Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-05-24
BALFOUR FOR FIRST
|. LORD OF ADMIRALTY
RepoUted as Settled That He Will
Succeed Churchill in New
Ministry.
IN PROCESS OF FORMATION
Lloyd George Mentioned for Post
OF Munitions Minister, With
Seat in Cabinet.

Seat in Cabinet
Especial Cable 10 The Times
LONDON, May 23.-Progress in draw
ing up the new coalition ministry has
peen slow during the weekend, for
the Unsonist leaders are still undecided
as TO how the chief offices at their
disposal shall be filled. Several mat
ters' however, have been definitely set
TIED. First, 1T is now agreed that Mr.
Balfour Is to be First Lord of the Ad-
miralty. It is curious selection, be-
cause the Justification of the coalition
ministry is. and must be, that it is to
increase the British national efficiency,
and Mr. Balfour has already said to
his friends that he fears the strain of
this great office will be too much for
his health.
Lord Lansdowne early last week ex-
pressed this view in his case also, that
to take UP office again would be too
great strain upon his health. But
he has reconsidered his decision, and
VIII now enter the ministry Lord
Lansdowne has worked in complete
sympathy with Bonar Law. and his
influence just now is invaluable in en-
deavor!nE TO adjust the conflicting
claims Of the not inconsiderable num-
Der Of Unionist peers who wish to be
In the government
Mr.. Mckenna will stay at the Home
Office.
CHURCHILL NOT SLATED
FOR ANY OF BIG OFFICES
1t is not expected that the India
Office Will be offered either to Lord
may he invited to join the government,
but not in one of the great Offices. The
report that Arthur. Henderson Will be
president OF the Local Government
Board Is premature. 1t Is not unlikely
appointment to this office might be
offered Sir John Simon
MT. Runciman is TO remain at the
Board of Trade. McKinnon Wood is
expected TO remain at the Scottish Of
fee. Sir Edwin Carson probably will
be in the government and F. f. Smith
may be AttorneyGeneral. but 1t is
definitely stated that Lord Derby will
not be in the government.
II is again thought the post of NUM-
,ions Minister should be a great Of
fee, with seat in the Cabinet. Ow-
ing to the uncertainties of the Union
lists, the idea has been revived that
Lloyd George might take this Office,
leaving the Chancellorship of the Ex-
chequer to he filled by Unionist, but
the balance of probability is that he
will stay al the treasury. as the finan-
cial world desires.
The position of Bonar Law and Aus
ten Chamberlain are not settled.
TIMES CORRESPONDENT
DISCUSSES NEW CABINET
The Times parliamentary correspon-
dent says:
Certain but SLOW progress has been
made during the week lend with the
business of forming the new Cabinet
The list of those who are virtually GER
tain TO be included IN the national
Cabinet is now as follows:
"Liberals-Mr. Asquith. Prime Minis
ter; Sir Edward Grey. Foreign Secre-
tary: Lloyd George. Lord Crew, Mr.
Mckcnna and Sir John Simon.
'Nonparty--Lord Kitchener.
"Unionists-Lord L-ansdowne. Bonar
Law. Mr.. Balfour. Mr.. Chamberlain,
Lord Curzon and Sir Edward Carson.
''Labor-Arthur Henderson.
MIR. Churchill's position has become
n matter of eager controversy. The
Liberals are busily inveighing against
him on the curious ground. not that
he has been one of the protagonists in
the most unfortunate dispute. not that
his plans are q danger to the country,
but simply that he placed the party
in a predicament which they dislike
The arguments for keeping Mr..
Churchill in some position in the Cabi-
net where his --ashncss will be under
control, whit. his youth and energy
will be at The service of the govern
ment. are too obvious to need repeti-
tion. On the other hand, there seems
to ne n feeling. even among those who
value his best qualities most highly,
that after recent events. Mr.. Churchills
presence in the Cabinet might prove
rather too explosive a blessing.
I'm these circumstances he may pos
sibly elect to crafty what is un-
doubtedly the dearest wish of his
heart to get nearer the actual scene
of fighting.
Lord Fisher position still remains
n matter of great uncertainty and diff
fculty. He left London on Saturday
for Scotland. so 1t may be assumed the
stage of personal negotiation Is over,
and there is growing impression
that he will not return"