The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-09-18
Resignation Of Colonial Secre-
tary rendered and Accepted.
With Him Go Two Other Men,
bers of the Cabinet.
PUBLIC is SURPRISED.
His Action Is the Talk of the
United Kingdoms.
People Are Wondering What
Will Happen Next.

London, Sept. Reconsideration and
excitement caused by the dramatic an
nouncement of Joseph Chamberlain's
resignation of the secretaryship of the
colonies which took place late yester-
day. prevails among all classes in the
United Kingdom, to the exclusion of ev-
cry other topic. The great majority of
the public, only learned the news from
the morning papers and their astonish-
ment in many cases was so great as to
prevent the expression of any coherent
opinion. The Pail Mall Gazette this
afternoon aptly sums up the general
feeling by describing the present Crisis
as the most extraordinary in the whole
history of constitutional government" :"
adding that what will happen next no
one can forecast with any degree of abb
solute certainty.
The Pail Mall Gazette states that Pre-
and carry on the government until par
Lament meets in 1904. Mr.. Chamberlain
also, does not look for an immediate
general election, expecting at least Il
months propaganda before the elector-
ate can decide upon his proposals. 9th
er rumors are current, that Mr. Balfour
is unable to find men to fill the vacan-
cies and that he will be obliged to hand
the king his own resignation. This, how
ever, does not appear to be likely.
The Westminster Gazette and other
papers forecast Lord Miner, the high
commissioner in South Africa succeed
ing to the colonial office and it is defin-
itely announced that Lord Stanley, mn
ancial secretary to the war Office and
probably James Lowther, deputy speak
/ er, will be among those promoted TO the
cabinet, but the details OF its recon-
struction are not likely to be known un-
til Mr.. Balfour has seen the king. AL
most every paper has its own candidates
for the various vacant offices, but few
of the prophecies coincide. The attl-
tude of the Duke of Devonshire, lord
president of the council being unknown
to the public, creates further uncertain
ty. -
Lord Rothschild's statement yester-
day to the Associated Press, however
can safely be taken an indication
that the duke intends to support Mr.
Balfour at any rate until parliament
meets.
The prediction that the markets
would not be affected by the cabinet
crisis has been fulfilled: indeed. consois
exhibited a firmer tone today.
From all parts of the United King
dom and the empire editorial express
sions of opinion on the crisis are pour
ing in. The government organs frankly
admit that Mr.. Chamberlain's with
drawal came as a bombshell. The Lib
eral organs, though announcing the
wreck of the Tory party" which is
described as being Hamlet without
the prince" nearly all agree in saying
that Mr.. Chamberlain's resignation
does not mean a victory for free trade
Though the man has gone" says the
Star, his policy remains. This is Mr.
Chamberlain Elba; he has yet to meet
his Waterloo" This is borne out by
reports from Birmingham, where the
powerful organization in favor of pref
erential tariffs is centered. There
though the Iesigna ton of the head and
shoulders of the movement came as {
great surprise, ceaseless activity pre-
walls and it is announced that Mr.
/ Chamberlain's previous arrangements
/ for his campaign will be all carried out