The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-11-11
British Diplomat Will Short
" Devote Himself to
Literature
NEWS OF RETIREMENT
is NOT UNEXPECTED
Sir Cecil Arthur Spring Rice, Now
Minister at Stockholm, Will
Succeed Ambassador-Great
Problems Arise


Bryce, the British ambassador to this
tinted states. has rendered his resigna-
ton and Will return to England. There
has been no official announcement OF
the resignation and the embassy will
make no statement. but it was learned
tonight on high authority that Mr.. Bryce
informed President Taft of his action at
the. White House yesterday.
II is understood that the ambassador
submitted to the President the name ot
the British governments choice for his
successor and at the same time stated
his own intention OF returning home as
soon as possible. President Taft, 1t is
said requested that the announcement be
withheld until he could have an oppor-
tunity to discuss It with Secretary OF
State Knox. Mr.. Knox returned 10 the
city tonight. 1t is expected an official
announcement tomorrow will follow his
conference with the President
News Not Unexpected
While the news that Ambassador Brycs
I
regret in official circles and by the coun-
try generally, It Is not wholly unexpected.
There was no break in the harmonious
relations of the distinguished English
man and his government but 1t has been
an open secret for some time that MI.
| Bryce advancing in years, desired 10
surrender his post and give entire atten-
tion to the completion of the literary
work which has occupied SO large part
| or his life His book on South America,
| writton since his tour of this country
two years ago. is just off the press and he
is about to begin a work Governing mis-
recent tour of Australia and New Zea-
| land.
| Facing the British Ambassador and the
United States just now are several great
and troublesome problems and it is known
that If no continued In office at this time
he would break down IN health and prob
ably would have to abandon his literary
efforts. Among other things, tito rana-
ma canal toll question Is promising TO
furnish a dssgreeable and unsatisfactory
diplomatic tack with little prospect Of
being brought TO a successful conclusion.
Appoint Noteworthy
| Mr.. Bryce's appointment as the Brit
| ish ambassador TO Washington at
traeted widespread attention at the
time 1t was made He was then
member of the British cabinet, serving
as secretary for Irish affairs In the
! liberal ministry of Sir Campbell Ban
| herman. The Irish question was then
nearing It's most critical stage and as
head OF the office Mr.. Bryce had much
to do in shaping the preliminary work
Heading up to the home rule bill. IL ho
! had remained In the cabinet he would
probably have been the author of that
measure which later brought on the
constitutional struggle in England and
! ed to the limitation OF the rights OF
the house of peers in obstructlng leg
islation from the commons
The selection of a. British statesman
and man of letters of such promi
nance for tho Washington post was
due largely TO the desire to send to
| this country one of England's fore
most public men. Among the others
mentioned at the time were Lord Beres-
| ford and several OF those most prom
| inent In Brtsh public life. But among
these Mr.. Bryce was recognized as the
one peculiarly qualified for the post at
! Washington, as. in addition to his
notable public service IN England, he
lad an established reputation in tho
United States for his brilliant literary
/
| This was not only accepted as stan
dard on both sides of the water but 4.
! vas looked upon as one of tho notable
productions of a British officer who
| had viewed American public life from
| q thoroughly sympathetic standpoint
Mr.. Bryce was, therefore. regarded as
| especially fitted for carrying forward
! the era OF good feeling between the
two countries and for bringing to
| elimination the desire on both sides
| of the water for treaty of arbitration
| which would take the place of the Hay
| Pauncefote treaty left unratified by tho
| Senate
Accorded Reception
| Mr. Bryce came to Washington under
most favorable conditions. He was
given a cordial farewell In London by
the Pilgrim society, made up of many
prominent Americans, and some of the
| leaders in British public life, and was
| similarly welcomed on his arrival at
! New York by the American branch Of
the Pilgrim society. In Washington he
| took prominent part in diplomats
| work and also found time to continue
| his literary labors
Mr. Bryce said at the time to 4
friend: II am particularly glad to come
| back to America in order to continue my
observation OF American public at
/ fairs and to round out the conclusions
stated in my earlier work
This resulted In his writing extend
cd additions TO the American common.
! wealth which have been published
since he came to this country. lie next
turned his attention to South America,
Continued ON Page Ten)