Imperial Politics.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 6, Issue 40, 25 June 1895, Page 2

Imperial Politics.

THE GOVERNMENT DEFEATED.

London, June 21.

The Government were defeated on the Army Estimates, by a majority of seven, on an amendment by Mr Broderick, protesting against the inadequacies of the reserves of ammunition, especially cordite. Mr Campbell-Bannerman, Secretary of State for the War Department, forthwith moved to report progress. Later in the evening a Cabinet meeting was held, and it is believed a crisis is imminent. Mr Bannerman announced that the Duke of Cambridge would resign on the Ist October.

The Government then proposed to introduce reforms on the lines of the Hartington Commission, embodying a less centralised and more elastic system, and the offices of the future Com-manders-in-Chief would be greatly modified.

June 22.

Mr Bannerman stated that the military advisers consider the supplies of small arms and ammunition were sufficient. The division on the vote was 132 to 125.

The Government were completely surprised at the result.

Sir Chas. Dilke and one of the Parnellites, voted for the amendment. Either Lord Wolseley, General Roberta or the Duke of Connaught will succeed the Duke of Cambridge. It will not be the Duke of Connaught if the Rosebery Government remain in office. The Standard asserts that in the event of Bannerman insisting on retiring, the Cabinet must follow.

It is understood that Mr Bannerman has resigned, and that this will entail the resignation of the Cabinet.

June 23. This morning the Cabinet sat for five hours.

Absolutely conflicting statements are current. One is to the effect that Mr Brnnerman has withdrawn his resignation on the understanding that the motion will be submitted on Monday. Another is that he will adhere to his first intention to resign, and that the Government will therefore resign. Lord Rosebery is now at Windsor, but this visit was arranged before the crisis.

Seven Ministers were absent from the division.

It is reported thet the Cabinet has decided to dissolve, as a majority of the supporters favour an immediate appeal to the country. The Queen gave audience to Lord Kosebery at Windsor, and he stayed over to-day. The Liberal Party have issued an urgent whip for Monday in view of the likelihood of a Government statement. The Conservatives are .enthusiastic at the turn of affairs, and the Nationalists are opposing a dissolution.

The Pall Mall Gazette declares that the Duke of Cambridge will resign unless the Government intimates that his retirement would facilitate reforms, but he and the Quean expected it would not be accepted. The Chronicle says that Mr Bannerman privately consulted Mr Balfour prior to the meeting, and that it was understood that the latter promised support, but afterwards betrayed him.

The Observer declares that the Government have decided to resign.