Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-11-24
May BE MADE, TODAY.
Interest Centers in T0day's Cabinet
Meeting===Party Influences
Against BalfOur. !:

London, Nov. 23.-Tremendous activ-
lty developed in political circles, today
consequent on the circulation of a we'll
founded report that Premier Balfour
had decided to bring his ministry to a
close and to directly or indirectly ap-
peal to the country. RumOrs regarding
the resignation Of the cabinet and the
dissolution of Parliament have been
thick for three months past but when
two of the leading government organs,
today, almost in the same terms "Sug-
gested" the immediate resignation of
the premier on account of the unmenda-
bic breach in the Unionist party over
the fiscal question, the Suggestion
was looked upon as having been in
spired by Mr.. Balfour himself. This was
strengthened by the knowledge that
prior to the publication of the editori-
ais, Mr.. BaliOur met certain influential
persons at his official residence in
Downing street.
These two facts. when coupled led to
tie belief that the premier had init
mated at the conference his intention to
resign, and as he had Just returned
from a visit to King Edward at Wind
scr Castle. it was believed that His
Majesty had been informed of Mr.. Bal
tours intentions. Beyond this however,
there is not the slightest official con-
firmation of the report.
All political interest now centers in
the cabinet meeting to be held. tomor-
row, at which it is understood the sit
uation will be discussed. Some well-in-
formed persons go so far as to say that
Mr. Balfour will go from the meeting
to King Edward with the designations
of himself and the other members of
the cabinet.
Conservative and Unionist papers are
in favor of tho rcSignati ton of the cab
met which will place the Liberals on
the defensive in case Sir Henry Camp
beil-Banncrman consents to form a
cabinet. but the Radicals say that the
resignation will only mean dissolution
as Sir Henry. if requested to for ma
ministry, would certainly decline to do
SO until the verdict of the people be-
came known. The Liberal papers point
out that while Mr.. Balfour may at
tempt this tactical move" they are
confident it will fail on every side and
that therefore, the dissolution of Par
lament is believed to be imminent.
There is no thought, however, that a
political campaign will be forced prior
to the beginning of the year with the
elections somewhere about the end of
January.
The Associated Press understands
that forces have been at work inside
the party for some time to bring about
the present situation. One prominent
Unionist recently wrote to the premier
asking whether it would be considered
disloyal If he introduced early in the
next session a resolution bringing the
whole fiscal question squarely before
the House. He told the premier that
the Unonists were tired of being twit-
ted concerning their attitude on the
fiscal question in the last term of Par
lament when they repeatedly declined
to take part in debates or divisions in
difference to the wishes of Mr.. Balfour.
The premier's reply was not given out,
but The Associated Press understands
that in any event the Unionists intend
to push such a resolution which they