was clear
and his bearing upright and firm. The Rad
icals who believe him an obstacle to the re-
form Of the House. hold that Mr.. Glad
stones withdrawal from the ministry 10
Anal.
The Edinburgh Evening News, in com-
menting upon the report that Mr.. Glad
stone bad resigoed and that he will recon-
mend Lord RosebeSry % his successor,
says: "As Lord Rosebesry has been for
many years IN advocate Of ending, under
the guiss Of mendipg, the House Of Lofds,
even tbe II ldical incorrupMbles ought 70
give him loyal suppoSt. The Libsfals gen.
orally must ask whether, under Lord Rose
berry or 6ie William HaFcourt, the party
c0uldd 70 before the country with the best
chances Of sucress. There can hardly b.
two ojiaions. Lord RosebesSy 10 the man."
The Edinburgh Evening News say thatthe
Earl Of Roseberry has been offered the pre-
miefship and declioed Il. Later L vas Of
fertd to The Earl Of Spencer, nrss lord Of
the admiralty, and be accepted Il. 1t adds
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