The Minneapolis journal., 1902-07-14
NEW PREMIER
FRANK TALK
A. J. Balfour Succeeds Lord
Salisbury as Prime
Minister.
Sir Michael Hicks-Beach Re-
signs as Chancellor of
the ExChequer.

London July 14.-The public showed lit
de interest in the party meeting which
was summoned for noon. The new pre-
mier when he entered the conference
room OF the foreign office accompanied
by the duke of Devonshire, Sir Michael
Hicks-Beach, Lonrd Londonderry and
received quite an ovation. When Mr.. Bal
four rose to address the meeting all
stood up and cheered the new chief.
Mr. Balfour referred to the loss of the
services of the chief who for nearly hfty
years had been engaged in active political
Lite No one, he said, would grudge him
his well-earned repose, though his loss
was irreparable. The new premier then
continued as follows:
do not hatter myself that the gap he has
left can be filled. But the place he has left
must be occupied and it is because the king
has desired me to do my best to take that
position that have asked you to meet me
to-day. l have accepted great task and a
heavy responsibility, certainly from no over
weening belief in my own capacity, but be-
cause I am sure, or at least have every reason
TO believe, that in attempting to carry on this
work l will have the most important quallt7
ication leader can have, namely the regard
for and confidence in those with whom ne
works. l have not had the opportunity be-
fore of consulting you, but have, OF course,
consulted those with whom | have been
working in the cabin these many years ana
II the kindness you are prepared to extend
to me Is at all equal to the kindness they
have extended to me, then indeed the terrors,
or difficulties I ought perhaps to say, OF the
task before me are greatly mitlgated
cannot now promise myself that shall
have the continued assistance OF all my COL
leagues. One Of the most important OF them
with whom I have been associated all my
political life and who has occupied and de-
serves to occupy the highest post in the mouse
OF commons and state has told me that
cannot count his further assistance
mean the chancellor of the exchequer. But
though / grieye to say l cannot count Wild
any assurance on his further assistance,
can count with absolute confidence on his
good wishes in the labors that are before US
At this juncture Sir Michael Hicks
Beach, amid applause, signifed his assent
by crying heartily: Hear, hear!'
For myself, continued Mr.. Balfour, 1 nave
nothing to say To all the members or at
all events to. the members Of the house Of
commons who are listening to me- have nc
secrets AID nc surprises. y ou have known me
50 we'll and so long that even were disposed
to dwell on this thi6g there is nothing
could say which could or ought to alter the
Judgment already long ago formed. But II
the present time neither have | any. pro
nouncement to make. Changes there must OF
consequent on the great change which We
have met here to deplore But this is not the
occasion to discuss them or even to think o.
them AS for the question of policy l. neeC
hardly tell you that the policy of the union
ist party remains now what 1t has Away!
been We have lost hte services OF a Dill
liant advocate Of our cause. We have lost
man around whom the sentiments and emo
tions of the party have for many year
erystalzed. Nevertheless l feel we would o'
wrong to despair or to have even the falntes
rnisgiving in regard to the future OF tn
cause he has so long and so we'll upheld l
we preserve the unity In the future Whlcl
has never been wanting in our ranks IN tn
past the inherent vitality OF our cause viii
make up for any weakness in the arms which
have to sustain it.
After a warm tribute to Lord Salisbur!
by the duke OF Devonshire, Sir Michae
Hicks Beach rose and said there. was NJ
one whom he would more gladly AM
more readily have accepted as leader O
the party than the man he had followed
as leader for more than seven years. Blu
Lord Salisbury's retirement was a brea]
with the traditions of l1ls past politica
life Two years ago he had begged 70
personal and not for political reasons t.
be relieved from Office; but he had con
sented at Lord Salisbury's request t