The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-04-07
CHANGES IN CABINET
BRITISH MINISTER'S HOLD INFOR- : NAL CONFERENCE.
Herbert N. Asquith, the Premier-EIe
 Hears Views of His Colleagues ---To Avoid Possible Elec- E. tion Contests.

Ia
 London. April s.--An informal con- ference of ministers under the presi- dency of Herbert H. Asquith, Chancel- Tor of the Exchequer. was held prior to the commencement of today's sit- ting in Parliament and the situation was discussed in a general way, the Premier-elect being anxious to hear the views of his colleagues relative to the prospect of cabinet changes now that the necessity of It's reconstruction has actually sssaterialized.
 In view of the lack of success at the recent elections, the cabinet will be re- arranged so as to avoid as far as possi- ble the election contests made neces- sary when members of the House of Commons or holders of under secre- taryships are elected to cabinet rank. David Lloyd George President of the Board of Trade. is still hot fayorite for the chanceliorship. although Mir. Haldane, who shares the Liberal -Impe- rialist tendencies of Mr. Asquith, is Iin derstood to be a candidate for the same portfolio. There is no hurry, however. about the various assignments. as Mir. Asquith will retain the chancellorship ip until the budget has been introduced after the Easter recess. Should Mir. Birrell, the chief Secretary for Ireland. be slated for change of office. 1t is an open secret that John Burns now President of the local government board. would be quite content to re- place Mir. Birrell as head of Irish off, flee.
 It seems quite likely that Lewis Har- court, who is considered something of an American because of his American mother and wife. will be Included In the new cabinet. and the name of Wins ton Churchill also figures in most of the new cabinet lists. Apart from forecasting the new cabinet, the dis cussion In the House of Commons lob by today turned chiefly on the prob able effect of Campbell Bannerman,s retirement on the ministerial coalition. 1t Is undlsputed that the ex-Premier's tact and popularity were the moral bond holding together the influential but somewhat diecordant clements which have been in power up to this time. s'sF
 The Liberal leaders appear to be quite well satisfied with the situation but some of them question the power of such an imperiaisst as Asquith to keep the laborites and socialists from breaking away from all allegiance to the governments coalition. On the other hand Timothy HeaIey's vitriolic denunciatlon of Mir. Asquith,s attitude during the recent home rule debate in the House of Commons, appears to
 
 rather slender bond which attaches the Irish -Nationaiists to- the existing ad- ministration. she"
 The,IIouse of Commons was crowded this afternoon when Mr. Asqulth rose to make his anticipated statement on the political crisis.
 He was greeted with hearty cheers as he began to, speak.
 Since the House rose on Friday" said Mir. Asqulths @the King has been pleased to accept the. resignation of the Prime Minister and the govern ment now Is without q head This sis not the occasion. wheDit would be pos- sible or appropriate to do Justice to the great qualities of, our revered and trusted chief, or to enlarge upon his long and splendid services to the State. For. the moment will not trust my self to do more than to say that in the annals of our history. there Is no man who, after long years spent in the thick of public opinion. has ever laid down the highest ofice under the crown more universally and deservediy beloved. There Is not single man in any quarter of this House who does not feel that this is personal loss"
 He went on to state that 1t was clear that public business could not proceed effectively at this time and he proposed that the House adjourn un- til April 14. at which time. after the transaction of formal business 1t would re-adjourn for the Easter recess.
 Mfr. AsQuith's proposal was then adopted and the House adjourned. Fol- lowing the adjournment. cabinet dis cussion was resumed in the lobbies. It appears that MT. Asquith is awaiting the arrival of the Kings messenger from Biarritz with dispatches which are expected to intimate the Kings wishes regarding the Premier elects attendance on his majesty. When the Kings wishes become definitely known. Mir. Asquith win make his arrange, ments for. the journey. Mr. Redmond and other Irish leaders. said this af- ternoon that they thought there was no chance for a change in the Irish secretaryship and that Mfr. BirFeil would be left In charge until after the hearing of the Irish University scheme. Mir Mooreiy. who naturally had first claim for choice of portfolios, and who Is thought to have a hankerinE for the chancellorship of the Exchequer, Is now said to have definitely rsnounced all claim to that position.