The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1902-07-18
HICkS-BEACn OUT
srr -
BRITISH CHANCELLOR OF En-
CHEQUER RESIGNS HIS
POST.
CHAMBERLAIN WANTS TIT JOB
WOULD EXCHANGE COLONIAL Sec
RETARYSHIP FOR CHAM
CELLORSHlP.
GREAT OVATION TO BAlfOUR
TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO NEW PRE-
MIER IN HOUSE OF COM
MONS.

London, July ia. ]. Balfour was
yesterday formally greeted as Great
Britain's premier, and the new regime
began it's work. The momentous change
was marked by only one really dra-
matte Incl lent, namely, the resignation
of Sir Michael Hicks-Beach from his
post Of chancellor of the exchequer.
Yet this lack of outward show and
public prelude to a new chapter IN
English history is by no means repre-
sentative of the disturbances which the
sudden transition created among the
undercurrents of political life. 1t Is
safe to say that Sir Michael Hicks
Beach is only the first of several whose
names have figured largely before the
public in the last half-century and who
now will disappear from the political
arena. Nothing absolutely definite Is
set settled, but the Unionist party ex-
poets shortly to hear of the resigna-
lions of Earl Halsbury, lord high
chancellor; Lord James of Hereford,
chancellor Of the duchy of Lancaster,
and Earl Cadogan, lord lieutenant OF
Ireland.
For Sir Michael Hicks-Beach's place
Rt. Hon. Hamburg, now president OF
h board of agriculture. is the favorite.
q, Chamberlain Wants 1t.
Late in the evening, however, the
talk in the parliamentary lobbies re-
volved about the highly interesting and
! apparently well founded statement that
Mr.. Chamberlain desires to exchange
the Office of colonial secretary for the
c~hancellorship of the exchequer. If
that be so it cannot be doubted that
Nr. Chamberlain will carry his point.
Among the mar speculations current
Of a less interesting character are ru-
mors that Lord Curzon of Kedleston,
viceroy and governor general of India,
nay be called home to take Office in
the cabinet.
In the pending reconstruction, which
may not be completed for some time 70
come, Mr.. Balfour. much to the delight
Of the Unionists, will remain the leader
In the house Of commons and first lord
Of the treasury. with MI. Chamber
lain still in command Of the colonies, as
his first lieutenant.
Mr.. Balfour's first appearance in the
house of as premier was
characteristic of the man and of the
bSScIIlbly. DUH llOHl LclCICS "SAS
filled with ministers and ex-ministers,
except for a vacant place opposite the
mace. where Mr.. Balfour was such a
familiar figure. Amid a nervous cease
less chatter Of questions which were
ratified through, Sir Michael Hicks
Beach sat gloomily among the col
league he was so soon to leave.
Tribute From an Opponent.
Suddenly the clatter ceased and there
stole from behind the speakers chair
the long, thin figure of the prime min
lster. From all sides of the house there
rtse a chorus Of hear, hear" The
members rose and kept UP the applause
till Mr.. Balfopr, who sided along the
treasury bench, nearly falling over Sir
Michael Hicks-Beach's feet, reached his
seat and buried Lis head in a volumin-
pus question paper. He was blushing
like a school girl.
Sir Henry Campbell annerman. the
Liberal leader, stopped further business
by making such a feeling personal ref
erence to Mr.. Balfour as is seldom
heard in legislative bodies, and which
vas deliv cred with an emotion that
quite unnerved the premier. When Mr..
Balfour rose to reply the ovation was
renewed but his voice faltered and he
was only just able, hesitatingly, to de-
clare that he was too overcome to find
words Of thanks. After Mr.. Balfour's
tribute to Lord Salisbury, which was
universally commended for it's tactful
reserve, the house was emptied, the
members gathering on the terrace and
In the Hobbies, discussing the important
features that the day had brought
forth.