Lord Salisbury Resigns.

Manawatu Herald, 17 July 1902, Page 2

Lord Salisbury Resigns.

Lord Salisbury had audience of the King on Friday, and tendered bis resignation as Prime Minister, which was accepted. His Majesty communicated with Mr Balfour. The latter bad an interview with Mr Chamberlain, and consulted other Ministers.

On Saturday Mr Balfour had audience of the King, and accepted the Premiership. Mr Balfour remains in the House of Commons.. PRESS OPINIONS:

The newspapers regret Lord Saifs* bury’s retirement, and pay high tribute to his statesmanship. The “ Morning Post” says Lord Salisbury is acknowledged by every European Ministry as preeminent in diplomacy. Universal regret will be felt on the Continent at the disappearance of a man who was regarded as the embodiment of British policy. The “ Times ” says The nation will note with profound pleasure the circumstances of the important change which testify to the King’s recovery of vigour, enabling him to give personal attention to affairs of State, and promptly settled the Premiership before starting on the cruise in his yacht.

"Mr Balfour's claims and qualifications," the Timas adds, “rau?itJ>e universally recognised. The 'jptQgM loyalty has never wavered during Hi eleven years’ leadership, and ha enjoys confidence and regard—we may almost say the affection —of his opponents. It will be a great advantage to have the Premier in the House of Commons.” “ The Times " added a tribute to the unselfishness and sterling commonsense of the Duke of Devonshire in waiving what, under other circumstances, would have been a traditional crowning to his career. Mr Chamberlain, too, had very high claims, but he has never led the House of Commons, and never had the smallest ambition for a task calling for a peculiar combination of qualities which he knows if Premier in the House of Commons, he must have as leader. His commanding part in another capacity was significantly recognised by Mr Balfour in first consulting him. Mr Balfohr was mat most cordially by Mr Chamberlain, who despite rumours, was never a candidate for the Premiership. Between both statesmen the strongest bonds of mutual admiration and regard exist. . To Mr Balfour with Mr Chamberlain at his side, proceeds "The Times" the nation may confidently look for. the constant vigorous supervision of the national defences and other problems. . : The " Standard " praises Mr Chamberlain’s generosity and patriotism. A Minister of his genius on the pinnacle of success might almost be excused for declining to rest satisfied with any place lower than the highest. The " Daily Chronicle" recognises that Mr Chamberlain has served the Empire strenuously and well, but declares that his too many violent indiscretions of the past and his ideas, which are at variance with the Conservatives, form an obstacle to his assuming the PremiershipThe "Daily Telegraph" says Mr Chamberlain has consistently declared his inflexible determination not to accept a post senior to Mr Balfour. The Empire cannot for a long time to come spare Mr Chamberlain from the t . post where he has dene more that all his predecessors combined for Britons of a great harmonious family. No technical promotion would enhance the position* The "Daily News’" contrasts Mr Chamberlain with .Mr Balfour, and expresses satisfaction at the appointment of the latter, who is less forceful and dominant, though it recognises Mr Balfour’s promptitude on several notable occasionsLORD SALISBURY AND THE ! KING. The King was anxious to bestow conspicuous promotion or decoration on Lord Salisbury, but the latter begged to be allowed to decline. As Mr Balfour is remaining, in the Treasury, it will be unnecessary for him to seek re-eleetioo. ThejCfoke of Devonshire will be the leader of the House of Lords.