THE ENGLISH CRISIS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1537, 8 January 1887, Page 1

THE ENGLISH CRISIS.

London, Jan. 4. It is officially announced that Mr Smith has been appointed First Lord of the Treasury and leeder of the House of Commons, and Lord Northbrook Secretary for India. It is uot decided who is to succeed Mr Smith as Secretary for War. , n . Later. The portfolio of Secretary of State for War has been offered to the Marquis of Lansdowne, whose acceptance has, however, not yet been announced. Mr Gladstone has written a ietter to Sir William Vernon Harcourt in reply to a request that he should attend a meeting of the Liberal leaders to discuss the I'ish question, in which he states he hopes the speech delivered byMr Chamberlain in December last may lead to the discovery of a modus vivendi among the Liberals. He favored the discussion of the points of difference with a view to arranging the action to bb taken in Parliament. Mr Gladstone adds that, whilst approving of the proposed conference, he abstains from taking part in the same. It is announced that the conference will be held on the 13th inst., and win comprise Mr Chamberlain, Mr John Morley, Sir George Trevelyan, Sir W. Vernon Harcourt, and Lord Herchell, Jan. 5. Mr Goscben'b acceptance of the position of the Chancellor of the Exchequer disconcerts Mr Gladstone, who was promoting a conference, hoping to alienate the Radical Uuionists. Lord R. Churchill promises not to offer any obstruction to the Government, Jan, 6. Owing to the dissatisfaction with which the appointment of Lord Northbrook as Secretary of State, to India has been received by the Conservative party, that, nobleman has' withdrawn from that position. Hie Matquis of Lansdowne, who was offered the port' folio of Secretary (.f State for; War, has declined the appointment, being unwilling to s'evvr his connection with Canada. It U reported that Mr" Stanhope will succeed Mr W. 11. Sn.ith as, Secretary of State, for W»r. ' \