RESIGNATION OF BRITISH PREMIER

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2159, 7 April 1908, Page 3

RESIGNATION OF BRITISH PREMIER

SYMPATHETIC MESSAGE FROM THE KIHC. APPRECIATORY COMMENTS BY NEWSPAPERS,, KING EDWARD SUMMONS MR, ASQUITH. (Received April (5, 10.33 p.m.) United Press Association—Copyright LONDON, April 0. A Court circular announces that Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, at the urgent recommendations of his medical advisors, has resigned. King Edward received the communication with much regrot, and accepted the resignation. Reuter’s Biarritz correspondent reports that the acceptance was accompanied by expressions of esteem and best wishes for Sir Henry’s recovery. The King has summoned Mr. Asquith. • The resignation has caused more regret than surprise in Loudon clubs. Appreciatory and sympathetic comments appear in all the newspapers. 'The “Daily Mail” emphasises Mr. Asquith’s moderation, and expects further purging of the Liberal programme. (Received April 6, 10.43 p.m) The “Clironiclo” says Mr. Asquith has immense ability, and unswerving devotion to principle, but it remains to be seen if ho has t-lio art of managing men. It adds that owing largely to Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman’s illness, the Government for some little time lately seems to havo lost its grip over tlio country. Mr. Asquith will bo a bio, by infusion of the Cabinet, to invigorate the party, and win bade tlio nation’s confidence. The “Morning Post,” in friendly terms, forecasts, Mr. Lloyd-Goorgo as Chancellor of tlio Exchequer. MR. ASQUITH AS PREMIER. United Press Association—Copyright (Received April G, 11 p.m.) LONDON, April 6. The “Daily News,” after eulogising Mr. Asquith’s loyalty to his party and liis great efforts in the cause of freetrade, says that ho sometimes failed to awaken that ardent enthusiasm without which reform is impossible. Ho fights in tho cold, dry light of intellectual reason, and tho brusqueness of his utterance sometimes offended. Ho is summoned to the Premiership in a moment of transcendant interest, when politics are in a melting pot, and future parties and causes are more uncertain than ever. It adds that his enduring reputation for statesmanship depends upon the accurate judgment of things necessary for the country’s welfare and a courageous and successful determination to realise such as aro reliable in a political change. Tho “Times” heartily congratulates Mr. Asquith on his promotion, and says' he discharged tho duties of tho Premiership this session with remarkable energy and conspicuous ability under unusual difficulties.

[The Rt. Hon. Sir Henry CampbellBannerman has represented Stirling in the House of Commons since 1868. Ho was Financial Secretary to the War Office in 1871-1874, and again in 1880-1882. In 1882-1884 he was Secretary to the Admiralty, and occupied the position of Chief Secretary for Ireland in 1884-1885. He was also Secretary of State for War in 188 G, and again in 1892-1895. He became Leader of the Liberal party in February, 1899, and in 1905, when tho Conservatives resigned, assumed tho offi ; ces of Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.]

(The Rt. Hon. Herbert Henry Asquith has sat for East Fife in the House of Commons since 1886. He was Secretary of State for the Home Department in 1892-1895, and in the same years was also Ecclesiastical Commissioner. He has held tho office of Chancellor of the Exchequer since 1905. Mr. Asquith was born in 1852. and was called to the bar in 1876, and was made a Q.C. in 1890.]