PARTIES, AID PEERS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 839, 10 June 1910, Page 5

PARTIES, AID PEERS.

A CONFERENCE. WOULD A SETTLEMENT FOLLOW? THE OUTLOOK. By Teleeraph-Press ABSociation-Gopyriaht ■ London, Juno 8. With regard to the Government's attitude towards the House of Lords' veto, Air. W. 11. Long (Unionist it.P., and formerly Unionist Chief Secretary for Ireland), speaking at a Tariff Reform League meeting, said the Opposition was willing lo respond to any Government proposal for a conference on the Constitutional question. UNIONISTS WILLING. LABOUR OPPOSED: NATIONALISTS WAITING. (Rcc. June 10, 0.15 a.m.) London, June 1). , Mr. Long's statement-to the effect that if any elfnrts at peaceful settlement emanated from the Government they would meet with a ready, willing, and patriotic response from the.Opposition—was made with the full concurrence of Mr. Balfour (Unionist Leader) and his colleagues. Not Sanguine as to Results. The "Daily Chronicle" (Liberal) says: "A round-table conference is highly probable, and the Government will /shortly be initiating negotiations. There is reason to believe that King George earnestly desires that a resolute effort to find a peaceful solution should be made by the statesmen of both parties before the combat is resumed. , . . "Wo are not sanguine as to the results of any conference. The Government cannot recede from its position, and the zone of concession on the Liberal side is strictly limited. Mr. Ling's conciliatory spirit is very welcome, and if peace with honour, giving fair play to Liberal legislation, is achievable by negotiation, so much the better. "Nevertheless, the crisis was provoked by the aggressive acts of tho House of Lords. It is a matter of life or deatll for Liberalism, and there is not much room for compromise were so much is at stake." A Clear and Compelling Mandate. The "Daily News" (Liberal) comments: "Whatever stops the Government may be tempted to take, they must bo governed by considerations. The conference must not be a cover for party manoeuvring, and must not be allowed to degenerate into an obstacle to a speedy settlement of the House of Lords question.. As •to the essentials of any settlement, tho mandate of the country is clear and compelling." According to the Press Association, lobby opinion considers that a conference is assured. Its membership will consist of Cabinet Ministers on the cne side, and of Unionist ex-Ministers on tho other. "The Times" and the "Chronicle" declare that the Labour members are strongly opposed to A conference. "Tho Times" adds that the Nationalists are willing to await the issue of the conference. Tho Unionists consider that, in tho event of a conference, the Government should produce their scheme or 'reform of tho Lords.