TIRED OF POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 21

TIRED OF POLITICS.

LONDON, April 16. The Duke of Devonshire, speaking al Presteigne, a town in Radnorshire, hinted his intention at an early date to retire from politics.

The Duke of Devonshire was born in 1833. He was long familiar to the world as Marquja of Harrington, which was his title beforo hit succession to the dukedom. Entering Parliament ac a "Liberal in 1857, he in 1859 moved the want of confidence motion whioh resulted in the defeat of Lord Derby. In 1863 he wa» appointed a Lord of the Admiralty, and in the same year Undei-Seere_tary of State foi War in Lord Russell's Ministry. In 1866 hi obtained Cabinet rank as Secretary for War. Irf I£6B, after being defeated for North Lancashire, he was elected for Radnor Boroughs, and became Postmaster-General in Mi Gladstone'] first Administration, and afterwards Chiel Secretary for Ireland. On Mr Gladstone's retirement, after defeat in 1874, Lord Hartirigton was unanimously chosen as leader of th« Liberal party. On the defeat and resignation of Lord Beaconsfield, he was sent foi by the Queen, but deolined to form, a Ministry, being content to serve under Mr Gladstone. He became Secretary for India, but returned to the War office in 1882. When Mr Gladstone'introduced his Home Rule policy, Lord Hartington disagreed with him, and became the leader of the Liberal Unionists. Recognising his influence, Lord Salisbury offered to serve under him, but lie would not .accept the Premiership. He became Lord President of* the Council in the coalition Cabinet of 1895, and is president of a Cabinet Committee of National and Imperial Defence.