SALISBURY MAY RESIGN ANY DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11686, 22 June 1901, Page 1 (Supplement)

SALISBURY MAY RESIGN ANY DAY.

lifS ILL-HKALTH

A despatch from London of May lb' in the New York World states: — Precisely the same pathetic came is being played over Lord (Salisbury's health as over that of Queen Victoria lor ;'i:: months before the end.

Despite oliicial denial.--, the World'* special cable before laud Salisbury's return from Ueaulicu was amply corroborated by his appearance in the House nt herds on Tuesday night. The spectacle shocked everyone, lie was, hardly able to rise from his seat, and his speech was entirely inaudible in the press gallery. 'I he newspapers had to get the text from the official reporter, who sits near the Ministerial speakers. The Premier's manner was so listless, his face so grey, and his gestures and voice were so feeble that Lord llosebery, sitting opposite, turned to the Earl of Cainperdowu and said:—"Me is terribly ill. It is dangerous tor him to attempt to speak ; he will break down."

However, he did not break down, but, his enunciation, always so clear cut, was ominously muffled, and his voice, usually so penetrating and. resonant, died away on his lips. Everyone is talking about the pathetic figure he cut, and is wondering how the press came to say that he returned from lieaulieu with vigour fully restored. Owing to the comment caused, by the statement that, he was much better and was going to Hatfield to recruit, he appeared in the House in the afternoon; but he looked no better.

At his audience with the King on Saturday it, is understood that the King plainly hinted that he should not sacrifice himself to duty, but should seek the rest plainly needed; but Lord Salisbury did not take the hint.

i li is said that lie lias a morbid fear that ! his retirement might lead to Chamberlain ousting Balfour and seizing the leadership I of the Unionist parly; but, according to the I latest rumours, it. has been agreed amongst I the Unionist leaders that, Balfour shall I .succeed Salisbury as Premier, combining ! ihat office with the First Lordship of the | Treasury, which he at present, holds and ! which usually goes with it. By this means : reconstruction, which the Cabinet greatly | dreads owing In feuds and jealousies springI ing up in the pariv, would be obviated. ! Unless Lord Salisbury improves, which I i'.t his age and in his condition of debility ■ is extremely unlikely, his resignation may 1 be expected any day.