Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-03
ALL DECIDE To RESIGN
Proposed Concerted Action by
Japanese Cabinet.
FRICTION OVER FINANCES
Coalition Ministry Is Expected to Be
the Outcome.
PREMIER SAI0NJI'S POSITION
Marquis Katsura, Former Prime
Minister, Most Likely to Sue
ceed Saionji.

TOXIC. July 3.-The Jiji, which is
Prime Minister Saionjrs organ. announces
that the cabinet will resign tomorrow on
account Of the prolonged Ill health of the
premier. Public opinion ascribes the res
ignation to friction between the genro.
or elder statesmen, and the cabinet over
the financial situation. 1t is expected
that coalition ministry composed Of ell
der statesmen and constitutionalists. or.
as they are otherwise called. the liberals.
will be the outcome. With this is con-
nected. in the public mind. the approach
ing return from Korea of Prince Ito, who
is the leader of the liberal party.
Marquis Saionji decided some days ago
to tender his resignation. He consulted
with the members of his cabinet. who de-
cided to lay down all their portfolios
also, and all the designations will be
rendered to the emperor in the morning.
Reasons for designations.
The nominal reason for Marquis Saionjis
resignation is i'll health. The cabinet are
all strict members of the seiyuka. or
constitutionalist party. and it was there
fore necessary that they resign with him.
The actual reason for the resignation of
the premier is understood to be the posi-
ton taken by Marquis Inouye. secretary
OF the home department. regarding the
future financial policy of Marquis Saionji
This includes retrenchment in the army
and navy, the postponement of public
works. demand for sinking fund and
the yearly repayment of loans. Marquis
Inouye recently attacked the present gov
ernment's policy regarding finances This
gave offense to Marquis Saionji. who
decided to resign.
The position the emperor may take
is not definitely known, but it is prob
able he will accept the designations.
In that event Marquis Katsura, a for.
mer premier. probably will succeed Mar
quis Saionja, although Admiral Count
Yamioto, former minister of marine. i.
strong candidate for the premiership
The best opinion, however. gives thi:
position to Marquis katsura, in which
event Count Komura. at present the Jap
anese ambassador at London. Is almos
certain to succeed Count Hayashi as min
lister of foreign affairs. Count Hayash
probably will succeed Count Komura al
London.
None Anxious for Portfolio.
1t is uncertain who will get the port.
folio of finance; no one is anxious to ac-
cept it. There will be no changes in the
ministries Of marine and war.
The genro. or elder statesmen. will be
consulted Immediately with regard to the
appointment of a premier. Marquis
Katsura is a member of the genro. and
Admiral Count Yamamoro has considera-
BILE influence therein. There is reason to
believe that Marquis Saionji will support
Marquis Katsura in the diet. Marquis
Saionji is the leader of the seiyuka, which
has majority in the diet. and Marquis
Katsura is the leader of the Baldo Club
which has forty votes. Such combina-
ton would give Marquis Katsura an alb
solute majority.
It is doubtful If any other man in the
post of premier could secure full par
liamentary support. In best informed cir
cles it is declared positively that the gen
eral policy of the government will not be
changed. The present program OF re-
trenchment will be carried out.