The Irish standard., 1908-04-18

represented Stirling in parliament.
Throughout his political life he has
been u consistent and staunch advo-
cate of radicalisu and his political
faith has never wavcred. He did not
derive his politics from his family,
however, for his father, Sir James
Campbell. Il prosperous Glasgow mer-
chant, was one of the most devoted adj
herents OF the Tory party in Scot
land. while his brother sat for years
servative side.
His early years in parliament were
not eventful, but he became known
rather for his gentility and hospitality
than for his political sagacity which he
showed later. He had varied ex-
periencc in government. holding tho
positions of financial secretary to ad-
mirilty twice, secretary of state for war
and for IL brief time in lSs4-b, chief
secretary for Ireland. At that trying
period the Irish members were devot-
Ing their efforts to making the Office
almost untcnablc but Mr.. Bannerman
Che assumed tho name of his maternal
uncle. Ranncrman. under a. will and
acquir"d his title in 1850 met all their
attacks with unfailing good will and
ready wit. Tim" Hcaly complained
that Ireland was being governed by
| Scottish 1,S
comDlaincd that they could make no
impression on the Scottish sandbag."
He came more prominently before
the public eye when he took Office az
secretary for war in Gladstones last
government The great administrative
feat was to persuade the Duke Of
Cambridge to resign the position of
communicative chief OF the army. Tho
Duke was extremely reluctant to re-
tire, but he yielded to the war minis-
tors tactful pressure and resigned,
been completed and the necessary doc
uments signed the Liberal government
was defeated on the corditc vote and
resigned. Tho Duke then wished to
retract his decision. but it was too late.
A long period of depression of the
Liberals followed and Sir Henry Camp
bell Banncrman had trying time in
keeping clear of the cross currents
which ultimately led to Harcourt's
resignation of the leadership Of tho
party. which was badly disunited.
There was not a moments doubt as
to who was to succeed him, and by a
unanimous vote Of the party, Banner
man was chosen in February, 1899, to
be it's leader.
The general elections in 1905 swept
Liberals into power and Campbell-
Bannerman was chosen prime minister,
The Office gave him additional strength
and f1rmness and the way in which he
controlled and swayed his huge ma
jority impressed all parliamentarians
so that there was no longer any tens
dency to underrate his ability He
quickly established himself in the af-
fections Of the new house of commons
and the expression of his wish counted
for more than the most strongly word
ed whip" The responsibility of high
Office in no way dampened his good
spirits and his play of humor. His re-
plies during the question hour. which
is a feature of the British parliament
were always anticipated eagerly with
the assurance that he would say some
good things. He seldom disappointed
the house. He evaded awkward in
quiries with skill and good humor,
which charmed all parties.
Warned by his physician eleven
years ago that his constitution would
not endure the strain incident to cab
met position, Sir Henry Campbell-Ban-
herman thought the rewards incident
al to political strife worth the risk.
I'm 1905. when he had become premier