The Washington times., 1908-04-22
Sir Henry CampbeII-B Ban
herman Prevented
Party Split.
Had Long and Prominent
Career in British
Politics.

LONDON. Apr. 22-The former pre-
mier, Sir Henry CampbelI-Bannerma
died AT e-l5 o'clock this morning He
had been III for many weeks. and re
signed less than a month ago owing 10
the growing seriousness OF his condi-
ton. He succumbed 70 heart disease
Sir Henry Campbeu-BauEerInan was
the first Liberal prime minister in Eng
land since Lord ROsebery's surr> >nder
Of the government reins ~ lS95.
He assumed Office at a tiyy-v when the
radical and conservative wings Of his
party were already threatening a po-
litical separation, but brought chem To-
gether by his skill as a COncDi iatOT. and
held them firmly up 70 "a, moment Of
his retirement.
The general opinion among British
politicians is that the truce cannot con
tinue without him. and If The present
premier. Herbert Asquth. remains r2any
months in power, England viii be much
surprised
Like Bryan Schism-
The division in the party has been
likened TO that among the Democrats in
the Urited States following the nomi-
nation Of William J. Bryan.
AsquIth, Sir Henry's successor, Is
compared 10 Cleveland He is quite un-
able to understand the ideas Of the
radical element. and. being a ran Of
aggressive personality rather tran Il
couciliator like his predecessor, mikes
no attempt even TO conceal his prefer
ence for a party break rather than sur
render on any point OF divergence
The BRYAN" OF he liberal organiZa-
ton has not vet Been developed. but
so restless are many of the radicals
growing that there are indications Of
an early secession on their part from
the Liberal ranks even under the lead
ership OF d statesman of the second
class
Was Born in 1896
Sir Henry Campbell Zimmerman was
born September Z, 1886 in Forfarshire
Scotland, the son Of Sir James Campbell.
of Stracathro. He assumed the addi-
tionaI name OF Banuerman under the
will OF a maternal uncle. who left him
E large fortune; was educcted at Glas-
gov University and Trinity Collegs
Cambridge; and entered early upon po-
litical life.
In the house Of commons he represent
ed Stirling uninterruptedly from 1865
uniu his death In the business Of gov
ernment he had a varied experience.
ho'ding the post Of financial secretary
10 the war office twice. secretary Of
state for war twice, secretary 70 the
admiralty, and chief secretary for Ire
land
Becomes Liberal Leader.
In 1893 he became leader Of the Liberals
in the house Of commons. He never
lost his head or his suavity during many
trying parliamentary battles and when.
after prolonged pickering between his
party factions. the King offered him the
premiership in December, 1906. he was
able to give assurance OF his ability
to form a strong and united cabinet.
The Office gave him additional strength
and firmness and his administration was
successful throughout.
He was not a brilliant statesman. but
his sound. common sense. and unfailing
courtesy served him IN better stead
than the genius OF some OF his prede-
cessors. He made no pretensions TO ora
tory, and was never a ready debater
but with sufficient time for prepara-
ton, could make an excellent speech.
and on a few occasions reached the
point Of real eloquence.
Illness and advancing age began TO
tell on him several months ago. and
when King Edward was preparing for
his recent vacation in France. he did
not try hard to cor zeal the fact that he
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