BRITISH GENERAL ELECTIONS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 83, 2 January 1919, Page 5

BRITISH GENERAL ELECTIONS

WHAT WILL SINN FEIN DO ? COMMENT ON THE RESULTS By Telegraph-Press Assoclation-Oopyrijcht London, December 31. As a large number of the elected Sinn Feiners are either in gaol or interned, ■the party probably will adhere to its intention not to enter "Westminster. This emphasises the expectation that the Sinn Feiners will create a Constituent Assembly in Dublin, making the future outlook dangerous. , ' • With the Sinn Feiners absent Labour has a most cohesive Opposition, and is thereby entitled to occupy the front Opposition benches. The swearing-in of the new Commoners begins on Janunry 21, and will occupy ten 'days.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SINN FEIN UNBALANCED BY THE VICTORY (Rec. January 2, 0.15 a.m.) / London, December 31. "The . Times's" Dublin correspondent states that the Sinn Feiners admit that the magnitude of their victory is embarrassing, as it imposes nn undivided responsibility in creating a policy. The majority of the new members are youthful, obscure, and inexperienced in affairs. It is stated tlu>t if the Government refuses to release the Sinn Fein prisoners a general strike will follow, dislocating all industries;—Aus.-N.Z. Cable ' Assn."Times." i OPENING OF NEW PARLIAMENT. „ London, December, 31. Parliament will meet on January 21 — Reuter. ' ■ LABOUR INVITED TO JOIN THE CABINET (Rec. January 1, 5.5 p.m.) i ■ ' ' , . London, December 31.' The Prime Minister haß invited leadingLabour representatives to join the Min-istry:'-Mr. Clynes, Mr. Barnes, Mr. Roberts, and Mr, Thomas may accept. It is believed that the Labour Party, owing to the defeat of the extremists, 'will reconsider its decision not to participate in the Government. It,is stated that.the new Cabinet will be limited to from'iO to 12 members.— Reuter. ," • '' THE NEW LABOUR, LEADER. ' (Rec. January-1, 10.35 p.m.) London, December 31. Mr. J. H. Thomas, seoretar to the Rnilwaymen's Association, will succeed Mr. Arthur Henderson as chairman of the Labour Party.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable A6sn. MORE PRESS OPINIONS " SALUTARY LESSON TO PACIFISTS • AND; DEFEATISTS. London, December 30. The "Daily Telegraph" "says:—"The election' is the most complete personal triumph for a Prime Minister in Parliamentary ■ history. ■ Pacifism and ..defeatism havo received, such »'a lesson as wrongheaded niiscliief-makiug. never had. Mr. Lloyd George with this unexampled power has a unique opportunijy in tho current tasks of peace reconstruction', rtnd .we are convinced that lie will make tho utmost of it." ' Tho "Daily' Chronicle" . says:—"The country rallied to; Mr. 1 Lloyd George as representing a natfiot democracy .because it wants big things done. It will go ill with any party or section standing between him and the people's mandate." The "Morning Post" - says:—"The na. tion has. decreed nolitical banishment to the two parties whom it, regarded m Tinfaithful to the. national causc. and,"returned the party-which lias, best expressed its love of solid British institutions." —Renter. : 1 , (Rec. January d, 10.35 p.m.) . London, December 31, The "Manchester Guardian"- says that the electSili illustrates one of the dangers inherent in 'democratic government, namely, , the ability of. tho ' 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: "Liberalism must face the fact that, the workjng cla6s vote will move stendily towards ' the Labour Party, and they, must endeavour to find n place for the. party in a united, democratic, and progressive movement, thus preventing class schism.—Reuter.