MR. BALFOUR’S RESIGNATION

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13529, 10 November 1911, Page 5

MR. BALFOUR’S RESIGNATION

the Strain of political life A DRAMATIC ANNOUNCEMENT. Press Association.—Telegraph.—Copyright LONDON, November 9. At the meeting of the London Conservative Association whereat Mr Balfour announced' his resignation there were about 40 bankers and merchants. They were pot aware of the reason for the sudden call until Mr Balfour’s dramatic and unexpected statement. With evident emotion, ho referred to the even-increasing strain of political life. If the fortunes of the party rose’, he said, he would no longer have the vigour to conduct the Ministry., He had been 38 years in Parliament, and leader of the party for 20 years, whereof 10 were as leader of the whole House, which was longer than .any Minister since Pitt. Only four or five Unionist Commoners had ever worked under another leader. The increasing strain was due to the Government expecting the House of Commons to sit 10 or 11 months. He feared it would be'increasingly difficult to find men with adequate leisure and position prepared to undergo the great tons now attaching to politics. Probably the country was nearer entrusting its affairs to those who, for quite worthy, but ort the whole less satisfactory reasons, were prepared to work; the political machine merely as professional politicians. He believed the present was the best time to relinquish the leadership. The presertt session was non-conten-tions ( but Home Rule and Disestablishment were ahead. Before the end of next session there might he a general election. It was wrong that his successor should not have the interval to prepare for fight.! Mr Balfour said: “No one should take a gloomy view of party prospects. We are bn the upward grade. ' Critics and . grumblers are like microbes. When strength is recovered a microbe resumes its proper place and becomes comparatively innocuous. The Government has lived on electoral bribes for six years, and- is "now lapsing into the old Radical practice of, destroying institutions and gerrymandering. There are signs of steadily-grow-ing disgust on the part of the better classes of the population. This will be an inestimable advantage to my successor.” Continuing, Mr Balfour , said that personally he desired to leave a position of heavy responsibility before he suffered that most insidious of all diseases—intellectual petrification—which made a veteran less able to deal with new problems with freshness and elasticity than a younger man. He was vain enough to hope that' he had not reached that stage, but he would be miser able if he ran-the; margin, fine.; He'll oped he would stw have , years of activity ‘ todevote not only to the. party but to the country. Sucn services, however, would not impose the present strain. The meeting received- the announcement with, regretful silence. -Afterwards a resolution was passed expressing the meeting's satisfaction that Mr Balfour was remaining a member for the City. TRIBUTE BY AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN. LONDON,' November 9. Mr Austen Chamberlain, at a,Tariff Reform League dinner, deplored Mr Balfour’s resignation. He could testify, from intimate conversations with Mr Balfour', that he was a true friend and a determined supporter of tariff reform, and, •above all, of Imperial preference., Whoever was chosen to lead in the House of Commons must have the full and ungrudging support of every ffiember of tie party. AS TO A SUCCESSOR LONDON, November 9.’ Mr Balfour only attended the House of Commons on two occasions .during the autumn session. It is understood that his doctors have forbidden him to accept a position of responsibility in-any future administration. A meeting of Unionist Commoners will be held at the Carlton Club on Monday. It is understood that the leader of the Cortimoners will be. chosen by ballot, the leadership of the party remaining in abeyance. . The general opinion is that the choice ues between Mr W. Long and Mr Austen Chamberlain, but it is possible that Mr Bonar Law will compromise. It is generally believed that the recent attacks delayed, rather than hurried, Mr Balfour’s resignation. The Halsbury Club off Monday passed a resolution tendering Mr Balfour and Lord Lansdowno assurance of loyal support, . ’ PRESS COMMENTS. LONDON, November 9. Newspapers of all parties have published, appreciations .of Mr Balfour’ intellectual and moral qualities. Unionists generally refrain , from commenting on Mr Balfour’s successor. The Standard asks if. Mr Balfour’s decision is irrevocable. The Daily Hews says there are many aspirants for the leader’s cloak, but none will, wear it with Mr Balfour’s grace and authority. - The Chronicle questions whether the hounding out of Mr Balfour will have the effect of consolidating the Unionists. / The Times says.Mr Balfour’s resignation will be received with little surprise- and very great and genuine sorrow by an overwhelming majority. The decision may be taken as irrevocable., Mr Balfour has not been harassed into sending in his resignation. He waited until the mutinous spirit of the party had almost disappeared. The choice of a successor lies bbtwfeen Messrs Chamberlain, .Long,; Bonar Law, and Sir Edward Carson.