New-York tribune., 1905-11-24
BALF0UR MAY RESIGN SOON
ENGLISH CRISIS At HAND.
Dissolution of Parliament Expected
Nay Be Elections IN January.

London, Nov. 24--ThfS mornings newspapers
are unanimous in their belief that the meeting
OF the Cabinet to-day will result in the resgna-
ton OF Premier Balfour
The speech of Sir Henry Campbell-B -Bannernan
at Stirling is the subject of much comment
owing TO his downright adoption OF home rule
for Ireland as plank Of the Liberal platform
The Unionist DAILY Telegraph" expresses its
eiation in an editorial. and contends that Sir
Henry is driving wedge into his own party
infinitely more destructive than the rift exist
ing In the Unonist party
London, Nov 23.-Tremendous activity de-
veloped in political circles to-day in consequence
of the circulation OF apparently well founded
report that Premier Balfour had decided to
bring his ministry to close, and to directly or
Indirectly appeal to the country.
Runors regarding the resignation of the Cab
met and the dissolution of Parliament have been
thick for three months past, but when two Of
the leading government organs to-day. almost
in the same terms. suggested" the immediate
resignation Of the Premier account OF the
unmendable breach in the Unionist party
the fiscal question, the suggestion was looked
upon as having been inspired by Mr.. Balfour
himself
This was strengthened by the knowledge that
prior to the publication of the editorials Mr..
official residence in Downing-st. These two
facts, when coupled led to the belief that the
Premier had intimated at the conference his
intention to resign, and as he had just re-
turned from visit to King Edward at Windsor
Castle it was believed that his majesty had been
informed of Mr.. Balfours intentions. Beyond
this, however, there is not the slightest official
confirmation of the report.
All political interest centres in the Cabi-
net meeting TO be held tomorrow at which
it is understood the situation will be discussed.
Some well informed persons go so far as to
say that Mr. Balfour will go from the meeting
to King Edward with the designations of him
self and the other members of the Cabinet
Conservative and Unionist papers are In favor
of the resignation of the Cabinet which will
place the Liberals on the defensive in case
Sir Henry Campbell Zimmerman consents TO
form a Cabinet. but the Radicals say that the
resignation Will only mean dissolution as Sir
Henry. if requested to form a Ministry, would
certainly decline to do so until the verdict OF
the people became known The Liberal papers
point out that, while Mr. BalfouF may attempt
this tactical move" they are confident it will
fail every side, and that therefore the dis
solution of Parliament is believed to be immi-
nent. There is no thought, however, that a
political campaign will be forced prior to the
where 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 T
prominent -trIioufst recently wrote TO the Pre-
mier, asking whether it would be considered /
disloyaI if he introduced early the next geS. /
sion a resolution bringing the whole fiscal aues- i
ton squarely before the House He told the |
Premier that the Untonsts got tired of being
tWitted concerning their attitude Oh the fiscal /
question in the last term of Parliament, when
they repeatedly declined to take part in de-
bates 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 intended to push
such resolution, which they believed would
mean defeat of the government.
The political situation has been radically
altered in the last week that even the govern
nent supporters longer argue that Mr. Bal
four has a sufficiently united party at his back
again to meet Parliament with the object of
any legislation to the public advan-
age. The Prenier's appeal to the Unionists at
a week ago to unite on his fiscal
policy has not met with much success On the
Joseph Chamberlain, the most power
ul private chamber member of the UniOnist
coalition directly Joined issue with his chief
Dy a speech at Bristol on Tuesday calling on
Unfonism to rally to the support of his own
more drastic fiscal proposals. which include a
5O-cent tax on grain.
The cleavage OF the party was thus more
aCCentuated and many Unionist poll
icians hold that no good purpose could be
served by a longer retention of office and that
he weakness of the party will only be further
,ccentuated by a peTpetuHt1on Of the existing
-valries between the two sections.
The Cabinet meeting called for tomorrow VIII
,e only the second held this fall, and the fact
hat there have been 80 few conferences between
he ministers is taken as another Indication OF
he innnence of a change of government.
on the Stock Exchange q definite announce
,oent of the resignation of the Cabinet was ex-
,ected at any time and the whole market to-day
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