MR CHAMBERLAIN'S RESIGNATION.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 26 September 1903, Page 3

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S RESIGNATION.

EXCITEMENT IN POLITICAL

CIKCLES

Loxnox, September 18

It is officially announced that the King has accepted the resignations of Mr Chamberlain (Colonial Secretary), Mr Eitchie (Chancellor of the Exchequer), and Lord George Hamilton (Secretary for India). The newspapers predict that the resignations, especially Mr Chamberlain's, will startle London and the provinces, although the Birmingham people have for some time been convinced that Mr Chamberlain Avould doff his coat for the biggest fight of the generation. The Morning Post says it is the most original resignation in historical memory. Mr Chamberlain and Mr Balfour remain the best of friends. There is not even a political or party breach. The resignation will Avin the hearts of the best of his countrymen, who will admire a statesman who made a daring risk to himself and his prospects for the sake of his convictions.

Mr Austen Chamberlain does not resign.

The Times says that while Mr Balfour is backed by the Duke of Devonshire and the rest of the Ministry except the Cobdenite seceders, and has Mr Chamberlain's loyal independent support, the reconstruction of the Cabinet will not involve serious difficulty. The Times adds that the correspondence reflects the highest credit on both. Mr Chamberlain's retirement may paradoxically strengthen the Government's policy and position in some respects. The Daily Chronicle says Mr Chamberlain, in proposing the particular line Avhich the Cabinet actually adopted, won a conspicuous victory in the Cabinet, though he suffered a startling reA rerse in the country; but merely postponed the preference proposals. The Standard, while not anticipating the adoption by the country of Mr Chamberlain's proposals, confesses that his inevitable retirement is an administrative misfortune, and declares that his ungrudging admission regarding the constituencies is creditable to his sense of honour and political discernment, though he does not believe that the drift of opinion is permanent.

Loxdox, September 19

Many messages have been received assuring Mr Chamberlain that syinr pathy with him is widespread. The report of his resignation caused a feeling of consternation at Pretoria, and one of dismay at Natal. Comparative calm prevails at the Cape over his resignation. There is great excitement and activity in all political and commercial circles in Britain.

Sir John Cockburn, formerly of South Australia, speaking at Barry, characterised the resignation as a political cyclone. He Avas sure the =^£-trs oi . Mr. Qhambejdahi's retirenjgnj; would be received by the sons .of the Empire with great sorrow.

The Standard urges Mr Balfour to include in the Cabinet such statesmen as Lords Milner and Cromer. The country, it says, Avould thereby be the gainer, Avhereas the utilisation of any material for the purpose of patching would imply a stop-gap Ministry. Mr Asquith declares that the situation in all its essentials has not changed. The duty of the Liberals to defend free trade Avas as plain and as urgent as before.

The Danes are watching the crisis closely, oAA'ing to large export orders for dairy produce for England having been secured.

Mr Chamberlain's courage and patriotism are generally recognised. It is rumoured that he expects one year's propaganda before the general election.

The St. James' Gazette denounces the retention of Lord Lansdowne in the Ministry while the greatest Colonial Minister leaves because his colleagues are too weak, and they deny support to the man whose work alone made the Cabinet's history. The Financial News declares that the loss to the Colonial Office is incalculable and irreparable. Mr Chamberlain was indispensable as no other Minister was, but he has made no sacrifice to a lost cause, and his destined triumph will also be that of the Empire.

The Canadian press deplores Mr Chamberlain's retirement, and regrets the intense hostility to preferential ideals.

The Canadian Manufacturers' Association cabled Mr Chamberlain urging a vigorous prosecution of the campaign to adapt Great Britain's policy to existing conditions.

The French press considers it unlikely that the Balfour Government Avill survive, and anticipates Mr Chamberlain's return at the head of a Ministry.

The Daily Telegraph states that there is an impression in official circles that Mr Austen Chamberlain will succeed Mr Ritchie as Chancellor of the Exchequer, that the Hon. St. John Brodrick, Secretary of State for War, will become Secretary of State for India in succession to Lord George Hamilton, and that Mr H. 0. ArnoldForster, Parliamentary Secretary to the Admirality, Avill go to. the War Office. Lord Milner is mentioned as a possible successor to Mr Chamberlain. The Daily Telegraph adds that the correspondence between Mr Chamberlain and Mr Balfour redounds to the honour of the country. It does not contain a single note of self-seeking or personal ambition.

The Daily News says that Mr Chamberlain has met his Waterloo, and adds that the appeal to the country cannot be delayed.