The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-09-15
LONDON GUESSES AT
RESULTS OF MEETINGS
Ministers Keep Secret All Discussions
of the CourciI and There Is Much
Speculation Over Future
Developments.

London, September 4.-From all parts
of the country and the continent British
cabinet ministers came to London today
to attend the cabinet meeting, which was
regarded as marking the most important
phase In the recent political history of
the United Kingdom.
The Times voiced public sentiment in
saying 1t was a great OCCASION" more
important even than the historic meet
ing when home rule was uppermost. for
the main issue today is the unity of the
empire"
Not since the baleful day when the cab
met framed an answer to President Kru-
gers ultimatum have such crowds gath
cred around Downing street From early
morning loiterers assembled here in the
hope of catching glimpse of the politi-
cal leaders. However, when 1t was an
nounced the cabinet would not meet un-
til 3 o'clock the spectators dwindled
away.
Mr.. Balfour, who arrived in London
from Scotland yesterday evening, went
to Downing street early.
Officials Closeted.
There a number of treasury officials
were cioseted all the morning with Mr..
Balfour's secretaries going over the sta
tistics on which the cabinet is supposed
to base its decision for or against free
trade.
Mr. Chamberlain, who was the central
figure In today's proceedings. left Bir-
mingham accompanied by his wife.
| A large crowd bid them farewell at
the railroad station. On their arrival
! here Mrs. Chamberlain went to their
| London home, and Mr.. Chamberlain pro-
ceeded to the colonial office.
| The Associated Press understands that
the rumors of the approaching resigna-
tion of the chancellor of the exchequer.
Mr.. Richie, are we'll founded He will
attend the special cabinet meeting called
for today with the determination of res
ignation. Other minor designations are
liable to occur, but Colonial Secretary
Chamberlain and Premier Balfour are
reported to be standing together and in
tend keeping up the cabinet by filing the
vacancies.
Ministers Secretive.
London, Sept 15.-The ministers kept
secret the discussions of yesterdays cab
as to the result and the government
press organs this morning offer the most
conflicting accounts of what took place in
| the meeting.
| The Daily Telegraph, which is probably
| the best informed, asserts that the cabi-
I net crisis was passed until this evening
and that the discussion Of the fiscal ques-
J ton will be continued at the resumed
meeting today, but that whatever may be
| the upshot Premier Befour will neither
| resign, dissolve parliament, nor summon
an autumn session. The Daily Telegraph
! also scouts the idea Of a royal commits
| sion being appointed to consider the whole
| fiscal question.
Fiscal Inquiry Finished.
The Standard, on the other hand. as
| serts with equal positiveness that the
| fiscal inquiry was finished and that the
adjourned meeting will deal with foreign
policy. 1t understands that the ques-
tion of imposing preferential tariffs or of
any innovation in Great Britain's fiscal
policy has been sheved until an appeal
can be made to the country and that
during the existence of the present parlia-
ment the action of the ministers will be
confined to discussion and inquiry.
Amidst these conflicting reports an
agreement Is found in the most authorita-
tive quarters on the point, namely, that
Premier Balfour has again succeeded IN
inducing his colleagues to agree to some
sort of compromise which will keep the
present ministry in office, though 1t will
probably be slightly reorganized, and that
this compromise is mist likely contin-
uance of the policy of inquiry"
For the details of the compromise it
VIII probably be necessary 10 wait for
Mr.. Balfour's promised speech on Octo-
Der l.