MR. BALFOUR AND OFFICE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 177, 29 July 1907, Page 6

MR. BALFOUR AND OFFICE.

At a recent social gathering in London was Mr Harry Chaplin, fresh from his triumph at Wimbledon, recipient of hearty congratulations. He was able to inform me (writes Mr Lucy) that "the Government are going out." I ventured to suggest that a working majority that rarely falls below "250 could scarcely be frittered away in the second session of a new Parliament. Upon consideration he admitted there, was something in the objection, but he really could not give them more than another year to live. "They won't survive next session," he said, an assurance the realisation of which would be received by Mr Arthur Balfour with mixed feelings. A little earlier someone had chaffingly said to the Leader of the Opposition, "You will soon be in office again.". . "God forbid," he exclaimed with unmistakable air of conviction. After what, with brief.intervals,'- has. been a- term of twenty years'' Tiard labour- in office; it is easy to.understand that a man; inclined by nature to.be indolent, is in no hurry to get back to the labouring oar. These frivolities of passing conversation are interesting as indicating a marked change in the political situation since the session opened. On the eve the most sanguine Unionist was convinced that the Ministry occupied an impregnable position, not to be undermined, much less taken by assault within a minimum period of four years, "So-day the Opposition are confidently counting their chickens in anticipation of a process of hatching near at hand.