The Hemisphere: A Leader Steps Down

No man in Canadian politics ever looked the part of a Prime Minister more completely—or wanted the job more earnestly—than handsome, patrician George Alexander Drew, 62. After resigning as Premier of Ontario in 1948 to take over as national leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, Drew fought hard through two national election campaigns. But the Liberals, who combined a New Dealish program of social reform with a hard-headed regard for balanced budgets, rolled over the Tories for their fourth and fifth straight national victories, relegating Drew to the gadfly role of Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons. Last week, as both major parties tooled up for a new national election that now seems likely for next summer, Drew summoned his two top assistants to Toronto, handed them his resignation as leader of the party.

Drew suffered an attack of meningitis two years ago, made a good recovery, and returned to lead his party in the House of Commons this year with vigor and effectiveness. But the grinding routine and the constant frustration of bucking a dominant majority took their toll. Near exhaustion, Drew left the House in the closing days of this summer’s session for an extended rest; twice he entered hospitals to try to regain his strength. Last week Drew’s physician bluntly warned him that he could no longer carry his old responsibilities without serious danger to his health. Drew drafted a letter of resignation, delayed signing it until he had had another talk with his wife and his doctor, then summoned his aides, asked them to announce that he was quitting as party leader.

Drew’s departure leaves the Tories with no obvious successor, but a handful of likely candidates among their senior M.P.s. The party high command expects to call a convention for November or December to pick a new leader, then start the national buildup that they hope will give him a fighting chance for victory next year.