Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-02-28

renewed rumors TO the effect that M
Gladstone intends to retire from office.
OF course, the frequency with which
these reports have been circulated OF
late, has done much to discount any ef-
feet which they might have, but every
time a new report concerning Mr.. Glad
stones intention to retire from the
leadership of the Liberal party is put in
circulation there seems to be positive
panic among his most loyal followers,
and corresponding feeling Of encour-
agement among the enemies of the great
English statesman aud his policy.
The latest scare news is furnished b7
the Edinburgh EUeping NelUS, which
announces upon what it classes reliable
authority the fact that Mr.. Gladstone
has resigned the premiership, but the
NelCS adds that he will retain his seat
in the cabinet and will also continue TO
represent Midlothian in the House of
Commons. Naturally this report, APP
parently based on something more than
mere political rumor, has caused the
greatest excitement in political circles
and is causing hurried exchange OF tele-
grams between the great leaders and
their intimate advisors. Strange 10 say
after so many denials and after such
a number OF canards nave been put into
circulation in connection with the
Grand Old Man the present report that
he has actually rendered his resignation
or that be intends to take such action
during the present week is obtaining
credence.
Inquiries made hastily in official cir
cles shortly after the NelCS Of Edinburgh
circulated its reports, shows that there
are many people in official circles who
believe the report is undoubtedly based
on fact Mr.. T. 2 O'ConnOr, Nj. P,
writing to the sun to-day, says in con-
nectiOn with the rumor that Mr. Glad
stone has resigned and apparently tend
ing to confirm the report; For some
time. something like panic has existed
among his supporters in the lobbies.
Yesterday evening the rumor was cur
rent that his resignation was TO be ex-
pected during the course OF the week.
Competent authority gives his eyesight
as the actual reason for his resignation,
but the situation is further aggravated
by the position of certain member Of the
cabinet with reference TO the naval pro-
gramme.
THE Premier had to face the possi-
bility OF Earl Spencer's (the first Lord
of the Admiralty resigning. The
cataract in the Premier's eve is not yet
ripe for operation, but when it occurs
he must spend six weeks in darkness.
Nobody has the least idea what any day
may bring forth; my own opinion is that
Mr.. Gladstone will refuse to leave the
ship"
The Associated Press spondent,
so soon as the rumor Of Mr. Gladstone's
| resignation became known, placed him
self in communication with the secre-
tary of the Premier, who informed the
Associated Press that the statements
rrade by the Edinburgh NclCs were en-
sirely unauthorized. When questioned
as to their accuracy, Mr.. Gladstone's
secretary refused to give a direct an
swer, simply reiteratng his former
statement that the NelCS had no au-
thorizatiOn to make TO the statements
which have caused so much excitement
In political circles.
Itisr Y recalled that some astonish-
ment was caused on Saturday last by
the fact that the Earl of Rosebery, sec
retary OF state for foreign affairs. while
on his way to visit the Prince and Prin-
cess OF Wales, at Sandringham, was
hurriedly called back TO the foreign
Office by a dispatch which was handed
TO him at Newmarket. The Earl Of
RoSeber returned TO London by a
special train and went Immediately to
the foreign Office. The excuse given
out for this sudden change Of intentions
upon the part Of the secretary wgs that
his hurried return was due to a cabinet
consultation, being necessary in view of
the defeats sustained by the sailors Of
the British warships Raleigh and Wild
geon on the Gambia coast of Africa. 1t
is now stated, however, that the return
OF the Earl of ROsebery was due TO an
4mportant announcement made by Mr.
Gladstone to one of the cabinet minis
ters, and il is said that this announce
ment practically amounted to a state
! ment that be had decided to forward
his resignation 10 her majesty.
In view OF the many previous reports
Of a similar nature which have been cir
culated in connection with Mr.. Glad
stone, there are many people who be-
lieve that there is no more truth in the
present rumor than there has been in
the other similar reports. But people
are reminding each other Of Mr.. Glad
/ stones great age, of his failing eye
sight, and or the bitter attacks made
upon him by newspapers which had
previously warmly supported him, as
result Of his failure TO appeal 10 the
sympathies of those who we're clamor-
! ing for the abolition Of the House Of
| Lords by making determined attack
upon that institution when the amend
ments Of the peers TO the popular em-
ployers liability bill and to the parish
council bill were taken up 10 the House
OF Commons.
An infinite friend Of Mr.. Gladstone
has been quoted as saying that the pre-
mier was deeply affected at the criti-
cisms leVeled at him by his friends and
that he is apparently impressed with
the belief that the Liberals are migrate
/ ful and that his best course under al
the circumstances Of the case is to re-
sign the Premiership. This seems 70
be about the situation Of affairs, and
4 l. ill ~ ~. . 4 oF