The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-14
Has Been Government Leader in the
House OF Commons and First Lord
of the Treasury.
CHAMBERLAIN's PLACE SAFE
NO CHANGE IN THE COLONIAL SEC
RETARYsHIP Is PROBABLE.
SaIisbury's Retirement Mainly Due to
His Desire for n quiet Life-Views
of Il. p. O'COnnOr, VI. II.

LONDON, July 13-The fact of the resig-
nation of the premiership of Great Britain
by Lord Salisbury, as foreshadowed in re-
cent dispatches. was officially given out this
evening. The prime minister laid down the
responsibility of his office July IL. Within
twenty-four hours his Majesty elevated A.
]. Balfour, the government chief represent
ative 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
coronation of King Edward, 1t was scarcely
looked for prior to that event Consequently
about the only surprise expressed as the
news spread through London concerned the
date, rather than the fact, of the resigna-
ton. The real interest was not so much in
reference to Lord Salisbury's withdrawal
Il was in the appointment of his sue
cessor.
The liveliest speculation is rife as to the
personnel of the new Cabinet. The most dis
cussed feature of the pending changes is
the position of Mr.. Chamberlain (the colon
ial secretary. who, in many quarters, has
been regarded as the most promising can
didate for the premiership.
1t is learned that prior TO the acceptance
of his new office, Mr.. Balfour first had
interview with Mr.. Chamberlain and then
consulted with his other cabinet assistants.
This is regarded as assurance that the
future relative positions of Messrs. Bal
four and Chamberlain will be satisfactory
TO both. Mr.. Chamberlains friends say he
always recognized the reversion of the
premiership to be Mr.. Balfour's right
government leader in the House of Com
SAILSBURYS REASONS.
| As to Lord Salisburys withdrawal, the
main reason is considered by practically
all the best-informed persons to have been
simply desire for quiet life on the part
of a man advanced in years, whose activ-
tiles have been unusual. and whose scienti-
fic tastes predispose him to study and Sc
clusion. That the retired premier's health
has failed to some extent is undeniabe,
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 commanding general there
is considered to be an appropriate time for
his withdrawal.
Lord Salisbury's retirement was practi-
cally arranged at an audience of Lord
Salisbury with the King a month ago, to
be coincident with his Majesty's corona
ton. but the Kings illness interfered with
these plans and compelled Lord Salisbury to
wait until his Majesty was sufficiently re-
! covered to attend to state business.
Though alert mentally the retiring prem
iers physical condition, especially since
the death of his wife, has not been salts
factory. That loss seemed to affect him
greatly and since that time he has done
little entertaining beyond purely official
annual dinners and receptions In a social
aspect. however. Mr.. Balfour's 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 reconstruc-
tion of the Cabinet, it is believed there will
/ be some changes. 1t is not considered un-
likely that some of the ministers will be
made peers in order to make room for new
/ blood in the Cabinet. 1t has been the idea
that Mr.. Balfour would be elevated TO the
peerage, leaving Mr.. Chamberlain to lead
/ the House of Commons, the notion being
that this arrangement would be the best to
| conciliate the divergent interests of the
| Cabinet but it is understood, that at any
rate for the present Mr.. Balfour will con-
tinue to lead the Commons.
Lord Salisbury. in resgning, expressed
/ the desire that no new title or honors
should be conferred upon him. The retire
4 ment of this last great statesman of the
Victorian age is universally regarded as the
transition from one generation to another
and marking the close of an era in the
! national HE.