GERMANS IN THE PRIVY COUNCIL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2622, 18 November 1915, Page 5

GERMANS IN THE PRIVY COUNCIL

SIR EDGAR SPEYER AND SIR ERNEST CASSELL STATUS BEFORE THE COURT By Telegraph—Press AsjociaUon-Oopyright (Rec. November 17, 5.2 i p.m.) London, November 16. Proceedings in connection with the case in which the King's Bench had granted orders nisi calling upon Sir lidgar Speyer and Sir Ernest Cassel, the wealthy London financiers, who are both ' natives of Germany, to prove that they we entitled to remain members of the Irivy Council, have commenced. •The applicant in the caso alleges that neither of the defendants had been born tnthm the Empire, nor was of British parentage. Hence it' is declared that both Sir Edgar and Sir Ernest are incapable ot belonging to the Privy Council. , During the proceedings the Attorney. • General and _ leading barristers commenced a vigorous argument as to whether the statuto prevented the King from | making naturalised subjects members of the Privy Council. Sir Ernest Cassel's affidavit stated' that he was naturalised in 1878, and had lived in England since 1871. His business and social interests were here, and Ids sympathies had always been with England. All his malo relatives of military ago were serviug with tho British Forces, and he was deeply attached to this country. The hearing has beeii* adjourned. [Sir Edgar Speyer offered to resign, early in Slay last, the Privy Councillorship to which he was appointed by King Edward VII in 1909, and the baronetcy which he received in 1906. He declared that it was hard to bear unjust aspersions against his loyalty. Tho Primo Minister (Mr. Asquith) 'informed Sir Edgar that His Majesty was not prepared to withdraw distinctions conferred in recognition of public services and philanthropy. Sir Edgar found in October last that his important interests in England wore incompatible with his relations with the Now York house of Speyer and Company, wliieh apparently felt no_ restraint in regard to its dealings with the countries at present at war with Great Britain. He therefore severed his connection with the American branch. Ho married- in 1902 a I daughter of Ferdinand Count von Stosch, He has been an active supporter, of tho Liberal Government. -> Sir Ernest Cassel, P.C., G.C.8.. G.C.V.0., G.C.M.G., after tho sinking of the Lusitania, wrote a letter to the newspapers denouncing the German war methods. Sir Ernest went to England when a young man, and in 1878 married a young Englishwoman, who died threo : years later. He has remained a widower. In addition to thc_ British honours held by him, all of which wore bestowed by the late King Edward, whose close friendship lie enjoyed. Sir Ernest Cassel is tho possessor of the Order of the Crown of Prussia (fust class) and the Order of the Red Eagle of Prussia (first class, with brilliants).]

Tho following officers have reported for duty at Trentliam Camp:—Capt. S C. -Ashton, Mounted Rifles; Capt W S Clark, 12th Reinforcements, iiifantiy; Capt. J. B. Necly, Infantry; Capt L. V. Portcous, Infantry; Lieut R. W~ Sparrow, Mounted Rifles; 2nd Lieut! A. S. Bailey, 12th Reinforcements, Inrantry; 2nd Lieut. J. J. Kernolian Infantry; 2nd Lieut. J. T. Steven, Mount, eel Rifles.

, As , did not leavo Lyttelton till 9.30 p.m. .yesterday ilie is not expected to arrive here till between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to-day. The- vessel has evidently been delayed at the sou thorn port on account of tlio late arrival °J| rT"! 5 express from the south. 1 in 6 ?' OWI M letter has been received by fcno iJew South \Yales Headquarter* Defonoo Staff, at Victoria Barracks:— Dear Sir,—l snpposo you will think nu absolutely unmaidenly for wanting t< enlist, but I really must go. I am onh a girl, hilt I can do as much as ain mail. I am suro I could do more b\ Eoing than the shirkers who are hanging round the corners. I have n brotlini and two cousins in tlio firing lino, anil my boy lias also gone. Now, I think I could kill a fow Turks or Germans as well as any man, and I will gladly givo ten years of my life to get into khaki as soon as possible. I would risk anything at all if you will try and get me passed by the military. If tlio shirkers wont go, tlieu I will get thore somehow our hiava Lads."