The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-07-14

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London, July 1S-The fact of the resig-
nation of the premiership of Great Bri-
tain by Lord Salisbury as foreshadowed
in the dispatches of the Associated Press,
was officially given ost this evening. The
prime minister laid down the RESPONSE
bility of his office July II. Within twenty
four hours His Majesty elected Mr.. A. J..
Balfour, the governments chief represen-
tative In the House of Commons, to the
position of premier.
While it was expected in official and
political circles that Lord Salisbury's re-
tirement would be coincident with the
cornation of King Edward. 1t was scarce
ly looked for prior to that event Con-
sequently about the only surprise ex-
pressed as the news spread through Lon
don concerning the date, rather than the
fact of the resignation. The real interest
was not SO much in reference TO Lord
salisburys withdrawal as it was in the
appointment of his successor.
The liveliest speculation is rife as to
the personnel of the new cabinet. The
most discussed feature of the pending
is the position of Mr.. Chamberlain, the
colonial secretary, who In many quarters,
has been regarded as the most promising
candidate for the premiership.
Had Several Conferences.
A representative of the Associated Press
learns that prior to the acceptance of his
new office, Mr.. Balfour first had an inter-
view with Mr.. Chamberlain and then
consulted with his other cabinet asso-
ciates. This is regarded as assurance
that the future relative positions of
Messrs. Balfour and Chamberlain will be
satisfactory to both. Mr.. Chamberlain's
friends say he always recognized the
reversion of the premiership to be Mr.
Balfours right as government leader in
the House of Commons
As to Lord Salisbury's withdrawal, the
main reason is considered by practically
ali the best infoi med persons to have
been simply desire for q quiet life on
the part of a man advanced in years
whose activities have been unusual and
whose scientific tastes predispose him to
study and seclusion. That the retiring
premier's health has failed to some ex-
tent is undeniable but this is not more
than perhaps is to be expected in a man
of his years, and the close of the war in
South Africa and the return of the COM
manding general there is considered to
be an appropriate time for his with
drawal
His retirement was practically ar
ranged at an audience of Lord Salisbury
with the King a month ago. to be coin
cident with his majestys coronation, but
the Kings Illness interfered with these
plans and compelled Lord Salisbury to
wait till his majesty was sufficiently re-
70 off 70 cto fa hr1a
Salisbury Not Strong.
Though alert mentally, the retiring pre-
mier's physical condition, especially
since the death of his wife, has not been
satisfactory That loss seemed to af-
feet him greatly and since that time he
has done little entertaining beyond pure
ly official annual dinners and receptions.
In a social aspect however, Mr.. Bal
fours accession is not expected to make
much difference, neither Mr.. Balfour nor
his sister, who acts as his hostess, being
very fond of society.
Although Lord Salisbury's resignation
does not necessarily involve the re-con-
struction of the cabinet 1t is believed
there will be some changes. 1t is not
considered unlikely that some of the min
listers will be made peers in order to make
newer blood in the cabinet. 1t has been
believed that Mr.. Balfour would be ele-
waited to the peerage, leaving Mr. Cham
berlain to lead the House of Commons.
the notion being that this arrangement
would be the best to conciliate the diver
gent interests of the cabinet; but 1t is
understood, at any rate for the present,
Mr. Balfour will continue to lead the COM
mons
The Associated Press learns that Lord
Salisbury, in resigning, expressed the de-
sire that no new title of honors should
be conferred upon him.
The retirement of this last great states
man of the Victorian age is universally
regarded as the transition from one gen.
GRAFTON to another and as marking the
close of an era in national life
Is Officially Announced.
The changes in the British premiership
have been officially announced in the
court circular, and the announcement has
been published from Downing street and
will be ratified at a meeting of the whole
conservative party, peers and commoners.
convened for today. Mr.. Chamberlain's
wound Is healing well, but the doctors
still enjoin absolute rest, so he will be
unable to attend this meeting.
At the political clubs last night various
opinions were expressed regarding Lord
Salisbury's retirement and Mr.. Balfours
accession. The liberals and nationalists
generally expressed relief to find that
Mr. Balfour, and not Mr. Chamberlain.
was to be the new premier; but small
section of both conservatives and liberals
were in no way reconciled to the idea Of