SPLIT IN THE CABINET.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1494, 17 July 1912, Page 7

SPLIT IN THE CABINET.

LLOYD-GEORGE AND THE RADICALS DISSATISFIED-

SOCIAL REFORM V. THE NAVY,

Br Telceraph—Press Association—Copyrieht London, July 15. Mr. Massingham, editor of the wellkno\v/i weekly journal "The Nation," whose writings reflect the opinions of the advanced section of the Cabinet, in an article in the "Daily News," asks:— "Atc we to command the sea or lose Mr. Lloyd George? If Mr. Asquith tries to enchain the soul and mind o£ the party to Mr. Churchill's naval policy he will lose the Chancellor, and with him niuetcnths of the Liberal fighters." "AN INTERESTING DOMESTIC QUARREL." UNIONIST PRESS COMMENT. (Rec. July 17, 0.50 a.nn) . London, July 16. Tho "Standard" (Unionist) says that perhaps the result of the Hariley by-elec-tion encouraged Mr. Massingham's demonstration in • the "Daily News." Mr. Lloyd George may . bo cornered in tho Cabinet, but he can win elections. It is an interesting domestic quarrel, and the .issue- is uncertain. Unionists must look to their weapons, and keep them in readiness for a surprise election, to which the Premier may resort as the only escape from a.most uncomfortable situation.

"A BITTER DRAMA." BEHIND THE MINISTERIAL CURTAIN., Rumours .of dissension in the British' Cabinet have teen current from timo to time during recant months. In February; last'some attention was attracted by an: article in tho "Weekly. Dispatch," in which Mr. John Foster Fraser, predicted tho early resignation of Mr. Asquith, who 'ho said would take the Lord Chancellorship when Lord Loreburn retired. This particular prediction was not fulfilled, as Lord Loreburn has gone, and Mr. Asquith still remains at the helm. In the course of his article, Mr. Eraser said:— "I am able- to 'state that Mr. Asquith will shortly resign the office of Prime Minister. Mr. Lloyd-George, contrary to general' expectation, is not intended to have the reversion. Mr. Asquith himself is seeing 'to that. The next Prime Minister and official leader of the Liberal party will be Sir Edward Grey. It is believed he will be able to bring back to the fold those moderate Liberals who have been alienated from the party by reason of distrust in the Chancellor of the Exchequer. "A bitter drama is being enacted behind the Ministerial curtain. Men like the Primo Minister, Sir . Edward Grey, Lord Haldane, and the Marquis of Crewe know full well the danger tho Liberal party runs if its destinies pass into the hands of the Chancellor. Mr. Lloyd-George has a magic personality, and he is a demagogue to the soles of his boots. He. is not a statesman. ~ His doctrine sways mobs.istirs party rancour, and arouses hatred in the hearts of those who are not ..well off against those who happen to be. more fortunate. ,' _ ' "The moderate men in the Liberal ranks, often wealthy men who find most of the cash'which..oils the Radical machine, contemplate " with dismay being further and further squeezed and financially injured in order that Mr. LloydGeorge may become increasingly popular with those, who are Socialistically inclined. ■ ■■' . ■ "Anyone personally acquainted with these Liberal magnates is well aware that,' while favourable to aifjal reform, they resent the tactics of the Chancellor. "Liberals. understanding, the complexities of finance.aro amazed at Mr. Lloyd- ' George-s --recklessness, in -.dealing.- .with, statistics. Party loyalty, however, compels them to keep their mouths closed in public. All the same, they do net liko .the Chancellor of the Exchequer's methods, and good Liberals have their cy«s wide open to the fact that while Mr. Lloyd-George,, with his unmatched oratory, can stir a popular audience to hysterical enthusiasm, he is causing thousands and thousands of quiot.thinkin," Liberals to decide that their votes at the next election shall bo givon to tho Unionists. , ■ . , ~ - "The Prime Minister, himself is rather sick. Ho is a AVhig and he is not a Radical. He has played the willy-nilly game in regard to Home Rule, not becauso hebelieves in it, but because unless- heyields to Mr. Redmond, Mr. Redmond and his men would smash tho Liberal majority. Mr. Asquith is no demagogue. His friends have received intimation that on the first available opportunity he will get away from the Premiership.'