BRRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1920, Page 2

BRRITISH POLITICS.

PAISLEY iBYE-ELECTION. (By Electric Telegraph—Copvrigiu • (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Jail. 26.

Hon H. Asquith was invited to contest Paisley by the local Liberal Association. It is understood that ~a large majority, favouring the Coalition candidate decided to support the Association’s choice. The Unionists thereupon selected McKern a Coalitionist, but hope to secure some Liberal support. McKein said yesterday that he was fighting the coalition because the Liberals refused to nominate a Liberal Coalitionist though Unionists were quite willing to support one in order to thrash Labour, but at Lord Northcliffe’s instignation the Liberals adopted Mr Asquith, whom the Coalitionists cannot possibly vote for, because he came out for the express purpose of smashing the Coalition. Therefore the Coalitionists have no alternative, but to fight. McKein’s reference to Lord Nortlicliffo is due to the fact that the “Times” latterly, has strongly advocated Mr Asquith’s return to the Commons on the the ground that his experience would be of great value to the country at the present time, especially in connection with finance. It is noteworthy that others of the Northcliffe press is giving prominence to Mr Asquith’s candidature, though showing less enthusiasm than with which it advocated his downfall in 1916. The strictly Conservative organs like the ‘‘Morning Post” hope Mr Asquith will be rejected, though they believe the only alternative is labour. On the other hand the moderate Coalition Conservative newspapers, for example the “Daily Telegraph” welcome the prospect of Mr Asquith returning to Parliament on national grounds, as the Coalition weakness is a lack of expert criticism. The Coalition Liberal paper the “Daily Chronicle” which is in close touch with the Premier, desires Asquith’s re-election on general grounds, but would like more information about his programnie. It especially hopes he will rely on the unity of the Liberal forces, instead of perpetuating the parties present division. Independent Liberal organs are naturally enthusiastic, but would prefer that Mr Asquith would-indicate a more progressive tendency than he has hitherto shown, otherwise the existing Liberal defection to Labour will continue. ,

Hon Asquith’s opening speech "'as mainly a defence of Liberalism. He said the Liberals were perfectly content with the old name and the old creed. Ho would fight the contest as a Liberal and hoped to win as a Liberal. Mr Asquith justified the Liberal principles by a survey of pre-war legislation, but did not touch the future policy except in realtion to Labour. On this point, he said the ultimate aim of the Labour Party was the State acquisition of the whole machinery of production. This is a form of industrial tyranny against which it is the first, duty of Liberalism to protest. Even Liberal circles consider Mr Asquith must soon disclose his attitude on such vexed questions as the Nationalisation of Mines and capital levy on profiteering, on. which hitherto he has only spoken in general terms, and which are in the fore front of the Labour programme. It is generally recognised that Mr Asquith has probably staked everything on this contest . Though it will be a three cornered fight, the prevaiing opinion is that unites Mr Asquith wins, the result will rebound on Independent Liberalism and on Liberalism in general. A 1 reports anticipated a reception at Paisley more enthusiastic than expected. Present prophesies are extremely cautious, though the Coalition is expected to be at the bottom of the poll. A vigorous campaign lias now opened, promising the greatest bye-election for many years. There is a great influx of Labour leaders.

Mr Asquith’s election is regarded as more vital titan Spen Valley. It is certai to throw a searching light on the future position of a coalition of labe--and Asquithan Liberalism, in Scland at all events. It will also have an important bearing on the future of Liberalism generally and the leadership therof. Recent bye-elections in England have indicated a considerable Liberal movement from the coalition to Mr Asquith.