New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-14
LIBERAL LEADER RESIGNS.
SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTS LETTER TO
MR.. MORLEY.
PARTY SEVERELY CENSTRED - ROSE
HIS PROBABLE SUCCESSOR.

London, Dec. 13.-The Right Hon. Sir William
Vernon Harcourt Member Of Parliament for
West Monmouthshire. and since the resignation
OF the late Mr.. Gladstone. the official leader or
the Liberal party in the House OF Commons. has
addressed letter to John Morley. Liberal Mem
Der for Montrose Burghs, announcing his resig-
nation of the leadership. He says
THE Liberal party. rent by sectional disputes
and personal interests. is one which no man can
consent to lead, either with credit to himself or
advantage to the country"
Mr.. Morley in his reply expresses sympathy
with Sir William Vernon Harcourt. and says ne
is not surprised at the latters decision.
Sir William Vernon Harcourt. referring In the
course Of his letter to the public discussion now
going on as to the future leadership OF the Lib
eral party. says:
1t seems 10 be supposed that this question
ought to concern me. but feel anxiety In
the matter. My record is clear and my resolu-
tion is fixed to undertake no responsibility and
to occupy no position the duties Of which II
Is made impossible for me to fuifl."
DUTIES OF LEADERSHIP.
He then proceeds to point out the 'labors
and sacrifices leadership entails" remarkng
that they such as no man Of sense Of
and public duty" He explains that he retained
the leadership after Mr.. Gadstones retirement
from sense of duty to face the heavy budget
deficit caused by naval expenditure" After
sketching the history of the Liberal party since
that time he says:
You and my other colleagues are we'll aware
Of the efforts | have made for unity. 1t has
been whispered that I have allowed personal
to ipru actions
No man knows better than yourself the false
hood Of these unworthy insinuations.
Il shall never consent to be a candidate FOR
any contested position. I shall; be no party to
such degradation Of the tone Of public life
II have arrived at the conclusion that can
best discharge my duty toward the party in an
Independent position In Parliament you Will,
am sure. agree that disputed leadership beset
by distracted sections and conflicting interests
is an impossible situation. and that release
from vain and onerous obligations VIII come
to me as a welcome relief
MIR. MORLEY'S REPLY
Mr. Morley's reply is long and sympathetic
justification Of Sir Williams action, and
eulogy Of his financial work. public spirit and
zeal for the welfare Of his party
1t is understood that Sir William will retain
his seat in the House Of Commons.
Lord Rosebery will be inevitably indicated as
the leader Of the entire Liberal party His BRILL
liant speech on the Fashoda incident has set
tied that AS for the Liberal leadership In the
Home OF Commons. everything points to Herbert
Henry Asquith. member for East Fife, and Sec
retary OF State for the Home Department In the
Gladstone Rosebery Government, which began
with Mr. Gladstone's Premiership in 1897 ana
ended under Lord Rosebery's in 1893.
The affair lends unusual interest to the con-
ference OF the National Liberal Federation at
Birmingham next Friday A final decision as TO
future leaders will be taken at a meeting Of the
Liberal members prior TO the reassembling Of
Parliament.