Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-22

2
was financial secretary to the war ONCE,
which post he held a second time from
1850 to 1882 During the next two years
he was secretary to the admiralty, and
i'm 1884 he succeeded Sir George Ire
velyan as Irish secretary. filling that Of
flee ably and unobtrusively until the fall
of the Gladstone ministry In 1885. In spite
of the fact that the Irishmen described
him as 1.-THE Scotch sandbag."
Liberal Confidence.
In the short government Of 1886 he was
secretary for war, and to that post he re-
turned under the last liberal government.
He was chosen leader of the liberal oppo-
sition in succession to Sir william Har-
court in February. 1899. The Boer war
proved a stumbling block to the admin
istration. hut Notwithstanding the diner
ences between liberal imperialists and
other liberals over this question, a unani-
NOUS vote of confidence In his leadership
was carried at q meeting OF the lioerai
party held at the Reform Club In july
1901.
In 1902 a passage of words took place
between him and Lord Rosebery over
the doctrine of the "cean slate" in regard
to the Irish question and other pubic
questions, and the Liberal League was
formed. Sir Henry again received the
solid support of the liberal party In the
house in 1903. 1904 and 1905 In opposing
the education and licensing acts. MT.
Chamberlain's fiscal policy and the gov
ernment's action with regard to licensing
and to Chinese labor in South Africa On
the resignation of the Balfour admins
tration in December. 1905. Sir Henry was
1,x,t HA fop formed
eral cabinet. himself becoming first lord
of the treasury and prime minister.
Had Great Majority.
The general election followed. and Sir
Henry Campbell Bannerman entered the
new parliament with the greatest majority
ever given to a British premier.
1t was prophesied at that time that the
incoming of the new party into power
would make a complete upsetting OF the
old order of things: that the liberal gov
Crnment was in power for at least its full
term under the septennial act, ana that
within the next six years new names
would be made and new statesmen would
appear.
But with his passing the forces which
he held together as a party appear also
to be approaching dissolution. unless by
some strong act the new premier. Mr..
Asquith, can weld and hold together the
O''>
particular object in the house OF COM
mons. Recent bye-elections have result
ed in the defeat of the liberal candidates
on every hand and no liberal seats are
time, a matter that has been given con-
sideration In view OF the reconstruction
of the cabinet and the necessity OF hold
ing further bye-elections In case certain
appointments to that body are made.
Made Many Friends.
During his term as premier. as indeed
throughout his entire life. Sir Henry
showed a logged determination that won
him many ,adherents ana countless adj
mirers. and caused his opponents to hest
tate before throwing down the gauntlet
to him. He was able to Withstand at
tacks from whatever quarter with stolid
indifference and to come back to the fight
apparently undismayed. as though moth
and his good will toward all men en-.
ansedN>bi even to those who opposed
MIN or Whom he opposed.
Among fhe most important measures OF
the liberal government brought before
the parliament In 1906 was the educa-
ton BILL but the house Of lords gave
it its death blow by adopting amendments
which the house of commons could not
consider. The premier withdrew the
measure December 20 OF that year In
memorable speech in which he repudiated
the claims Of the peers to dictate to the
comunons. and added:
1T may be necessary to submit for the
moment, but neither the resources Of the
British constitution nor Of the house OF
commons are yet wholly exhausted. and
a way must and shall be found whereby
the will Of the people. expressed through
their elected representatives In the house
of commons. can be made to prevail"
Row With the Lords.
Almost Immediately after there followed
efforts on the part Of the government to
check the powers Of the house Of lords.