New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-18
In a postscript Mr.. Balfour adds:
LONDON .ASTOUNDED.
Return of Liberals to Po5rer Er-
Dected-Cdbiret Reconstruction.

Uondon. Sept 1s-The retirement OF Colonial
Secretary Chamberlain. which precipitates the
most dramatic crisis and the bitterest party
.,rurgIe since his secession from Mr.. Glad
stones Home Rule Cabinet. was unknown and
unsuspected IN London until the official an
nouncemen. was issued last night too late TOT
the evening papers II will only become known
70 the general public from this mornings pa
pers There had been much exchanging OF
political visits early in the day. but as Premier
Falfour and his brother Gerald started for their
home az whittingham early in the afternoon.
81 was thought that nothing would happen for
q dav or two Late in the evening. however.
the Kings acceptance Of the resignation Of Mr..
Chamberlain MI Richie and Lord George
Hamilton arrived from Balmoral. enabling the
Premier's secretary to make the official an
nouncement
II is understood that the designations OF some
other members of the Cabinet are imminent.
and that Lord Bslfour Of Burleigh. Secretary
for Scotland. has actually resigned. although
the fact has not yet been formally announced4
Lord Lansdowne. the Foreign Secretary left
London last night for BaImoraI. whittier Pre-
mier Balfour and his brother are also expected
20 proceed Immediately.
In the Conservative clubs last night the man
ner in which the crisis was projected was almost
as great a surprise in Liberal quarters
Curiosity centres on the attitude OF the Duke Of
Devonshire. whose resignation has been fully
expected 1t was supposed by some that he
would take the present opportunity of retiring
from politics on the ground Of his advanced
years.
AS to the reconstruction Of the Cabinet. no
great interest IS excited. although the political
prophets are already busy appointing Austen
Chamberlain Chancellor OF the Exchequer. the
Earl Of seIborne Secretary for the Colonies etc.
because II is recognized as impossible that an
appeal 70 the country can be much longer de-
Iayed and the general opinion ia that in the
present shattered condition Of the Unionist party
the Liberals will be returned to power.
The editorials in the government organs this
morning practically recognize the certainty OF
the Liberals coming into power. while admitting
that Mr. Chamberlain has gained a brilliant
triumph by winning Mr. Balfour 70 his
opinion. Mr. Balfour's letter IN this sense IL
admitted to be vastly more important than his
recent pamphlet because in it he unhesitatingly
admits the principle Of Mr.. Chamberlain's prof.
ect only contending that the country is not yet
ripe for it, II is clear. however. that he regards
retaliation as a stepping stone TO A preferential
tariff and the taxation Of food. That the Union
list party as a whole does not agree with this
view is equally evident
The Conservative apers. while cOngratulating
Mr. Chamberlain on his courage and devotion 70
his principles. regret his action. because II is
their belief that the country will never consent
70 the taxation OF food.
The Standard declares that the raising Of
the preferential issue was perfectly gratuitous.
There was never the smallest evidence that
either the mother country the colonies were
pressing for IT, To throw this apple Of discord
into the arena Of party politics" continues The
Standard" was one OF the most unfortunate
errors ever committed in the history Of parties.
II is all the more regrettable that the states
man who did much TO create and consolidate
the UniOnisJ coalition has been the one 70 shake
its foundations
dom Of NJ. Chamberlains course, in spite Of
his tremendous personally which leads the
Unionists TO count more on the weakness OF the
Liberal party. due the divisions in II. than 10
the strength Of tfeir own party in the coming
contest.
The Liberals on the other hand are Jubilsnt.
With the discredIt attaching % the government
result Of the report Of the South African
War Commission and the strong free trade ten
cency IN the country as revealed By the recent
by-eectiOns. they look forward 10 appeal 10
the country with the umost confidence.
Earl Spencer Liberal leader in the House OF
Lords. in interview last night admitted that
the news came complete surprise TO him.
and although II was satisfactory from party
point Of view. Il would mean a stir electiOneer-
ing hsht with such a powerful opponent as
Chamberlain.
According TO The Daily Telegraph which
is supposed 10 be closely connected with Mr.
Chamberlain. the contents OF his letter 20 Mr..
Baltour announcing his intention 10 resign were
unknown 70 his colleagues al Mondays Cabinet
Council. and much comment Is made on the sue
cessful manner in which the secret was kept
AS the Premier has known for 50 long that Mr..
Chamberlain would resign, IL Ii supposed that