It is pretty clear that the Liberal party as a
whole accepts Lord Rosebery's resignation with calmness, looks to Sir William Harcourt as leader in the Commons, and as regards the general leadership proposes to await developments. The average men who speak hesitate a good deal, and the National Liberal Federation on Wednesday passed a resolution which praises Lord Rosebery, while hinting that his resignation was due to his "earnest desire to promote unity,"—rather a curious deliverance. Sir William Harcourt has telegraphed a denial of the rumour that he intends to resign, and the rather absurd suggestion that Mr. Gladstone should again resume his headship of the party is generally discredited. This is probably wise policy, but one cannot but suspect that the deep feeling of irritation among politicians whose real feeling is that "Rosebery was not a success, but he has been badly jockeyed," will manifest itself in debate. One thing is clear, at all events. There never was a situation in which a young man with the power in him could spring so rapidly and easily to the front. The Liberals throughout the Empire are sighing for a master.
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