New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-27
A Coalition Cabinet.


Whether favorable or unfavorable, there
is a want of feryor in al the comments
upon the new British Cabinet There is
really no occasion for enthusiasm. In no
quarter was there any great desire for the
changes which circumstances obliged the
government to make. nor was it supposed
that they would be of such a nature as to
create contention. 1t is fortunate that
9Don the whole the redistribution has been
effected in a manner that leaves every one
more or less cold and critically eXpectant
There are a few surprises. yet IT cannot
he said that the public was wholly unpre-
pared for any of them, except. perhaps.
in the cases Of the Chancellor Of the EN-
chequer and the Lord Chancellor. In spite
of some unfortunate miscalculationS of
popular sentiment it is certain that Mr..
Lloyd George has Given general satisfac-
ton in dealing with the many difficult and
complicated problems that have confronted
him since the beginning of the war. Re
had the confidence too of the most power
ful financial and mercantile interests and
i- is even said that the French government
requested that Ne be retained in Office. On
the other side, there is no doubt that the
question of munitions is one OF the gravest
that the country has to deal with, and Mr..
Lloyd George is perhaps Of all men best
equipped to undertake the responsibility.
Moreover. it is understood that the change
is only temporary and that in due time he
win resume the CHARACTERISTIC. The ap-
pointment Of Sir Stanley Buckmaster, who
has not won many friends as chief of the
Press Bureau, will cause considerable dis
satisfaction, but il was inevitable, in any
case, that Lord Haldane should go. He
has his defenders, of course, but popular
feeling was against him; by some he was
regarded however unjustly, as little bet
ter than a traitor, and by great majority
the award of 90. NJ" will be held sufli-
cient recompense for all his services to the
nation. Still, it will be questioned whether
Sir Stanley Bucbmaster is lawyer Of
sufficient stature for the Office Of Lord
Chancellor.
1t was expected that Mr.. Balfour
would go to the Admiralty in place Of Mr..
Churchill, but the choice is questionable
It might have been better to initiate the
example Of other days and make naval
officer First Lord. Possibly Lord Fisher
might have act pted the appointment; as
it is, the country viii in all probability
lose his services. In any case, Mr. Bal
four is not altogether a promising success
sor. As to Nh Churchill his acceptance
of the CHARACTERISTIC Of the Duchy OF
Lancaster seems to be an occasion Of much
establishment, bat it must be remembered
that a few days ago it was doubtful
whether he would remain in the Cabinet
at all. He is now sort Of member at
large, so 20 speak; without any very oner-
Gus duties in his own office, he may be of
service in many ways. Another circum-
stance which seems to have caused sur
prise is the appointment of Sir Edward
Carson as Attorney General. II is justi-
fed, however, by his unusual ability, and
the only reasonable objection Is on the
score of his conduct Of the Ulster forces
before the war There is, indeed, some
thing singular in the presence Of Sir Ed
ward Carson and Mr.. Bonar Law in a
Cabinet that includes Mr.. Asquith and Mr..
Lloyd George. The presence Of Lord
Lansdowne. on the other hand, will be &C
oepted generally with satisfaction, his
gifts being fully recognized by discerning
men Of all parties.
he fate Of Lord Kitchener was hardly
TO moment in doubt The efforts of the
liarmsworth press were exhausted in a
day and the decision q the country was
made known iu au uumistakable manner.
Il is regretted by the Liberal press that
Mr. Redmond refused a place .n the Cabi-
met, but such regrets are foolish. lie