East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1908-04-22

London. April 22.-Sir Henry
Campbell Bannerman died this morn
ing. The ex-premier passed away
peacefully. A pail of gloom is over
the islands.
Sir Henry sacrificed his life to the
demands of his counuymen. Instead
of taking care of his physical condi-
tion he continued TO perform the
strenuous duties of his office until
he was compelled to take to his bed.
His death will probably be followed
by a split In the liberal party. such
as occurred in the democratic party
I'm 1896 when Bryan was first noml-
mated. The severance Of the liberals
into a radical and conservative wing
will mean the return Of the conserva-
tlves into power. Campbell Banner
man had the great gift of concilia-
ton and his personality has kept the
divergent elements in his party to-
gether.
Sir Henry entered parliament in
1868 and three years later became
member OF Gladstune's first admin
istration. lie held office subsequent
~ in every liberal cabinet. In Glad
stones second administration he act
ed as secretary to Ireland and is the
only statesman Of note i'm English
politics who held that position and
retired not ruined either in reputa-
ton or ruined in health. Upon the
resignation Of BaIfour in 1905 he be-
came premier.
Herbert II. Acquith was appointed
his successor when he was compelled
To resign because of Illness and will
probably continue to hold the office
Sk@ch Of His Life.
The Right Honorable Sir Henry
Campbell Bannerman, who had been
British premier since 1905, had a long
and distinguished political career.
His command OF the liberal parlia- |
mentary party. with all its diverse
elements, was a marvel in personal
prowess. He ala not rule by any |
adroit diplomacy but almost wholly
by the confidence that all the diff !
ferent sections had in the essential
sincerity ~ his attitude. 1t has been
truthfully remarked that few public |
men have ever earned a place so
near TO the hearts of their political
supporters as Sir Henry in whose alb
solute honesty of purpose there was
entire confidence,
Sir Henry Campbell -Bannerman
was the second son of the late Sir
T., ,Ial Ar |
farshire, and was born in 1886. He
was educated at the University OF
GLASGOW, and at Trinity college, Cam
bridge. In 1872 he assumed the ad-
ditonal surname of Bamerman, un-
der the will OF his uncle, Mr.. Henry
Bannerman. Sir Henry owed his
wealth to the great drapery firm of
j. w Campbell g. Co., OF Glasgow
of which his father was the founder
He entered parliament in 1868, ana
continued to represent the Stirling
district until his death. He served in
turn as financial secretary of the war
secretary of the admiral
ty, chief secretary for Ireland and
twice secretary of state for war. He {
was elected liberal leader in ISebru-
ary, 1899, after the death Of Glad s
stone During the South African war t
his sentiments were OF decided pro- c
Boer character, with the result that
he split his party on the question. u
Sir Henry bore the brunt of the I
fight for several years in the house
IF commons. He bore, too, the oblo-
over his pro-Boer attitude. But he d
vas never seriously accused of dis q
oyalty, and his tinge of pro- Boerism b
was long ago forgiven by the public. t
While Sir Henry was universally d