From the point of view of his personal ambitions, Sir Herbert Samuel has all the cards in his hand, the “Evening Standard” writes to-night. He is, too, in the happy position of being able to cloak his objective with the mantle of high principle. As a convinced Free Trader in a Tariff Government he has only to resign in order to become the leader of the Opposition. For, faced with the prospect of being in the wilderness for five years, all Liberals, with the exception of the handful who may obtain office, will follow him.
Great things might come from such a step, the paper proceeds. The Liberals have every chance of being able to restore their fortunes quicker than Labour. Both parties are in the same state, and it may be years before the Socialists can recover from the hammering they have received. In this event Sir Herbert Samuel would be the natural heir to the throne. When the turn of the Opposition comes he would be the throne. When the turn of the Opposition comes he would be the obvious Prime Minister – a possibility which hither to has not entered even into his dreams.
All this, too, with the added satisfaction that here the path of duty is the path to glory.
With reference to Sir. Herbert Samuel’s opportunity, the writer proceeds, I once heard him say in Mr. Lloyd George’s presence: “In the Bible Samuel annointed David. Now, however, David has annointed Samuel”. Sir Herbert was referring to his appointment as High Commissioner for Palestine. Now it seems to me, he concludes, that by his attitude during the election David has annointed Samuel a second time. On this occasion, however, there has been no unction in the performance of the rite.
The “Manchester Guardian”, the chief Liberal organ, also discusses Sir Herbert Samuel’s position, pointing out that one of the first decisions that the official Liberals will have to take will be on the leadership. Mr. Lloyd George, it says, has not resigned the leadership, but it is highly improbable that he will continue to hold it. There is only one possible successor to Mr. Lloyd George, of course, it declares, Sir Herbert Samuel.
(Sir Herbert, who is at present Home Secretary in the National Government and the leader of the National Liberal Party, will celebrate his 61st. birthday next Friday, the 6th. inst.
(As one of the Party leaders in the National Government, Mr. MacDonald is now exchanging views with him, and with Mr. Paldwin, the Conservative leader, on the reconstruction of the Government).
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