MR. BALFOUR RESIGNS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 289, 4 December 1905, Page 4

MR. BALFOUR RESIGNS.

After some natural hesitation, Mr Balfour has apparently decided to take the step advocated by the "Tinies" and other Unionist and Conservative journals a week ago, and send in his resignation. There are two principal reasons for this decision. In the first place Mr Chamberlain's recent appeal to the Fair Traders to reject half measures and adopt Preferential Trade as their watchword has completed the disruption of the Unionist Party. In the second place, the lack of cohesion among the Liberals, the disagreement between Sir Henry Campbell-Bannennan and Lord Rosebery over Home Rule, and the manifest disinclination of the Liberal

leaders to accept office at this juncture have all combined to convince the Conservatives that the best thing they can do is to force the Liberals into power before the next general election. Mr Balfour doubtless hopes that the disorganisation and lack of unity of purpose now evident among the Liberals may so far discredit them in the eyes of the electors that bis own party may be able to recover some of the ground that it has lost. Certainly, present indications point to a very serious reverse for the Conservatives at th» polls; and tbe Liberals, as we have said, are by no means anxious to assume the responsibility of Government just yet. But according to our cables it is now expected • that Sir Henry Campbell-Ban-nerman will be sent for by the King and will appeal to the country in January, thus taking full advantage of the vigomus reaction against Conservatism which is one of the chief characteristics of British political life to-day.

Already curiosity is widespread as to the formation of the new Cabinet. Sir Uenry Campbell-Bannerman appears to have retained bis hold over the rank and file of tbe Liberal Party sufficiently to justify bU leadership. But his hesitation over Home Rule and his recent attempts at angling for the Irish vote will alienate the Liberal Unionists; while Lord Bosebery still preserves bis inconclusive and dilettante attitude toward politics in general. In the opinion of the "Times," Lord Bosebery "s lack of conviction and his personal incompatibility render it impossible for him to work with the other Liberal leaders. Lord Spencer, whose social weight and long experience would make him a useful head for the new Cabinet, I is no longer physically equal to such a strain. Failing him, Mr Asquith might be expected to share authority with Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman; and if "C.8." would accept a peerage and retire to the House of Lords, Mr Asquith would make a capable leader of tbe House of Commons. If Lord Rosebery would take office under Earl Spencer or Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, he would be an invaluable Foreign Secretary. Failing him Sir Charles Dilke would be the best man; while Sir Edward Grey might take the Colonial Office. With Mr John Morley as President of the Council, Mr Haldane as Lord Chancellor, Sir Henry Fowler Secretary for India, and Mr Bryce President of the Board of Trade, a very strong Cabinet might be formed. In any case it should not be difficult for the Liberals to refute the* argument so often employed against them, that the country had to retain Mr Balfour and his colleagues in power because the Liberals could not supply enough able men to take their place.