The Globe-republican., 1908-04-09

Sunday. The king, in telegraphing his
acceptance Of the premier's resigna-
tion, conveyed an expression Of his
regret and esteem, with best wishes
for Sir Henry's recovery.
No further official announcement
with regard to cabinet changes has
been made but the king has summoned
Herbert H. Asquith, chancellor of the
exchequer and the latter will start for
Biarritz, where the king is sojourning
probably Monday afternoon. The
chancellor, who has been acting
premier in place of Sir Henry Camp
bell-Bannerman, called a meeting of
the cabinet Sunday morning to submit
the premier's resignation and discuss
the course Of business.
The position of the country is quite
unprecedented, there being no previ-
GUS example Of change occurring in
the premiership while the sovereign
was abroad. On this account the
coLrse of procedure to be followed is
In some doubt.
Although SO long anticipated, the
actual announcement Of the premier's
resignation had not been looked for
for some days yet, and comes some
what as surprise to the country. Sir
Henry's condition had shown some
slight Improvement recently and his
resignation was not due to any sudden
impairment of his physical condition.
On the contrary, among his friends his
resignation is regarded rather as
good sign that the doctors are now
more hopeful of his recovery.
An informal conference of ministers
under the presidency of Herbert H.
Asquith, chancellor of the exchequer,
was held prior to the commencement
Of Maniay's sitting of parliament, and
the situation was discussed in a gen.
eral way, the premier-elect asked to
hear the views of his colleagues rela-
tive to the prospective cabinet
changes, now that the necessity of its
reconstruction has actually material 4
lied. In view of the lack of success
at the recent elections the cabinet
will be rearranged so as to avoid as
far as possible the election contests
made necessary when the members of
the house of commons or holders of
under secretaryships are elected to
cabinet rank.
The house of commons was crowd
ed Monday afternoon when Mr.. AS
quith rose to make his anticipated ad
dress. The premier-elect was greeted
with hearty cheers as he began to |
speak.
"Since the house rose on Friday"
said Mr.. Asquith, the king has been
pleased to accept the resignation of
the prime minister, and the govern
nent now Is without head. This is
not the occasion when 4; would be pos,
sible or appropriate to do Justice to
he great qualities of our revered and
rusted chief, or to enlarge upon his
ong and splendid services to the
'tate. For the moment ! will not
rust myself to do more than to say
hat in the annals of our history there
$ no man who, after long years spent
n the thick Of public contention, has
'yef laid down the highest office un-
Ter the crown more universally and
leservedly beloved. There is not a
ingle man in any quarter of this
Iouse who does not feel that this Is
personal loss.'' /.
Mr.. Asquith went on to state that 1t |
vas clear public business could not
roceed effectively at this time, and
e proposed that the house adjourn
ntil April IA, at which time, after the
of formal business, it
vould readjourn for the Easter re-
ess.
Mr. Balfoui' and Mr.. Redmond Joined
} feeling tributes to the retiring pre-
her, Mr.. Redmond emphasized the !
pecial bereavement Of ireland, say
lg that IN Campbell Bannerman,a dis
ppearance Ireland suffered a loss sec
nd only to the loss caused by the re,
rerient OF Gladstone.
Wilhelm Eassen, the Danish minis- !