MR GLADSTONE'S RESIGNATION.

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1024, 9 March 1894, Page 6

MR GLADSTONE'S RESIGNATION.

Mr Gladstone had an interview with the Queen on Wednesday last week, when he informed her of his intention to resign the Premiership. He explained that old age and increasing infirmity were the reasons for his retirement from office, but it was his intention to retain his seat in the House of Commons. Her Majesty was deeply affected by the audience.

Mr and Mrs Gladstone dined with the Queen on Friday, and on Saturday it was officially announced that Her Majesty had accepted the resignation of Mr Gladstone as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury, and that Lord Rosebery had succeeded to the vacant portfolio.

There was almost a universal desire among the Liberal party that Lord Rosebery should assume the vacant leadership, and his selection as leader is I'eceived with favor in Germany and Austria; It is expected the new Premier's programme will divulge a policy of a very advanced character, and will include the introduction of a bill to limit the power of veto of the House of Lords.

The "Parnellites are much annoyed at Mr Gladstone's resignation, and denounce him as a traitor.

Mr Labouchere, in an offensive letter to Mr Majoribanks, Patronage Secretary to the Treasury, denounces the secrecy observed in regard to the resignation, and characterises it as a cabal and an intrigue. He considers Sir W. Y. Harcourt's claims to the leadership are paramount, and says the Radicals demand that the new Premier shall be chosen from the Commons, otherwise he himself and 20 others of that party will vote against the Ministry. Mr Ellis also writes in a similar strain.

The Parnellites threaten to desert Mr Gladstone's successor. The Nationalists are reserved, bu.. alarmed.

The Radical press support Lord Rosebery's claims.

The Observer says Lord Rosebery was very reluctant to accept the office of Premier, bub yielded to the almost universal desire of the Liberal parfcy in order to avert a grave crisis.

Mr Gladstone has decided to go to the Continent till the end o£ the spring.

Mr Gladstone also resigns the Privy Seal on retiring from the Ministry. He has decided to retain his seat in the House as member for Midlothian until the next general election. Several of his late colleagues wept on saying farewell to their old chief, and the scene was a most affecting one. . .

The Queen and Lord Rosebery had several conferences on Sunday.

Lord Rosebery informed the Queen on Monday that the new Cabinet had been completed.

The Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal family telegraphed their congratulations to Lord Rosebery.

The M'Carthy section of the Irish members intend to present Mr Gladstone with an address in recognition of his efforts to obtain Home Rule. Many references were made in the pulpits on Sunday to the Premier's resig nation. Mr Gladstone has written to his successor, promising his aid if required. Lord Rosebery 's accession to power is greeted, with pleasure in Egypt, where it is believed he will strengthen the position of England.

A Court circular has been issued in which the Queen notifies she has accepted tfie resignation of Mr Gladstone.

Foreign statesmen and the Continental press appear gratified at the choice of a successor to Mr Gladstone,

The American press warmly praises the ex-Premier, and the, World suggpsts that his statue should be erected in Central Park.

The St. James's Gazette says Lord Rosehery is discussing with the Duke of Devonshire and Mr Chamberlain the possibility of the Unionists rejoining the- Liberal party, the Home Rule difficulty being got over by a compromise. , , ' Mr Justin. M'Carthy paid a visit to Mr Gladstone, and conveyed to him an expression of gratitude upon the part of the Irish members for his efforts in their cause. He assured him they would be loyal to Lord Rosebery. London Liberals have passed a vote of confidence in the new Premier, and Mr Labouchere has withdrawn his j opposition.