New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-02-28
RUMORS ABOUT GLADSTONE.
MORE TALK OF RESIGNAIION.
THE SUBJECT REVIVED BY CONSIDER
ABLE NEWSPAPER SPECULATION.


SOME JOURNALS SAY HE HAS ACTUALLY RE-
SIGNED BUT THIS IS DESIED-THE TROUBLE
WITH HIS EYES GENERALLY GIVEN AS
THE CAUSE OF HIS ALLEGED REsIc-
NATIoN-RosEBERY OR sPEN-
cEr FOR HIS SUCCESSOR
London, Feb 27-The subject OF Mr.. Glad
stones resignat tion is revived to-day In way
suggesting that there may be some foundation
for the report The Pail Mall Gazette The
St Jaroes's Gazette" and ''The Westminster Ga
xette" publish articles. almost Identical in sub
stance. indicating that Mr. Gladstone will resign
at an early day. The reason given in each case
is that the Premiers eyesight is failing 80 fast
that his vision will become wholly obscured II
he does not Immediately retire from active politi-
cal duty.
1t Is also stated that It was the intention OF
Mr.. Gladstone to alude to his approaching resig-
nation in the House OF Commons yesterday,
but he was dssuaded by his colleagues from
doing
THE Manchester Guardian" THE Yorkshire
Post" and many other provincial newspapers
publish these rumors. and accompany them with
articles expressing belief that they are well
founded
''Ine CnrOnlclc ana j ne sun CIdii' ~ ""''
information tina: Earl Rosebery will be Mr..
Gladstones successor and Sir William Harcourt
the Government leader in the House Of Com
mons.
TO TAKE EFFECT AT BAsTER.
1.-THE Edinburgh Evening News says that
Mr. Gladstone has resigned, and that his resig-
nation will go into effect at Easter. The paper
says that the Premiership was offered 10 Lord
: Rosebery but he declined it. The position was
then offered to Earl Spencer, and ne accepted IT,
Inquiries made by representatives Of the
United Press tend to confirm the report that
Mr.. Gladstone's resignation is inevitable within
a few weeks. Since Mr.. Giadstone's return
from Biarritz the cataract which has been form
ing in his eye has ripened fast; and DR.. Bond,
DR.. Granger and other physicians whom he has
consulted consider early operation advisable
The treatment will necessarily involve seclusion
in a darkened room for long time. probably
three months with complete cessation OF all
work attended by brain strain or worry.
Mr. Gladstone's colleagues wish him TO post
pone his resignation Of the Premiership until the
latest possible moment, and to keep sinecure
seat in the Cabinet. such the office of Lord
Privy Seal.
Liberals are divided In opinion as to whether
Mr. Gladstones retirement will be temporary
or permanent Mr. Gladstone himself freely
tells his friends that his hearing Is going with
his eyesight. His health otherwise, however,
n still vigorous His voice in last nights debate
in the House Of Commons was full and clear
and his bearing upright and firm. The
Radicals who believe him obstacle to reform
of the House of Lords hold that Mr.. Gladstone's
Withdrawal from the Ministry Will be final
The Edinburgh Evening News" in COM
menting upon the report that Mr. Gladstone
has resigned and that he will recommend Lord
Rosebery as his successor. recalls a speech made
by Mr.. Gladstone at Manchester in June 1886.
In which he said
Lord Rosebery is a whom you will hear
more Of than you have yet heard In him the
Liberal party see man of the future.
The same Journal adds
"As Lord Rosebery has been for many years
an advocate Of ending under the guise OF mend
ing. the House Of Lords, Radical incor-
ruptibles ought to give him loyal support Lib
erals generally must ask whether under LORD
Rosebery or Sir William Harcourt the party
could go before the country with the best chance
of success. There hardly be two opinions
Lord Rosebery is the man..
The renewed rumors OF MS retirement from
Office having been reduced TO almost positive
statements from well-informed sources. Mr.
Gladstone's followers have become agitated al
most to the verge of panic while his political
enemies are correspondingly jubilant. Though
there are still many doubters. II Is significant
III
and official adherents that the reports of his
almost Immediate withdrawal from office find
most credence.
WHAT MR.. oCoNNoR SAYS.
Writing In to-day's "Sun." Mr.. 7. p O'Connor,
M. p. says:
'Tor some time something like panic has
existed among his supporters In the lobbies
Yesterday evening the rumor was current that
his resignation was to be expected during the |
course of the week. Competent authority gives
his eyesight the actual reason for his resigna-
ton; but the situation is further aggravated py
the position Of certain members OF the Cabinet
with reference TO the naval programme
"The Premier had 10 face the possibility OF
Earl Spencer's (the First Lord of the Admiralty
resigning The cataract In the Premiers eye Is
not yet rire for operation, but when IL occurs
he must spend six weeks in darkness: ,,.y
Nobody has the least idea what any day may
bring forth. though my own opinion Is that MT
Gladstone will refuse to leave the ship
Though the condition Of Mr.. Gladstone's eyes |
Is regarded as a sufficient reason for his wish |
ing to lay down the cares OF office. II is not De-
lieved to be the real reason for his resignation
II the persistent reports that he intends TO re-
sign are true Owing 10 his great age and |
waning physical power he is unable 10 with !
stand the shafts OF criticism hurled at him as ne
few years. or even few months, ago.
Where then they would glance from him as from |
an armor. II is said that they now pierce him.
II Is also true that he has recently been deeply
affected by the comments Of his political friends
and allies on his course In regard to several |
party measures These evidences OF ingrattude |
have panied him severely. His in with |
drawing the Employers Liability bill when |
many OF his followers were clamorng for a par |
liamentary 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 declare that his de- |
mocracy had undergone a change. and this
cusation they have taken great pains should |
reach his ears. All OF these things. II is be-
lieved. have made him simply tired
HAS NOT YET RESIGNED
The private secretary of the Premier will