Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-07-21
Mr.. RaIfnnr,s Defeat

the vote on the motion to reduce the
membership of the Irish land commits
sion, on which the government was de-
feated in the House of Commons last
night, shows that the majority of the
opposition was four, instead of three
votes, as at first announced. Premier
Balfour will summon the cabinet for q
meeting at which it will be decided
whether the ministry will resign or shall
demand a new vote on the question.
If second vote is taken, it would al
most certainly result in government
majority.
The conservative newspapers advise
the government to continue in office,
while the liberal papers declare that
Mr.. Ballour will eDdanger the British
constitution, if be fails to resign.
There is no doubt that Englshmen
generally would welcome the retirement
of the cabinet, but Mr.. Ballour realizes
that if he should retire at this time, the
liberals would be sure to be returned to
power by tremendous majority.
The general belief is that Mr.. BalfOur
intends TO hang on to his Office in the
hope that the antagonism which is felt
for him throughout the country at pres
eDt will die out, and that the conserva-
tive party will be able to win general
election next year.
When the House met this morning,
the opposition prepared to follow up the
advantage gained last night, and at
tempted to force the government to give
some idea of its intentions. When the
Scottish ecclesiastical bill came up for
discussion, Sir Henry Campbell Banner
man, leader of the liberals, moved to re-
port progress for the purpose of forcing
an adjournment of the House until Mon
day, when Premier Baliour has promised
to make a statement in regard to his
position to the House. The liberal
leader based his motion on the ground
that no business should be transacted
after the defeat of the government last
night
Pre- oier BaIfour opposed the motion,
and made a statement to the House, say
ing that he would not ask the members
TO take up any party measures or to 60
through with the order OF the day, but
that, as the ecclesiastical bill is not Of
nature to arouse controversy, he hoped
the House would continue its session.
The motion of Sir Henry Campbell
Bannerman was then put and was voted
down without a division being called.
After a short discussion of the ecce
siastical bill, Sir Alex. Asland Hood, the
chief government whip" moved that
the House adjourn. The motion was
carried unanimously.
The greatest excitement prevailed
throughout the sitting, and the proceed.
ings were carefully followed by large
crowds IN the galleries.
Premier Baf0ur was received with
great ovation from his followers when
he entered the chamber. He gave no
indication, however, of what his inten-
lions are in regard to resigning
This morning Balfour after hasty con-
ferences with some of the his principal
advisers decided to call meeting of the
Cabinet to decide whether the ministry
should resign Or 60 before the House OF
COmmons and demand new vote of
condolences. If vote of confidence is
demanded it will be given by a fair ma
jority by drumming up members absent
last night. Yet essentially such vote
would be a huke and would increase
popular Indignation. Balfour knows
this, and may be induced to resign out |
of hand.
Today Mr.. Baliour faced the issue of
imminent resignation or further hopeless
fight. II the Balfour Cabinet resigns !
new election will at once be called. Ii |
is almost certain that if an election is |
now held the liberal free trade majority |
against both conservatives aud national |
lets will be from 30 to l00 q much larger !
majority than Gladstone was ever able |
to bring to the support of home rule,
even when he counted on all the Irish
members. Sir Henry Campbell Banner
man is the liberal party leader, and
would be premier.
London, July 2l-It is reported in
lobby circles about the House of Com
mons that at the meeting OF the Cabinet
held this afternoon it was decided to re-
sign. There is no confirmation of TIE
report.
A more serious view of the defeat of
the government on the vote last night is
taken this afternoon. That the situation
is grave, 20 far as the continuance of the
ministry is concerned, is admitted even
in conservative quarters. Several con
servatiye members of Parliament have
given anonymous interviews declaring
that they believe dissolution shOuwld fol-
Low The vote of last night.