THE BRITISH ELECTIONS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16410, 2 January 1919, Page 7

THE BRITISH ELECTIONS.

PRESS COMMENT. (A.ostralian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Renter's Telegrams.) LONDON, December 30. The "Daily Iclegraph" says that tho election is tne most complete personal triumph for a Prime Minister in Parliamentary history. Pacifism and defeatism have received such a lesson as -wrong-headed mischief-making never had. Mr Lloyd George, with unexampled power, has a unique opportunity of dealing with tho current tasks of peace and reconstruction. The paper is convinced that he will make the utmost use of it. The "Daily Chroniclc says the country rallied round Sir Lloyd George as representing patriotic democracy, because it wants big things done. It will Ro ill with any party or section standing between him and the people's mandate. The "Morning Post" says the nation decreed the political banishment of two parties which it regarded as unfaithful to the national cause, and returned a party which best expressed a love for eolid British institutions. (Received January Ist. 10.35 p.m.) LONDON, Decomber 31. The "Manchester Guardian" says that $ho election illustrates one of the dangers inherent in democratic government, namely, the ability of the party in power, by seizing a moment of popular excitement and confusion, to secure a verdict which is not genuine. The "Westminster Gazette" presages an early reaction. It says that Liberalism must face the fact that th© working class yote moves steadily towards the Labour Party, and must endeavour to find its place in a united democratic and progressive movement, and thus prevent class schism.

labourites join the ministry. LONDON, December 31. The Premier has invited leading Labourite* to join in the Ministry, and Messrs Clynes, Barnes, Roberts, and Thomas have accepted. It is believed' that the Party, owing to the defeat ofi the extremists, will reconsider its decision not to participate in the Government. It is stated that the Cabinet will be limited to ten or twelve members. The swearing-in of the new members of the House of Commons begins on January 21st and will occupy ten days. SINN FEINERS' INTENTIONS. LONDON, December 31. A large number of eltected Sinn Fein members are either in. gaol or interned. The party will probably adhere to the intention not to enter "Westminster. ITns emphasises the expectation that the Sinn Feinera will create a Constituent Assembly at Dublin, making the future outlook dangerous. With the Sinn Feinera absent, Labour has the most cohesive opposition' and thereby, is entitled to occupy the front Opposition benches.

THE LABOUR PARTY. (Banter's Telegrams.) (Received January Ist, 10.35 p.m.) LONDON, December 31. Mr J. BJ. Thomas, general secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen, succeeds Mr \Arthur Henderson in the chairmanship bf the Labour Party. THE MEETING OF PARLIAMENT. , (Eontea's Telegrams.) (Recervived January 2nd, 1.40 a.m.) LONDON, December 31. Parliament Avill meet on January 21st. / THE SINN FEINERS' VICTORY. . LONDON, December 31. "The Times" Dublin correspondent states that' the Sinn Feinera admit that the magnitude of their victory is embarrassing, and imposes the responsibility of creating a policy. The majority of the new members are youthful, obscure, and inexperienced in affaire.