LORD SALISBURY'S RESIGNATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2523, 23 July 1902, Page 34

LORD SALISBURY'S RESIGNATION.

MR BALFOUE ASSUMES OFFICE.

TRIBUTES TO LORD SALISBURY.

CHANGES AND EXCHANGES EXPECTED. HOME AND FOREIGN APPRECIATION. LONDON, July 14. Speaking at a meeting of Unionists, -!Mr Balfour announced the impending ■resignation of Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, (Chancellor of the Exchequer, owing to Ahe latter desiring relief from the strain ■cf office. July 15. The King conferred on Lord Salisbury the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, set in brilliants. 1 The Duke of Devonshire, Lord Rosc,t>ery, and others paid graceful tributes ?to Lord Salisbury in the- House of Lords. hundred and sixty-six members of 'tne Unionist party met at the Foreign -Office, Mr Balfour presiding. He eulogised Lord Salisbury 's long services. He ■said he was unable with any assurance afco count upon Sir M. Hicks-Beach's {Further assistance. The Duke of Devonshire, Lord Nofthbrook, Mr Chaplin, and Sir W. Hart-Dyke regretted liOrd Salisbury's resignation, and pro.janised Mr Balfour their support. Mr Chamberlain sent a message by his son, Sir Austen Chamberlain, acknowledging Lord Salisbury's generosity, their (pleasant political relations, and promising to assist Mr Balfour with pride and pleasure. Sir M. Hicks-Beach said parting with Lord Salisbury was a break in the tradition of his own life. Two years ago he asked to bs relieved from ■office on personal not political grounds. Now that the war was ended he renewed the desire to Mr Balfour, who admitted xjiat the circumstances submitted required consideration. If he momentarily retained office it would only be to show liis loyalty to the new leader, to whom, j whether in or out of office, he would give !his best help. j

Mr Balfour assumed the post of Privy Seal, without salary, and confirmed his /various colleagues in their offices. Several ■changes and exchanges of office are expected before autumn.

Mr Ritchie, Mr Hanbury, Mr Brorlffick, Mr Austen Chamberlain, and Lord 'George Hamilton are mentioned for the Chancellorship of the Exchequer. It is •anderstood Sir M. Hicks-Beach remains in office till the summer holidays.

The Continental newspapers are unanituous in their appreciation of Lord Salisbury. The Berlin press hope that Mr Balfour will improve the present relations with Germany.

Mr Ritchie or Mr Haubury is now iu j ntioned as likely to succeed Sir M. Hicks-Beach.

Tt is rumoured that L-ord Londonderry retires from the Post Office in favour of Mr Austen Chamberlain.

Ihe Standard, commenting upon Lord Salisbury's retirement, says that its taking place now instead of later was convenient to the King, enabling him to have complete rest and freedom from the trouble contingent upon a change of Premiers.

The King will make a long cruise after the Coronation. The change of leadership at this time is also convenient to Parliament.

At the sitting of the House of Commons Mr Balfour was warmly greeted. He expressed the country's great loss in Xord Salisbury's retirement.

Sir H. C Baiiuennan said that Lord Salisbury, in his dealings with foreign and international question?, had earned " our approval, applause, and confidence." He also wished Mr Balfour every success in his high effice.

July 21

The colonial Premiers attended a garden fete at Lord Salisbury's home, Hatfield Houa*), on Saturday.

July 15

Apart from country visitors, six special trains conveyed Lord Salisbury's London guests to Hatfield for the garden fete. These included many leading representatives in Pai'liament, the public services, the Church, science, art, and

literature. The fact that Mr James Lowther has

asked to be relieved of the Chairmanship of Committees in the House of Commons strengthens the rumours that ho is succeeding Sir M. Hicks-Beach as Chancellor of the Exchequer.