THE ELECTION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18220, 3 November 1924, Page 9

THE ELECTION.

TWO TO ONE MAJORITY ADDITIONAL RESULTS. AMENDED POSITION OF PARTIES BY rASLE- IRV.SS ASSOCIATT^S—rr-.rYRTOHT {AUSTRALIA* AKD K.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION- J (Received November 2nd. -".5 p.m.. LONDON. October 31. The nmeri'lefl position of the parties is as tVi'.ows: — Conservatives .. .. 4"7 Libcirls •• •• ..41 Labour • • • • • • !•"- Independents ... ... 4 Results outstanding ••• ••• 11 Tlie Conservative and Liberal totals inehifle two and five Constitutionalists respectively. Captain C. C. Craig and Mr O'Neill were re-elected for Antrim, defeating :i Republican. Mr McCormick. by a majority of 58.000. A Conservative. Mr Macquistcn, gained Argyll from a Liberal in a threo-cornered contest by a majority rf 3029 votes. Mr J. F. P- Rawlinson, K.C., and Sir G. C. Butler, retained the Cambridge University seats for the Conservative Party. Dr. Ernest Gfaliam Little, an Independent candidate, gained the London University seat in a four-cornered contest. Mr A. M. Livingstone (Liberal) retained Western Isles seat by an increased majority in a thrce-eornered contest. Sir Murdoch Mac Donald retained Inverness for the Liberals. CABINET'S RESIGNATION. A MATTER OF DAYS. LONDON, October 31. The Cabinet sat for an hour and a-half to-day, and decided to continue in office for a few days, and to meet again on Tuesday. It appointed a cofenmittge to examine the question of the authenticity of the Zinovieff letter. It is expected I that this investigation will be completed by Tuesday. It is believed that the adjournment of the Cabinet was d'ue to the necessity for clearing up a number of outstanding important administrative matters, but the question of resignation was left in the hands of the Premier, and resignation without a further meeting of Cabinet is possible. In view of the Parliamentary position, it is regarded as probable that Mr Mac Donald will resign within the next week. ZINOVIEFF LETTER. APPLYING THE PROBE. (Received November 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 31. Downing street was thronged with sightseers awaiting members of the Cabinet. Acknowledging cries of "Hard luck!" Mr Mac Donald said they had not done so badly considering what they were up against. Before the Cabinet meeting Mr MacDonald spent some time at the Foreign Office, a leading official of which attended 10 Downing street. The "Evening Standard" understands that evidence of the authenticity of the Zinovieff letter impressed Ministers, whose investigations will bo equally devoted to the circumstaneefi of tho publication of the letter. It is generally expected that tho King will return to town on Monday, and Mr Mac Donald will submit ttie Cabinet's resignation on Tuesday. Earl Grey is being strongly mentioned as tho successor at the Foreign Office, for which Mr Chamberlain is also named, but the latter is regarded in some quarters as better suited for the Colonial Office. The newspaper^

alternatively suggest Sir B. S. Home and Mr Austen Chamberlain as Chancellor of the ExchequerThe "Daily Express" says Mr Baldwin intends "that the. autumn session shall be of the briefest. Tho «c- w Ministry- will j.robably probe the ''mo vieff letter, and also complete the enquiry into the abandonment of the ''aiupbell prosecution. Sir James Craig sent a mes'fige to n-tcr saying the result oi the election is a matter for deep thankfulness. I'lstcr now stands full square aau impregnable. CONSERVATIVES' TRIUMPH. FRENCH PRESS COMMENT. (RE "TEK'S telegrams.l PARIS.. October 31. Commenting on the results of the British elections. -'Lc Journal" -lorecast> the form,.,on of a Government inspired bv tlie .-oiitiments uhich lea tc. tlio birth of ih? Knttntc C'ordiale. The "Main," says the return to p,>liii,al stabihty will beneiit British trade and industry. The --i-Vho de Paris" considers that the advent of a Socialist Premier in Britain serionslv affected the fortunes rf \h<- Martie, in France. Italy, and U-,UJv.m. The victory of the Conservatives will have an entirely different effect. The "G-.ulois" says that unless M. Hcrriot decides to put on the brake on the steep decline down which international events are pushing linn, ho will be swept away like Mr MacDonald. The "'Homme Libre" savs the victory of the Conservatives will not efface the memory of the work of Mr Mac-Donald at the London Conference. The "Journal" thinks that the British reaction will have a salutary effect on France, and will render the greatest service to the parties of the Left, which will now recognise better the necessity for a policy of reality. The "Quotiden" remarks that there is no analosy between the French and the British situations. Mr Mac-Don-ald fell because his hands were tied by internal affairs; but M. Hcrriot has his hands free and must pursue his policy with freedom and energy. RECEPTION IN INDIA. MIXED FEELINGS. DELHI, October 31. The result of the election was received in India with mixed feelings. The large majority of the Conservatives caused general surprise. Anglo-Indians arc. pleased because a stable Administration in England will lead to firm handling of the Indian situation, which is becoming increasingly anxious. Indian political circles and the Indian Press are almost unanimously disappointed by tho election, and prophesy a gloomy future tinder a reactionary Administration of Conscrvatives. Recent writings by Viscount Peel and Lord Winterton in tho Press are quoted to prove tho Conservatives' narrow outlook. . Extremist circles are pleased, considering that tho Conservative regime will alienate all moderate forces from tho Government find will strengthen the extremist ranks. Tho "Leader" of Allahabad, the leading moderate organ in India, observes that the prospect is dreary for India. It feels that the reactionary, forces in India will receive from Whitebill not only support, but even incitement. The "Hindustan Times," of Delhi, expresses a similar opinion. The vernacular Press deplores the collapse of Labour and Liberalism, and feels that a great ordeal is ahead. The Viceroy returned to-day from a tour of Kashmir. His return to the capital synchronised with tho announcement of the final results of the election. The sweeping Tory victory in England is regarded with dismay by Indian extremists, who had expected the return of Labour, and hoped for the extension of reforms beyond the limits laid down in the scheme. On the other hand, the moderates realise that the Conservatives mean well by India, and aro determined to stamp out the revolutionary movement, which is very grave. There is a general hop© of the appointment of Mr Winston Churchill to the India Office. Business articles anticipate- improved trade and exchange conditions. MARKETS BUOYANT. LONDON, October 31. The Stock Exchange shows great buoyancy as a result of the election, j which exceeded the highest antieipa- | tions,' and there are notable advances i on the improved values shown prior to Wednesday. Gilt-edges rose by } to 1 per cent., and home railways by tully i per cent, to over 2- per cent, on the upsetting of the nationalisation theme, and the prospect of a revival of trade. Industrials, notably textiles, iron, and steels, showed substantial advances. There is even greater buoyancy on the provincial exchanges. IMPROVED EXCHANGE. (Australian and m.z. cable association.) ( Received November 3rd, 12.5 a.m.) NEW YORK, October 31. Sterling reached 452$ cents to-day, showing a gain in excess of two and and a-lialf cents in the last two days. The Conservative victory in England is held to be largely responsible for this confidence being felt in financial circles, and the expectations of a trade revival throughout the British Empire. The demand for sterling from large banks was heavy, and more than offset the good-sized volume of sterling commercial bills offered in exchange tor dollars. Other European currency was firm, the general tone of the market being helped bv sterling's action. Canadian dollars 'were offered at a slignt premium. M'KENNA DUTIES. (bzuteb's telxobams.) (Beceived November 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) OTTAWA, October 31. Asked if he anticipated the restoration of the McKenna duties or other preferential treatment for Canada, the Premier, Mr Mackenzie King, said the new Conservative Administration must take the initiative in the matter, tor it was a question for tho British, not the Canadian Government, to decide.

