The British Ministry

Southland Times, Issue 12105, 9 April 1908, Page 2

The British Ministry

CONSERVATIVES GET READY. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. LONDON, April 7. In anticipation of Mr Winston Churchill’s promotion to the Cabinet, Mancheasier Conservatives arc strenuously preparing for .an election. y 11UA.SQUITH’S PERSONALITY. Towards the end of February the resignation of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman was looked upon as a certainty and political circles were greatly exercised by discussions of the Cabinet changes that would follow in consequence. The Premiership was almost universally awarded to Mr Asquith and In view of his accession to ihe highest political position in thq. world with the exception, perhaps, of that of the United* States President, what was then being said of him will be read with interest. The correspondent of the Age wrote U now appears to bo certain that Mr Asquith will bo the next Liberal Prime Minister of England. He has been Sir Henry Campbell-Banner-man's understudy and most active helper. No other Minister among those who might aspire to the position has acquired equal experience, and none is quite as effective from a party point of view In debate upon a wide variety of public questions. But Mr Asquith is a man with a decidedly unattractive manner. He Is precise, hard, uncompromising, jokes with difficulty, and has never exhibited any of the personal magnetism which means so much in leadership. Hitherto in his career lie has fought and won alone, making the most of his natural ability by an iron persistence. He works fourteen hours a day, and has no time .for the indulgence of such human weaknesses us geniality and humour. Perhaps, upon finding himself in the undisputed possession of No. 10 Downing street, he may start In his industrious way- to practice the forgotten art of smiling, or to cultivate tact, as he would undertake the working up of a law case or the framing of a licensing bill ; but no one anticipates that any effort lie may make in that direction will ever inspire his followers with affection. The correspondent of the Argus wrote : It is not too much to say that Mr Asq'iiflh’s defects of manner and lack of consideration for the feelings of others have made him the most unpopular man on Hie Treasury pencil. It is foretold that his leadership will produce trouble. Yet there is no one else for the post. The only man in training for such a position is Mr Lewis Harcourt, who is but a subordinate—at present. Mr UirreU’s reputation lias been shaken by the failure of his Education Bill and the lack of success in his Irish policy. Sir 11. Fowler is too old. Mr John Morley is no leader of men, and Mr Haldane does not care about the job. The fact may be hardly credible, but It is true that the only man on the Liberal side to-day who possesses the needful tact and bonhomie for the leadership is the present Premier. His absenc will be a grave loss to his party. Whether on his resignation he will take a peerage remains to be soon. Ho has the necessary wealth for such a dignity. His presence In the Lords would be helpful to his party, and though he has advocated an amendment of the Upper House, there is no reason why he should not sit in that chamber and take a hand In the process of reform. I think it is very probable that he will have “gone upstairs” before the end of the present year. After his long services to the country he well deserves such an honour.