New-York tribune., 1906-12-25
PLANS OF MIR. BRYCE.
TO LEAVE ENGLAND SOON.
Ne5C Ambassador May Be Leading
Delegate at The Hague.

London. Dec M.-James Bryce. the retiring
Chief Secretary for Ireland. who is TO succeed
Sir Mortimer Durand as British Ambassador at
Washington. Is arranging to start for the United
States in about three or four weeks. In the
mean time he has begun TO close up his business
affairs. first going 10 Dublin. where he IS now
comforting with the Lord Lieutenant the Earl
Of Aberdeen. concerning the transfer Of Irish
business. Mr.. Bryce then Will visit his con-
stituents at Aberdeen. returning later 70 Lon
don. In order to close his residence and hold
fnal conference with the Foreign Secretary.
Sir Edward Grey. concerning AngIo-American
questions before sailing for New York It Is
hardly probable that Mr.. Bryce viii again enter
the Irish Office. his desk is cleared and
papers being adjusted for his successor.
These preparations for Mr.. Brycs's Depart
ure for Washington are being made. although
his appointment as ambassador has not been
officially announced The delay is ascribed to
the forrralities leading up to the King signing
the royal warrant and to the necessary applica-
tion TO the Chancellor OF the ExcheqUer for the
dissolution OF Mr.. Bryce's parliamentary ser
vice. the latter requirement being due 70 the
fact that member OF Parliament cannot re-
sign. the only way OF terminating his service
being TO apply TO the Chancellor OF the Ex-
chequer for a Crown appointment. which would
ment AS soon these formanties are con-
cluded the official announcement OF Mr.. Bryces
appointment To the Washington post Will be
made. The early departure OF Sir Mortimer
Durand's successor is designed 70 give the lat
ter several weeks In Washington prior 20 the
adjournment Of Congress. thus permitting a re-
newal OF the acquaintance made az the time OF
his last visit, when he had the privilege OF the
floor Of the House OF Representatives and was
invited to occupy seat at the Speakers desk
The personal appearance OF Mr.. Bryce has
considerably changed since then, his Iron-gray
hair and closely cropped beard having turned
white This has not aged him perceptibly.
however, as he continues TO display those strik-
ing marks OF intellectual vigor and engaging
personality which have given him the reputa-
ton OF being one OF the most agreeable con-
versationalists IN England
The closing OF Mr.. Bryce's London home points
to the probability that Mrs Bryce will accom-
pany her husband TO Washington Mrs. Bryce's
grandmother was an American and she pre-
serves many American characteristics and asso-
Citations Up TO the present time Mr.. and Mrs.
Bryce have moved rather more among intellect
ual than fashionable society. They have not
entertained extensively, although since Mr..
Bryce has been member OF the Cabinet Mrs
Bryce's Cabinet receptions have been notable for
their geuiaIity.
The opinion IS growing stronger IN official and
diplomatic circles here that Mr.. Bryce win be
named head Of the British delegation 70 the next
Hague Peace Conference. and II Is pointed out
that this VIII be another evidence of Great Brit
aims desire 10 cooperate with the United
States. as Mr.. Bryce's presence in Washington
prior 10 going to The Hague might permit an
arrangement for the pursuance OF joint policy
there II IS expected that France viii Join the
movement as a result OF the Anglo French
understanding, thus permitting the United
States, Great Britain and France 70 exercise an
important influence on the final results to be-
achieved at The Hague
Reports have been recently IN circulation IN
certain capitals OF Europe to the effect that
Great Britain was opposed TO the American plan
Of submitting the Drago doctrine 70 the Hague
tribunal but the official exchanges going on here
have not disclosed the slightest opposition on
the part Of Great Britain TO this step On the
contrary, the indications are that Great Britain
IS ready 70 submit the question OF the Drago
doctrine TO the conference, but may reserve
final action thereon until Il has been discussed.
No definite arrangements. however. regarding
the questions to be submitted at The Hague
have vet been made, and Mr.. Bryces presence
IN Washington and his probable appointment to
head the British delegation TO The Hague are
expected to contribute TO arrangement where
by Great Britain and the United States may act
alCng parallel lines