I MEMBERS AND VOTES. - ELECTORAL REFORM NEEDED. i (Sydset "Sex" Service.) j LONDON, October 31. The "Daily News." in dem.ir.dine electoral reform, points out that 7.500.000 Conservative votes returned over -JOO members; and S.'fO.OOO Literal and • Labour votes less than 200 members. A Conservative was elected for even--1D.632 Conservative votes; a Labour member for every 35.474 Labour votes; and a Liberal for even- 94.100 Liberal votes. Probably the youngest ve.tr:- at the ■ ''lection was a I<h\v. twenty-two months old, who was taken to the polling station at Truro by its mother and allowed to vote, as its name was on the register. ? A woman voter at Dudley was taken . 'll. and gave birth to twins when site (■ arrived home. Thov will be named -, after the rival candidates. (Received November 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) i , LONDON, November 1. The total votes recorded were:— Conservatives .. .. 7,548,000 t 3 Labour .. .. .. 5,541,000 1 Liberals .. .. 2,951,000 t Independents .. .. 159.000 The "Daily Telegraph" points out that it is Labour's first set-back since 1.91.0. when the party had only forty members. THE PARTIES. I NO ROOM FOR NEUTRALS. ("THE TTMEB.") t t LONDON, October 31. l "The Times" says: "In spite of the , greatness and decisiveness of the victory, it would lie a grave error to imag- , ino that we will not be troubled with I the Socialists for a long time. Labour is not only the second strongest party. r but the voting shows that its defeat is , not duo to any diminishing energy or 5 discipline. The Socialist movement has been, beaten, but not because it did less well than at the last election; the Conservatives did not do much better. "The .Socialists claim an increased aggregate vote, and that the setback is temporary. There is just sufficient truth in these statements to warn opponents to constantly remain on guard, not relaxing the most intelligent . vigilance. If they relapse into tho customary apathy and reserve their s strength, next election will find that , the rank and file has in the meantime joined the other side. There is no room for neutrals. Whoever is not. actively L against Socialism is for it'. "The Liberals' check may not be more than temporary. The election was fought under circttmstajices particularly unfavourable to Liberalism. , Tho nation was asked to decide on the broad issue of Socialism, and replied , effectively." MOVEMENTS OF LEADERS. 5 (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received! November 3rd, 12.15 a.m.) LONDON, November 1. » Mr Lloyd George visited Mr Asquith ■ in London. Mr Mac Donald spent the ' week-end at Chequers Court. Mr Bald- < win andt other leaders are resting in the ■ country. EFFECT IN AUSTRALIA. > (AUSTRALIAN AND JC.Z. CABLE ASr*OCIATION.) 1 MELBOURNE, November 1. Mr W. M. Hughes, commenting <m ' the British elections, said that labour's ' chances of victory in Australia at the ' next election had not been strengthened ' by tho defeat of the British Labour Party, and the consequent removal of I a probable bad example. "The Singapore Base will now bo • constructed, but Australia will have to '• attune her defence policy to the [ strategy which is developing in the I Southern Pacific. "On the strength of Mr Baldwin's ' speeches we may expoct some measure | of trade preference in the near future. The election has been a. most complete 1 and crushing .reply to the Soviet propaganda." A MOSCOW OPINION. MOSCOW, October 31. ; The "Isvestia," expressed the opinion ' that it wduld be erroneous to consider ; tho result\>f the British election as a '" vote of the British people against the > Anglo-Soviet Treaty. It declares that • Britain's economic needs and the intor- ' national influence of the union of Soviet ' Republics will command the British i bourgeoisie to make such an agree- • ment.