The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1903-09-24
KING CEASES
( TO POSE AS
FIGUREHEAD
Edward Assumes
Actual Control
Of Affairs.
axes Cabinet ReOr-
ganizatiOn Out of
BalfOur'S Hands.
Leadiustment of Britain'S
Military System One
Of His Demands.

LONDON. Sept. 28.-The political crisis
has taken on a phase which lends to the
present situation an historical and con-
stitutional importance Of almost unpre-
cedented interest. The King has inter
fered-not unconsdtutionally or beyond
the powers vested in the crown. but in
the exercise Of his prerogatives-to an
extent never dreamed Of in the Victorian
era.
Premier Balfour's continued presence
at Balmoral has given rise to much sur
mise and comment but the Associated
Press is able TO state definitely that it is
the Kings determination not 10 assent to
the formation Of a new Cabinet until
thoroughly satisfied that its personnel
and combination is such as TO insure the
efficient carrying out Of national affairs
pending the resumption OF Parliament
For years previous Cabinets were ap-
pointed or Ministerial vacancies filed by
the mere presentation 10 the sovereign Of
the names Of the new Ministers King
Edward has done away with this -tradi-
ton. He has spent the last few days in
constant conference with Balfour as to
the ACCESSIBILITY. from the point Of view
Of the welfare Of the nation. OF the lat
tiers suggested appointments Ministers
now holding Office and those nominated
for Office have been summoned TO Bal
moral 10 Join IN these conferences and all
have been subjected TO a degree of inter
rogation such as has surprised even those
who knew King Edward intimately as
the Prince Of Wales.
BOTH KING AND PREMIER.
To such an extent is the King holding
his power of<veto in reserve that he is
now almost regarded by the inner circles
as more the Cabinet maker than Balfour
himself.
Though with his usual tact the King
has refrained from expressing any polit-
zeal views OF infringing on the Ministers
prerogatives, this has not prevented him
expressing his desires, amounting almost
to a command, that steps be taken to
remedy the scandals in the army admin
istration, 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 Balmoral
with Lord Lansdowne, Brodrick, Lord
Usher. who was president Of the South
African war commission; Lieutenant Gen
eral Kenny-KelIy and other military au-
thorities, the King is said to have ex-
pressed the opinion that Lord Lans-
downe's record as War Secretary was
due more 10 the badness Of the system
then in vogue than to any defect in Lord
Lansdowne's own judgment. King Ed
dignation against Lord Lansdowne arous-
ed by the report Of the South African war
commission, and after a minute examina-
ton Of the circumstances he is under
stood 10 have consented TO his lordship
continuing as Foreign Minister.
WANTS SYSTEM CHANGED.
This decision has not prevented the
King telling the Ministers that he wanted
something done 10 improve the military
rnuddle and that he hoped some man
would be appointed who. with the com
missions report as basis, would be
capable Of changing the system which
rendered ineficiency unavoidable. The
question Of having some general, notably
Lord kitchener, as head Of the War Of
fee has been keenly discussed at Balmor-
al between the King and the Ministers,
but the consensus Of opinion was that
such an appointment would be interpret
ed IS modified form Of military dictat-
srship. which the public would not sane
ton.
Dealing with the surmises upon some
Of the foregoing points, the Morning Ad-
vcrtiser to-day said:
The King in this national emergency
resolved to play the part Of a ruler in
stead Of being content with that Of a
ngurehead."
Meantime every detail Of the negotia-
lions for filling the vacancies in the Cabi-
net is submitted 70 the Kink who, for the
time being, has transformed Balmorai in
10 the political center Of the empire from
which. owing 10 the unusual influences
AT work. several surprises may emanate
Whatever the results may be they can
safely be attributed in a large extent to
the Kings interest IN the crisis.
VICTORY FOR CONSERVATIVES.
A bye-election was held at Rochester to-
day 10 replace Viscount Cranborne, who
resigned his seat In the House Of Com