The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1904-03-13
BALANCE OF POWER is
HELD BY CHAMBERLAIN
BaIfour Holds Office by Grace of the Protection
Apostle.
Episodes Of the Past Week Pesage the Early Downfall of the
Conservative Government.

ONION. March 12.-The continued
existence Of the present govern
ment after the past eventful week
in parliament creates surprise even
among its most faithful supporters.
Premier Balfow kept the cabinet in
power by a majority Of fortysix gained
at the expense of what is universally
admitted 10 be a personal defeat for
the premier For the first time since
the fiscal question became a live issue
in British politics. Joseph Chamber
lain's followers showed their strength
and intentions.
No less than 10 members Of the
house of commons put themselves on
record this week as willing 10 turn over
BalfOur rather than sacrifice their ad-
herence to Mr. Chamberlain's out-and
out protectionist principles As re-
suit, Mr.. Balfour has foregone his per
sonal policy OF retaliation and retains
office only by the support of those
members Of parliament who openly up
hold preferential and protective duties.
This section of the Uniunist party,
though strong enough TO decide the
fate Of the ministry, is not strong
enough to effect anything as an indt-
vidual unit.
Split in the Cabinet.
The complications within the unionist
party came during the week 20 an al
most Gilbertian climax. Even the Satur-
day Review, which supports Mr- Bal
tours policy. holds that ne lost more
than he gained 1y his comparatively mar
row ma iOrjty of fOrty-three. On all sides
il is admitted that "a dissolution OF par
lament alone can solve the existing con-
ditiOns. The cabinet itself. 80 recently
constructed has been on the verge Of a
serious split. During tho week Austin
Chamberlain the chancellor OF the eX-
chequer. Colonial Secretary I.ittletou and
several minor members of the govern
ment threatened to resign unless Mr. Bal
four withdrew his support Of the motion
which denounced Joseph Chamberlain
proposed preferential duties based on the
taxation of food. Besct within and with
out. Mr. BalfCur gave in to the Cham
berlainites and still further antagOniZed
those free trade unionists the Duke OF
DeVOnshire. Lord Ralfour of BUrleiEh.
Charles T. Ritchie, Lord George Hamil-
ton and Sir John Gorst. formerly his col
leagues. and their supporters
A Personal Attack.
In addition to these difficulties in which
the fiscal question has involved what is
known as 4'the strongest government Of
modern times Mr.. Balfour has been
subjected to personal attack which
heightened public Interest in the proceed
ings At Westminster.
As announced in these dispatches. Lord
LansdowDe and Mr.. Broderick bitterly
resent the implied criticism az their adj
miuistration OF the war office as con-
tanned IN the communications of Mr..
BalfOurs army reorganiza zion commit
tee. y cartoon in liberal afternoon pa
per rather SatiriZeS the conditions within
the cabinet. representing Lord LanS-
dOwne and Mr.. Frederick as firing revolv-
ers across the clbinet table at War Sec
rotary Arnold Forster. while Mr.. Balfour
hides under the table.
Balfour's Explanations.
Mr. BaIfour's explanations of his con-
duct toward the Duke of DeVonshire,
Lord George Hamilton and Mr. Richie,
in connection with their designations from
the cabinet. and his alleged suppression
of Mr.. Chamberlain's Withdrawal from