The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-09-24
Intends to Have a Ministry
That Suits Him.
ENGLISH SURPRISED.
Monarchs Have Always Ratified
Names Presented.
King Edward Is Regarded as
Cabinet Maker.

London, Sept. 23.-The political crisis
has taken on phase which lends to the
present situation a historical and con-
stitutional Importance Of almost unpre-
cedented interest. The king has inter
fered, not unconstitutionally or beyond
the powers vested in the crown, but in
the exercise of his prerogatives, to an
extent never dreamed of in the Victor
ian era.
Premier Balfour's continued presence
at BalmoraI has given rise to much
surnise and comment, but the Associ-
ated Press is able to state definitely
that it is the kings determination not
to assent to the formation of new
cabinet until thoroughly satisfied that
it's personnel and combination is such
as to insure the efficient carrying out Of
national affairs pending the resump-
ton of parliament. For years previous
cabinets were formed or ministerial
vacancies filled by the mere presenta-
ton to the sovereign of the names of
the new ministers. King Edward has
done away with this tradition. He has
spent the last few days in constant dis
cussion with Mr.. Balfour as to the ad
visibility from the point of view of
welfare of the nation, OF the latter's
suggested appointment. Ministers now
holding office and those nominated for
office have been summoned to Balmoral
to join in these conferences, and all
have been subjected to a decree Of in
terrogation such as has surprised even
those who knew King Edward inti-
mately as Prince of Wales.
To such an extent is King Edward
holding his power of veto in reserve
that he is now almost regarded by the
inner circle as more the cabinet maker
than Mr.. Balfour himself.
Though with his usual tact the king
has refrained from expressing any DO
litical views or infringing the initiative
belonging to the ministers. this has not
prevented him from expressing his
genuine desire. amounting almost to
command. that steps be taken to rem
edy the scandals in the army admins
tration revealed by the report of the
South African war commission, and IN
sisting, that the new cabinet shall be
one adapted to deal with that question:
After the long conversations he has
had during the last few days at Bal
moral with Lord Lansdowne, Mr. Brod-
rick, Lord Esher, who was president
of the South African war commission.
Lieut.. Gen Sir Kelly Kenny and other
military authorities, the king is said to
have EXPRESSED the opinion that Lord
Iansdowne's record as war secretary
was due more to the badness of the
system then in vogue than to any de-
feet in Lord LanSdowne'S own judg-
ment King Edward has not shared
the keen public indignation against
Lord L.ansdoWne aroused by the report
of the South African war commission.
and after a minute examination of the
circumstances he is said to have con-
sented to his lordship continuing as
foreign minister. This decision has not
prevented his majesty from telling the
ministers he wanted something done to
improve the military muddle. and that
he hoped some man would be appointed
who, with the commissions report as a
basis, would be capable of changing the
system which rendered ineff1ciency un-
avoidable.
The question of having some general,
notably Lord Kitchener, as head of the
war office has been keenly discussed at
Balmoral between the king and ministers,
but the Associated Press understand rho
consensus opinion was such an appoint
ment would be interpreted as modified
form of military dictatorship which the
public would never sanction
Dealing with the surmises upon some OF
the foregoing points the Morning Adver-
tiser today said: THE king has in this
national emergency resolved to play the
part of ruler instead of being content
with that of a figurehead-
Meantime every detail of the negotia-
tions for filling the vacancies in the cab
met is submitted to the king, who for
the time being has Transformed Balmoral
into the present center of the empire from
which, owing to the unusual influence at
work, several surprises may emanate-
Whatever the results may be, they can
safely be attributed to a large extent OF
the kings interest in the crisis.