Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-04-06
PREMIER CAMPBELL.
BANNERMAN RESIGNS.
State Of Health Forces 1.-THE King
Sends For Herbert Asquith---No
Other Cabinet Changes.

without either Il premier or minis
terry. The long expected resignation
of Sir Henry mpbell-Banncrnan,
the prime minister, was officially an
nounced. According to- the court cir
cular Ire resigned Oh tho urgent recon-
mendation of his medical advisers. AS
the constitution of the country pro-
vides automatic successor because it
rests with the King to choose a new
head of the government and, in ac-
cordance with custom and precedent.
the whole cabinet resigns with the pre-
nier, no step to appoint ministery
can be taken until Herbert Esuuith
the chancellor of the eXchcquer. who
has been summoned to Biarrtz for the
purpose, has seen the King.
The position Of the country is quite
unprecedented, there being no previous
example of change occurring in the
Premiership while the sovereign was
abroad. On this account. the course Of
procedure to be followed is open to
some doubt.
Sir Henry's condition remains un-
changed. according to the physicians
bulletin posted today. The King in
tclegraphing his acceptance of the pre-
micr'S resignation expressed his. re-
gret and esteem with best wishes for
Sir Henry's condition. Chancellor IS
quith. who has been acting premier
for some time past will leave for
Biarritz probably tomorrow morning.
At cabinet meeting this morning,
specially called. he submitted the pre-
nier's resignation and the situation
was fully discussed.
Although so long anticipated, the ac-
tual announcement Of the premers
resignation had not been looked for
for some days yet, and comes some
what as surprise to the country. Sir
Henry's resignation was not due. to
any sudden impairment of his physical
condition. On the contrary. among his
friends his resignation is regarded
rather as a good sign that the doctors
are now more hopeful Of his recovery
when relieved from the anXieties of
office.
Monday. (April 81 had been fixed for
Mr. Asquith to move in the House of
Commons the second reading of the
licensing bill. The measure is regard
ed as the most dangerous Of all the
government bills to the minister's ten
ure Of Office Under the changed con-
ditiOns, the debate probably will be
postponed until after Easter and adj
journment of Parliament will be NOV
ed to enable the chancellor to proceed
to Barritz to kiss hands on his APP
pointmcnt as premier and submit his
proposals for the reconstruction of the
cabinet. 1t may be inferred that no
l,y,S.i
before the House of Commons until
the new ministers arc appointed.
Speculation in this matter is most ac-
tive in all political centcrs tonight. 1t
is regarded now As practically certain
that David yd-Gcorgc. president of
the board of trade will succeed Mr..
Asquith as chancellor and that Sir ed
ward Grey will retain his portfolio as
foreign secretary. but nothing can be
predicted with certainty.
Among the interesting predictions is
that Winston Spencer Churchill. under
secretary for the colonies will take the
place of the Earl of Elgin as colonial
secretary aud that Lord Tweedmouth.
first lord of the admiralty, will with
draw to accept some other Office.
Mr. Asuuith resolutelv declined to-
night to be drawn into any statement
of the situation.
Among the general public Mr..
Asquitl is looked upon rs showing the
highest career open to talent. having
at a comparatively early age, from an
insignificant beginning attained the
highest position in the state. No body
doubts his consummatc ability and ad-
ministrativc capacity. The only ques-
ton in mems minds, is whether he mas
the art of managing men. He is said
to lack the personal enthusiasm and
charm of manner which distinguished
his famous predecessors and which is
regarded as one of the first essential
in securing followers.
Mrs Asquith was once described by
Gladstone as one of the clcvcreSt young
women he ever met She is an admir-
able political hostess and will be in
valuable to her husband in his new
position.
London, April 5.-It was officially
announced tonight that the King had
accepted the resignation of Sir Henry
Campbell Bannerman, the British
prime minister.
Sir Henry's condition remains UNI
changed, according to the physicians
bulletin posted today. The King in
telegraphing his acceptance of the pre-
mier's resignation. conveyed an ex-
preston of his regret and esteem. with
best wishes for Sir Henrys recovery.
No further official announcement
with regard to cabinet changes has
heen made, but the King has sum
moned Herbert AsQuith, chancellor of
the excheauer. and the latter will start
Cor Biarritz where the King is So
journing, probably tomorrow after
noon. The chancellor, who has been
acting premier in place of Sir Henry
Campbell Zimmerman. called a meeting
of the cabinet this morning to submit
the premier's resignation and to dis
cuss the course of business.
The resignation of Sir Henry Camp
bell Bannerlnan, the first Liberal prime
minister of England since Lord Rose
berry gave up office in 1895. has its
dramatic phase for as he passes from
the stage, the mixed forces which he
held together as a party appears also