The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-24
Insists ON Reforms. Especially in the
Army, and that Only Strong Men
BE Accorded Portfolios.
THE BRITISH TARIFF MUDDLE
MIR. BLACK, VI. r., PUBLISHES CHAM
BERLAIN CORRESPONDENTS.
Intimates the Former Colonial Secre-
da's German Negotiations.

LONDON, Sept. 2S.-The political crisis
has taken on phase which lends to the
present situation an historical and consti-
tutional Importance of almost unprece-
dented interest The King has interfered
not unconsttutionaly or beyond the pow
ers vested in the crown, but in the exer-
else of his prerogatives, TO an extent never
dreamed of in the Victorian
Premier Balfour's continued presence at
Balmoral has given rise TO much surmise
and comment but the Associated Press
is able to say definitely that it is due to
the Kings determination not to assent to
the formation of a new Cabinet until thor
oughly satisfied that its personnel and COM
bination such to assure the efficient
carrying on of the affairs of the empire,
pending the resumption Of Parliament.
For years Cabinets were formed or MN
isteria vacancies filled with the mere for
NAL presentation 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 discus
sion with Mr.. BaIfour as to the advisa bill
~, from the point of view of the national
welfare. of Balfour's suggested appoint
ments. Ministers now holding Office and
those nominated for Office have been sum-
moned To Balmoral TO join in these con-
ferences and all have been subjected TO a
degree of Interrogation such as has sur
prised even those who knew King Edward
intimately as Prince of Wales.
To such AN extent is King Edward hold
ing his power of veto in reserve that now
he is almost regarded by the inner circles
as more the Cabinet-maker than MIR. Bal
four himself. Though, with his usual tact.
the King has refrained from expressing
any political views or Infringing the in
itiative belonging 10 the ministers, this has
not prevented him expressing his genuine
desire. amounting almost to "a command,
that steps b. taken to remedy the scan
dals in the army administration, revealed
by the report of the South African War
Commission and insisting that the new
Cabinet shall lee one adapted TO deal with
that question
After the long conversations he has held
during the last few days at Balmoral with
Lord Lansdowne, Mr.. Broderick Lord
Fisher, who was president of the South
African war commission; Lieutenant Cen
eral T. kelly-kenny. and other military au-
thorities, the King is said 10 have expressed
the opinion that Lord Lansdowne's rec
ord 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 Edward has not shared the
keen public Indignation against Lord Lans-
downe aroused by the report of the South
African war commission and after a minute
examination of the circumstances he is
understood TO have consented to his lord
ship continuing as foreign minister This
decision has not prevented His Majesty
frankly telling the ministers that he wanted
something done to improve the military
mudde and that he hoped some man would
be appointed who. with the commission S
report as basis. would be capable of
changing the system which rendered inefi-
cheney unavoidable.
The question OF having some general.
notably Lord Kitchener, head of the
war office. has been keenly discussed at
Balmoral between the King and the min
listers, but the Associated Press under
stands that the concensus OF opinion was
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5. COL. 3D.