The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-07-14
Promises Devotion to Duty
and Asks Support Of
Conservatives.
SIR HICKS BEACH RESIGNS
The Chancellor Of the ExchequeT in
Salisbury's Cabinet Says He RetiTes
for Personal Reasons-Fnendly Com
ments of French Press.

LONDON. July Il. - The change OF
premiers was the sole topic OF CONVEX
sation in political circles this morning.
The chief interest centered about the
meeting OF the Conservative party,
which was held at the foreign Office this
afternoon. No meeting II this kind has
been held during the life of the present
ministry, which was organized in 1900.
The last was held year or two pre-
vious 10 that date when Mr. BaIfour
summoned his followers 10 a meeting AT
The foreign Office. Sir Michael Hicks
Beach, chancellor Of the exchequer,
earlier II the day had announced his
resignation from the cabinet.
Mr. BaIfour arrived at the foreign
Office st 1910 O'Clock, accompanied BY
Sir William Walrond, the chief Con
servative whip. the Duke Of Devonshire.
Sir Mic-rael Hicks-Beach, Mr.. Hanbury,
president of the board OF agriculture;
Mr.. Akers- Douglass, first commander OF
works. and Mr. Austen Chamberlain,
financial secretary TO the treasury
Given Warm Reception.
The new prime minister had a tremen-
dous reception from his supporters. all OF
whom stood up as ne entered ana cheer
ed him loudly On rising few minutes
later TO sddress the meeting all again
stood and enthusiastically acclaimed
their new chief.
When quiet was restored 1Ir. Balfour
chief who for nearly fifty years had been
engaged In active political life. X uow
The laboTs iusepaTable from political
work imposed upon him TOO heavy a po-
litical strain there was none who would
grudge the repose he so well earned
IApplausel- Hls loss 70 them was in
deed irreparabIe- He did not fatter him
self that the gap could be filled by his
OWL personality, but the place that the
noble marquis had left must be occu-
pied, and 1t was because the King had
desired him C3ir- Ba1four) 10 do his best
10 take that position that he had asked
them 10 come there today.
Mr. Balfour said he had accepted the
great task with its heavy responsibility
not through any overwhelming belief in
his own capacity. but because he was
conscious and, indeed, had every. reason
to believe. that in attempting 10 carry
out that work he would have the most
important qualification leader could
have in the confidence OF those with
whom he worked loud appIausel
Sir. Michael Hicks -Beach's Resignation.
He had not, he added. had the oppor-|
tunity OF consulting them. bat he had
consulted those with whom he had been
working for many years past. and If the
kindness with which they we're prepared
20 extend 10 him at all equaled the kind
Less they had extended 10 him IN the
past. thea. indeed. the difficulties Of the
task before him would be greatly dIuirl-I
ished- de could not promise himself
that he would have the continued assist
ance OF all bis colleagues. One Of the /
most important of them with whom he
had been associated during the whole Of I
bis political life, and who had occupied /
and who deserved to occupy one OF the 4
highest positions in the state. had told 1
him that he ought not 70 count upon his
further assistance. He referred. Of /
course. to the chancellor Of the exche-
auer Sir Michael Hicks Beach. This
statement caused a sensation in the
Although. however. he grieved TO say
that he could not count with any as
suranee upon the chancellor Of the ez-
chequer's further assistance. he could
count. he was sure, upon his absolute
confidence and good wishes. Applause /
After the Duke Of Devonshire had i
spoken Sir Michael Hicks Beach ex-
plained that he had onIy kept his Office
ss chancellor OF the exchequer at Lord
solicitation until the war
was over. He now sought retirement, he
said, for purely personal reasons. If he
continued IN Office Tor d moment It would
be ouIy 70 show confidence in Balfour.
The other members OF the party then
pledged their support to the new Pre-
aisF.
After the meeting Balfour went TO the
With unbounded coTdiality.
Among those who congratulated AIF. f.
3alfour on his appointment 70 the pre-
niership was Sir Henry Campbell Ban
lerman, the Liberal leader in the Com
mons