In Mr. Balfour's absence, the cause of which gave rise
to general sympathy and regret, the responsibilities of leadership were shared between Mr. Akers-Douglas and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who replied to Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. The arrangement not only served to show how seriously the Cabinet had been weakened by secessions, but emphasised the delicate and embarrassing position occupied by Mr. AustenChamberlain. All things considered, he acquitted himself creditably of an awkward task, and scored some good debating points at the expense of the Leader of the Oppo- sition and Sir William Harcourt. Commenting on.the attack on "his right hon. friend the Member for West Birmingham," Mr. Austen Chamberlain regarded it as an extraordinary and unusual proceeding to interrogate a gentleman who was no longer a member of the Government as to the course he in- tended to pursue. He further contended that there was no doubt about the attitude of the Government, and no difficulty in the Way of those who wished to ascertain what its policy was,—viz., freedom of negotiation, which would enable them to preserve the great interests committed to their care. He had no authority to deal with what happened in the Cabinet, but he said, without fear of contradiction, that no man was ever more loyal to his colleagues, more generous to his supporters, than the Prime Minister; and Whatever misunder- standing might have arisen, none of those who served with him would ever accuse him of having wilfully or deliberately deceived them,—a tribute which was very cordially received. In short, Mx. Austen Chamberlain, without triumphing over the difficulties of the situation, at least reconciled filial duty with loyalty to his chief in away which secured him a friendly hearing.
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