The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-15
Meeting at which Chancellor of the
Exchequer Richie Is Said to Have
offered Resignation.
!. NO CONCLUSION REACHED
ANOTHER SESSION OF THE CABINET
TO BE HELD TO-DAY.
Secretary Chamberlain HOOted i'm
Downing Street-LOrd LansdOwne's
Position Reported to BE Secure.

LONDON, Sept H.-An important meet
ing of the Cabinet was held to-day. The
ministers are divided on Mr.. Chamberlain's
fiscal proposals. Mr.. Richie, chancellor of
the exchequer, has expressed his determine
ton to resign. The meeting lasted until $50
p. m, when ii adjourned until tomorrow.
No special statement was made of what
transpired.
Not since the fateful day when the Cab
met framed an answer to Pr sident Kru-
gers ultimatum had such Gro, 'ds gathered
around Downing street. From early MORN
ing loiterers assembled here IN the hope
of catching a glimpse of the political lead
ers. However, when II was announced that
the Cabinet would not meet until o'clock
the spectators dwindled away. Mr.. BaIfour,
who arrived in London from Scotland yes
terday evening, went to Downing street
early. There a number of treasury officials
were closeted all morning with Mr.. Bal
tours secretaries. going over the statistics
on which the Cabinet is supposed to base it's
decision for or against free trade.
Upon the arrival of Mr.. Chamberlain at
Downing street he was loudly hooted. "A
crowd of laborers employed on the new gov
eminent buildings in course of erection
nearby joined in this unusual demonstration
against the colonial secretary. Mr.. Cham
berlain, who accompanied by Gerald
Balfour, president of the Board of Trade,
showed his customary indifference to this
reception. The police eventually were obliged
to form double lines from Mr.. Balfour S
house to the Foreign Office, so as to en-
able the Cabinet ministers TO enter the lat
ter place.
hours. 1t was learned that the predicted
division over Mr.. Chamberlain's fiscal pro-
posals actually occurred, and that par
tial reorganization of the Ministry Is prob
able Mr. Richie expressed his unalter-
able opposition to any change In the nscal
system, and nothing is believed TO have
occurred to modify the opinion mat ne
cheQuer. In spite of the South African
war commissioners severe criticism OF
Lord Transformers course as secretary Of
war. ii Is declared that he proposes to re-
main at the head of the Foreign Office.
and it was remarked by one who knows
his views that he has made quite differ
ent record in his present place than when
as war secretary he had to contend with
the opposition of Lord Wolseley.
Besides the fiscal question and the effect
war commissioners report, some attention
was given to the Balkan situation, but con-
fidence prevails that Great Britain will not
depart from her. policy of advocating the
continuance of the concert of the powers.
1t is conceded that the Cabinets discussion
Of the fiscal question Is closed for the pres
emit, and that the meeting tomorrow was
especially called for the purpose of further
considering business of altogether different
nature. Usually reliable sources state posi-
lively that the fiscal debate carried
through without fresh developments.
Amidst many conflicting reports agree
ment is found tonight in the most authori-
tative quarters one point, namely, that
Premier Balfour has again succeeded in in
ducing mis- colleagues to agree to some sort
of compromise which will keep the present
Ministry in office. though II will probably
be slightly reorganized. and that this COM
promise is most likely continuance of the
policy of inquiry" Any action on the
fiscal question will thus be shelved and for
the details of the compromise 1t will prob
ably be necessary TO wait for Mr.. Balfour S
promised speech on Oct. /.