New-York tribune., 1901-12-30
LORD ROSEBERY'S PLANS.
DECLINES RESPONSIBILITY OF LEAD
ING THE LIBERAL PARTY.
MR. BRoDRIcK's ARMY REFORM DELAYED
LORD sALISBURY'S EXPECTED
RETIREMENT.
Copyright; 1901: BY The New-YorK Tribune)

Copyright: 1901: BY The New-York Tribune)
GBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l
London, Dec. 30 l a. m-From source which
IS generally well informed in regard to the inter
nal affairs Of the Liberal party, there a
guarded but fairly confident assertion that Sir
Henry Campbell -Bannerman has approached
Lord Rosebery with a view to resumption by
the latter Of his place in the regular councils of
the party The announcement also includes a
very definite statement to the effect that Lord
Rosebery has firmly declined the invitation made
him, preferring for the present TO retain the
position Of greater freedom and less RESPONSE
bility which he has held since his remuneration
Of leadership. There is nothing in either part
of this rumor which is in the least degree in
credible
Sir Henry Campbell Zimmerman is not dis
posed TO sit down in silence under the rebuff
administered to him by Lord Rosebery. 1t is
affirmed that either before Parliament meets or
shortly after it has met he will call upon the
Imperialst Liberals to declare whether or not
they accept his leadership. He will, in fact,
ask for a vote of confidence.
Various stories current as to Lord Rose
bery's intentions It is even said that he is
waiting for the resignation Of Lord Salisbury in
order to form a coalition Cabinet, and he is
taunted with playing the part of Micawber.
'The Daily News" which probably expresses
Sir Henry Campbell -Bannerman's opinion now
regards Lord Rosebery's Chesterfield meeting in
the nature Of valedictory performance, and
says Lord Rosebery will make it clear to the
world that he does think of his career as
associated with the fortunes of one political
party: he, in fact, does not believe in modern
Liberalism, and therefore steps outside.
Mr.. Brodrck's scheme Of army reform is max
ing slow if sure progress. Last April the War
Secretary promised that the army corps would
be ready by Christmas. The appointed time has
come, but three army corps still have only a
paper existence. The promise was a rash one
built upon the supposition that active military
operations in South Africa would by this time
have sufficiently toned down to allow the return
Of the bulk of the troops. The War Office now
regards the formation of three premier army
corps Impossible matter for at least an
other twelve months.
Rumors ripe to the intention Of the
Treasury to starve the navy on account of the
cost of the war in South Africa. They are based
on the assumption that the six armored ships
which were voted last session to be built by
contract are not to be placed out until the end
of January. Sir Michael Hicks Beach certainly
keeps a tight grip the nations purse but he
knows very we'll that he could not remain long
in office if, owing to his parsimony, the British
navy fell below the combined strength of a -
fore probable that when Parliament reassembles
next month he will be readily able to meet
the charges which are now levelled against him
as a year ago he was to meet the accusations
that he was starving the army in order to bal
ance the budget.
1t is announced that the American actress
Miss Nance O'NeiIl, will appear at the Lyceum
Theatre next September in a round of parts
which will include Fedora. Camille and Lady
Macbeth Miss O'NeiIl is at present fulfilling an
engagement at Cape Town.
1t is stated that Lord Salisbury will retire
from political life after the conclusion of the
coronation festivities, and that the King will
grant him the dignity of dukedom. AS mat
ter OF fact, the Prime Minister might without
any initiative of his own, have become duke
at any time within the last fifteen years. On at
least three occasions Queen Victoria urged him
10 accept a dukedom and each time he respect
fully declined the proffered honor. There is one
cther wealthy and influential peer who is under
stood to be in the running for a ducal coronet
iG fIa rfcF rI Ca