The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1903-09-18
HAVE LEFT
THE CABINET
Chamberlain and Two Others Re.
sign Their Places in the
Ministry.
TEXT OF CORRESPONDENCE
Baifour Expresses Regret and
Hands the Retiring Pre-
mier u Rare Com
pliment.
TEXT OF CORRESPONDENCE

London. Sept. F.-Ofiicial announce
ment Of the designations OF Chamber
lain and two other members of the cab.
met was made tonight at Downing
street In the following communication
'The following ministers have tend.
cred their designations. which have been
accepted by the kipg: Right Hon.
Joseph Chamberlain, secretary for the
colonies; RI. Hon. T, Richie. chan
cellor Of the exchequer and Lord
George Hamilton. secretary for India.
THE accompanying correspondence
passed between the premier. Rt Hon.
\, j. Balfour, and Chamberlain" Then
follows chamberlaln's letter. dated
Birmingham, September .. commencing
MY Dear Balfour." In which he sets
forth his reasons for resignation.
The first portion OF this letter refers
10 chamocrlains first speech on the
subject al Birmingham and Balfours
reply 10 he corn deputation. Chamber
lain says neither Of them was lntnd-
ed 10 provoke purely party controversy.
He points out the unyielding opposition
OF the liberal party, which secuted the
idea that the system generally accepted
IN 1916 could possibly require modihca-
tion in 1893. Meanwhile. the advocates
or reconsideration were at great disad-
vantage, owing 10 the admitted differ
ences OF opinion inside the party. The
political organization of the party was
paralyzed. Chamberlain declares that
unscruplous use has been made OF
the old cry Of dear loaf and that SER
ious prejudice has been created. In his
letter he goes briefly over the same
ground regarding protection as did Bal
four In his recent statement.
'Balfour in his recent letter to Cham
beriain. dated September 10. explains
that he did not reply sooner because he
knew he would soon have an opportun-
ity OF talking over the important issues
with which the letter deals.
Therefore this reply" he says,
rather embodies the results Of our con-
versations than adds anything new tol
them"
Ralfonr continues: Agreeing, as l
do with you that the time has come
when a change should be made in the !
fiscal canons by which we bound oar
selves In our commercial dealings with |
other governments. 1t seems paradox
icai. indeed, that you leave the cabinet
at the same time others OF my col
leagues are leaving II who disagree on
every point with us both. Yet cannot
but admit there Is some force In your
IN support of that course,
based as they are upon your spec al
and personal relation with that p7r-
ton Of the controversy which deNs
with colonial preferences. You have
lone more than any man living or dead
u bring home TO citizens Of the empire
OF the imperial obligation
md interdepenience between the var
ous fragments into which the empire
s geographically divided, l feel,how-
yer. deeply concerned that you should
egard this conclusion, however well
ounded, as one making II difficult In
our very special circumstances for
ou to remain member OF the govern
nent. Yet do not venture In mat
err so strictly personal to raise any
bjection II you think It best to serve
he interests of imperial unity for
ihich you have done so much by ex-
resstng your views on colonial prefer
nee with a freedom which is possible
an independent position, but hardly
Dmpatlble with office.
How can criticlse your determina-
ons The loss to the government Is
reat indeed, but the gain to The cause :
ou have at heart may be greater :
III. II so, what can / do but ac- "
liesce?" -