"VISCOUNT DEAKIN."

Southland Times, Issue 17305, 29 March 1913, Page 5

"VISCOUNT DEAKIN."

STRANGE TALE FROM MELBOURNE. PROPHECY OF A PEERAGE. There is much speculation among some of the leading public men of England, as well as among those in Australia, as to Mr Alfred Deakin’g future (says the Melbourne Herald). It seems to be taken for granted that after retiring from the House of Representatives in a few weeks he will not be content to rejoin the great army of private citizens, but will, after several months' rest,’ take some part in public affairs as a speaker, administrator, or writer. Certain public men holding high positions both in the United Kingdom and in Australia think that Mr Deakin will be offered a peerage. Previously he has declined all marks of Royal favour. It is now suggested that the acceptance of a peerage—a viscounty Is mentioned — would open up a new career for him, since, as a member of the House of Lords, he would be eligible to become a British Cabinet Minister. Titles, it is known, have no charms for Mr Deakin, but it is remarked by those discussing the subject that such strong Liberals in politics as Mr Morley and Mr Haldane accepted peerages because they would thus be still eligible to be Ministers without having to endure the turmoil associated with electioneering, and would be able to assist t« bring about reforms in the Upper Chamber. The late Mr W. E. Gladstone chose to remain a commoner, but his son. the present Governor-General of the South African Union, accepted a viscounty. That Mr Deakin will at least be sounded as to how he would regard the official offer of some such distinction as that referred to is regarded by political and personal friends as extremely likely. .