REUNION OF LIBERALS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 11 July 1901, Page 2

REUNION OF LIBERALS.

[pee elbctbic telegbaph—copybight.] [p»a PRIES association] London, July 10. One hundred and sixty Liberals attended a meeting called to discuss the position of the party. Amongst those present were Sir W. Harcourt, Sir H. Campboll-Bannerman, Mr Fowler, Liberal Imperialists -Mr Asquith, Mr Grey and Mr White. Sir H. Bannerman claimed their right to adhere to an honest difference of opinion on specific questions. Complete confidence in Sir H. Bonner* man was voted unanimously. The Times, commenting on the Liberal meeting, says that the opionion in the Parliamentary lobbies is that the result of the meeting is a distinct strengthening of Mr Asquith's position. The semblance of unity and sacrifice made insure the indispensable co-operation of the Liberal Imperialists, which is equivalent to a confession that in the event of Bannerman's retirement Asquith will be his successor.

Sir H. Bannerman minimised the divergencies of opinion and strongly blamed certain personal antagonism for paralysing sections of the party. Four fifths of the centre party were with him in favor of a victorious prosecution of the war simultaneously with the announcement of reasonable and generous terms. He admitted tnat it was impossible to grant terms placing the Boers in a better position than at tho outset of the war. Mr Asquith denied any share in the cabal against the Libpral leader and vindicated the right to frankly express and freely act on his convictions in regard to the war without the imputation of disloyalty. To igaore honest differences by resorting to ambitious formula was 6ither affectation or political dishonesty,