From a Photograph] [by Thiele, Chancery Lane.
THE TOWER BRIDGE: THE RAISING OF THE BASCULES ON THE OPENING DAY.
The bridge, which cost over £830,000, was commenced in 1886, and opened by the Prince of Wales, June 30, 1894. The bascules each weigh 1,000 tons.
By far the most striking figure in the Conservative ranks of the House of Commons was Lord Randolph Churchill. He became Chancellor of the Exchequer in the new Cabinet and leader of the House of Commons. Right well he led it through the six weeks of autumn session following on the elections. His admirers were delighted—his critics reconciled—by his adroit exchange of the manners of a political bravo for those of a responsible statesman; and that, too, without sacrifice of power in debate or pungency in retort. What was the dismay of Ministerialists when, in a moment of caprice, impatient because he could not get exactly his own way on a question of military and naval expenditure, Churchill threw up his office and left the Cabinet! |Lord Randolph Churchill Resigns.| This happened in December 1885; active negotiations were going on at the time for the redintegration of the old Liberal Party. Mr. Chamberlain and Sir George Trevelyan, as Unionists, had consented to confer with Sir William Harcourt and Mr. John Morley, as Home Rulers, at a “round table,” under the presidency of Lord Herschell (also a Home Ruler). |The Round Table Conference.| In the opinion of most people, the return of at least half the Liberal Unionists to their former allegiance might be expected, as the outcome of this conference. The stability of the Ministry, therefore, was peculiarly jeopardised by any appearance of internal disunion at this juncture. The crisis passed over in safety. Mr. Goschen, an old colleague of Mr. Gladstone, having been First Lord of the Admiralty in his first Administration, now determined to throw in his lot with the Unionists, and accepted the office vacated by Lord Randolph. The Round Table Conference separated without having found a basis of agreement, and the main body of Liberal Unionists remained staunch in support of Ministers.
MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL AND BARTON AQUEDUCT.
The Canal, 35½ miles long, which has made Manchester practically a sea-port, was commenced in 1887 and opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 1893. It cost 15½ million pounds. The Bridgwater Canal is carried across it in a swinging aqueduct at Barton. The lower illustration shows the aqueduct partially swung open; the ends of the water-way are of course closed and a barge may be seen therein, whilst the horse drawing it is on the tow path above. The Ship Canal is seen beneath.
From a Photograph] [by E. Ward, Manchester.
BARTON AQUEDUCT.
The question still remained—who was to lead the House of Commons? The answer was a remarkable one. Mr. W. H. Smith, in spite of the mediocrity of his powers of oratory, had risen to very high office in successive Conservative Cabinets. As a man of business his reputation was unsurpassed, and he had secured the respect and confidence of all sections of the House of Commons by his well-known indifference to office and independence of its emoluments. Upon him the choice fell; he exchanged the post of Secretary for War for that of First Lord of the Treasury, and justified his appointment by leading the House of Commons with admirable temper and judgment during five trying sessions.