THE BRITISH MINISTRY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIV, Issue 36, 31 December 1886, Page 15

THE BRITISH MINISTRY.

The British Chancellor of the Exchequer has resigned for the ostensible reason that his colleagues refused to support his scheme of economical finance. There is another version, however, of the matter, and it is said that the real reason of his resignation is Lord Salisbury's refusal to accept his policy on local government. It is a matter of little importance whether he resigned for the one reason or the other ; the fact of his resignation is the great point. It has brought confusion and dismay into the Conservative camp, and placed the Liberal Unionists in a most embarrassing position. What will they do ? Accept the advice of the Times, and form a Ministry with the Conservatives, under the leadership of Lord Hartington ? Under such a contingency, how many of them would be returned ? That is the consideration that makes them think twice before plunging into the Conservative party. Such a step would certainly lead to their exclusion from every Liberal constituency for ever, and their effacement as politicians. It appears to us far more likely that they will endeavour to effect a reconciliation with Mr. Gladstone and the overwhelming body of the Liberals of the United Kingdom. But whether or not, one thing aeems very certain : that Mr. Gladstone and his followers, on the occasion of the next appeal to the people, will carry all the Liberal constituencies ; and at no time, we think, could this appeal be made with a better chance of success than at the present. The revision of the electoral lists has been just completed, and the true Liberals — if we may judge from the proceedings of the great meeting lately held in Ljeds — are in a position to dispense with the aid of Loni Hartington, Mr. Chamberlain, etc. ; and not only that, but to displace them. It is not at all unlikely that we may see Mr. Gladstone once more at the head of a large Liberal majority in the House of Commons, and that, too, sooner than some expect. We should not be surprised if this were to take place before Easter. The Conservatives, left alone, cannot stand an hour ; a coalition Ministry is, we think, out of the question ; and, consequently, Mr. Gladstone and his party must be called to power.