Imperial Preference and a Federated Empire
We can expect Imperial Preference. His son(s) in cabinet. What/Who else?
I think the best doctors will treat the PM's neuralgia and gout with a plain diet, exercise and aspirin. (Winston Churchill take note)
POD: 11th July 1902 Joseph Chamberlain (aged 66) doesn't allow Balfour to assume the mantle of power uncontested. Knowing that Salisbury has resigned and can no longer help his nephew, Chamberlain calls for his rightful place as PM. Balfour concedes, knowing that the Conservative and Liberal Unionist government's survival depends on their cooperation. Chamberlain was aware of the difficulties that would be presented by being part of a Liberal Unionist minority leading a Conservative majority, but he loved difficulties and he had some Radical supporters within the Conservatives. This was a chance to further his Radical agenda. Chamberlain escorted Balfour back to the King, where Balfour refused to form a government and put forward Chamberlain as the obvious and popular choice. Reluctantly the King agreed. Joseph Chamberlain set about forming his first government.The end of the Boer War allowed Salisbury, in declining health, to finally contemplate resignation. The Prime Minister was keen that Balfour, his nephew should succeed him, but realised that Chamberlain's followers felt that the Colonial Secretary had a legitimate claim to the premiership. Chamberlain was the most popular figure in the government, and Leo Maxse, editing the National Review, argued forcefully that Chamberlain should be appointed Prime Minister when Salisbury retired. Chamberlain himself was less concerned, assuring Balfour's Private Secretary in February 1902 that 'I have my own work to do and…I shall be quite willing to serve under Balfour.' On 3 July, Salisbury's Private Secretary, Schomberg McDonnell, wrote to Lord Curzon informing him that Salisbury was about to retire. A few days later, 7 July 1902, Chamberlain was travelling in a cab from the Colonial Office to the Athenaeum Club when at Trafalgar Square, the horse drawing the cab slipped, pulling the carriage forward violently. Chamberlain was thrown out of his seat, and a pane of glass crashed onto his head, causing a deep three-and-a-half inch gash. Dazed, and having lost a pint of blood, Chamberlain was taken to Charing Cross Hospital. Refusing an anaesthetic, Chamberlain had three stitches administered and left hospital the next day, with a black silk scarf characteristically concealing his bandages. Returning to his house, Chamberlain was told by doctors to cease work immediately and remain in bed for two weeks. On 11 July, Salisbury went to Buckingham Palace without notifying his Cabinet colleagues and resigned, with the King inviting Balfour to form a new government later that day. Before accepting, Balfour visited Chamberlain's home at Prince's Gardens to consult the Colonial Secretary, who was informed of Salisbury's resignation. Chamberlain was satisfied to acquiesce in the King's choice, for although he had harboured ambitions to occupy Downing Street, he was content with the prominence presented by his post at the Colonial Office, in which he was regarded informally as the 'First Minister of the Empire'. Furthermore, despite Chamberlain's organisational skills and his immense popularity, many Conservatives still mistrusted him for his Radicalism, and Chamberlain was aware of the difficulties that would be presented by being part of a Liberal Unionist minority leading a Conservative majority.
Chamberlain and the new Prime Minister, Balfour, were very different men. According to Chamberlain, "Arthur hates difficulties. I love 'em." However, Balfour and Chamberlain were both aware that the Unionist government's survival depended on their cooperation.
We can expect Imperial Preference. His son(s) in cabinet. What/Who else?
I think the best doctors will treat the PM's neuralgia and gout with a plain diet, exercise and aspirin. (Winston Churchill take note)
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