Rock Island Argus., 1903-09-15
Importance of British
Cabinet Meeting
Now On.
CRISIS IS ADMITTED
Proceedings of YeSter-
days Session Kept
a Secret.

London, Sept. 15.-Referring to the
cabinet meeting. the st. james Gaz-
cite says: I'VE can confidentialIy af-
firm that final decision of the fiscal
question was not arrived at yesterday.
If Chamberlain proposals are not ac-
cepted he will resign his seat in the
cabinet
London, Sept Il. - The ministers
days cabinet council so effectively that
the speculation as to the results is
almost nugatOry, and the government
press organs this morning offer the
most conflicting accounts of what took
place at the meeting. The Daily Tele-
graph, which is probably the best in
formed. asserts that the cabinet crisis
was postponed until this evening, and
that the discussion of the fiscal ques-
ton viii be continued at the resumed
meeting today. but that whatever may
be the upshot Premier BalfOur Will
neither resign, dissolve parliament nor
summon an autumn session.
Another Editor of Another View.
The Daily Telegraph also scouts the
idea of a royal commission being ap-
pointed to consider the whole fiscal
question. The Standard. on the other
hand, asserts with equal pOsitiveness
that the fiscal inquiry was finished and
that the adjourned meeting will deal
with the foreign policy. 1t understands
that the question of imposing prefer
ol aysif e in
Great Britains fiscal policy has been
shelved unit Ian appeal can be made to
the country, and that during the ex-
istence of the present parliament the
action of the ministers will be confined
to discussion and inquiry.
COmpromIse Is Most Likely.
AdmiSt these conflicting reports an
agreement is found in the most au-
thoritative quarters on one point. name
ly that Premier Balfour has again sue
ceeded in inducing his colleagues to
agree to some sort of compromise which
will keep the present ministry in Of
flee. though it will probably be slight
ly reOrganiZed. and that this cOmpro-
mise Is most likely a continuance Of
the policy of inquiry" Any action
on the fiscal question will thus be
shelved, and for the details of the COM
promise it will probably be necessary
to wait for BaIfOur's promised speech
on Oct. l.
Times Calls It "Great OoeasiOn."
From all parts of the country and
the continent British cabinet ministers
came to London to attend the cabinet
meeting. which was regarded as mark
ing the most important phase in the
recent political history of the Unit.
ed Kingdom. The Times voiced pub
lie sentiment in saying it was great
occasion, more important even than
the historic meeting when home rule
was uppermOst. for the main issue to-
day is the unity of the empire" Not
since the fateful day when the cab
met framed an answer to President
Kruger's ultimatum had such crowds
gathered around Downing street.
Chamberlain the Central Feature.
Chamberlain, who was the central
figure in the proceedings, left Birming-
ham, accompanied by his wife. A
large crowd bid them farewell at the
railroad station. On their arrival here
Mrs. Chamberlain went to their Lon
don home and Chamberlain proceeded
to the colonial office.
Hoots for the Colonial Secretary.
Upon the arrival of Chamberlain at
Downing street he WAS loudly hooted.
a crowd of Iaborers employed on the
new government buildings in course OF
erection nearby Joined in this unusual
demonstration against the colonial sec
retary. Chamberlain, who was ac-
companied by Gerald Balfour, presi-
dent of the board of trade. showed his
customary indifference to this recep-
tion. The police eventually were OBJ
liged to form double lines from Bal
four's house to the foreign office, SO
as to enable the cabinet ministers to
enter the latter place.