Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1902 — SALISBURY STEPS OUT. [ARTICLE]

SALISBURY STEPS OUT.

British Premier Tenders Resignation —Balfour His tuccessor, Lord Salisbury Ims resigned as premier of Great Britain ami Right Hon. Arthur J. Balfour, has been appointed to succeed him. Vague rumors of the premier’s contemplated resignation have been rife ever since the death of the Marchioness of Salisbury. These began to take more definite shape a few months ago, the end of the war. or the consummation of the coronation being mentioned as the probable time of resignation. Mr. Balfour as premier will remain as leader of the commons. Lord Salisbury will attend the coronation as prime minister, such being the King’s wish. A representative of the Associated Tress learns that prior to the acceptance of his new office Mr. Balfour first had an interview with Mr. Chamberlain and then consulted with his other cabinet assistants. This is regarded as assurance that the future relative positions of Messrs. Balfour and Chamberlain will be satisfactory to both. Mr. Chamberlain’s friends say he always recognized the reversion of the premiership to be Mr. Balfour’s right as government leader in the House of Commons. As to Lord Salisbury’s withdrawal, the main reason is considered by practically all the best informed persons to have been simply a desire for a quiet life on the part of a man advanced in years, whose activities have been unusual, and whose scientific tastes predispose him to study and seclusion. That the retiring premier’s health has failed to some extent is undeniable; but this is not more than perhaps is to be expected in a man of his years, and the close of the war in South Africa and the return oif the commanding general there is considered to be au appropriate time for his withdrawal. Ilis retirement was practically arranged at an audience of Lord Salisbury with the King a month ago, to be coincident with the eoronatiou, but the King’s illness interfered with these plans and compelled Lord Salisbury to wait till the ruler was sufficiently recovered to attend to state business. Though alert mentally, the retiring premier's physical condition, especially since the death of his wife, has not been satisfactory. That loss seemed to affect him greatly, and since that time he has done little entertaining beyond purely official annual dinners and receptions. In a social aspect, however, Mr. Balfour's accession is not expected to make much difference, neither Mr. Balfour nor his sister, who acts as his hostess, being fond of society. Although Lord Salisbury's resignation does not necessarily involve the reconstruction of the cabinet, it is believed there will be some changes. It is not considered unlikely that some of the ministers will be made peers In order to make room for new blood in the cabinet. It has been the idea that Mr. Balfour would be elevated to the peerage, leaving Mr. Chamberlain to lead the House of Commons, the notion being that this arrangement would be the best to conciliate the divergent interests of the cabinet, lint it is understood that, at any rate for the present, Mr. Balfour will continue to lend in the Commons. It is learned that Lord Salisbury, in resigning, expressed the desire that no new title or honors should be conferred on him.