THE NEW PREMIER.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1923, Page 3

THE NEW PREMIER.

AUSTRALIAN' AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. IS MR BALDWIN TO BLAME? LONDON, May 23 Tlie “Daily Telegraph’s” Berlin correspondent states that the precipitation of the mark downwards is due to the Cabinet crisis in Kngland. German business men are fearing that the new Premier may he more amenable to French influence than Mr Uonar Law. FRENCH PRESS COMMENT. (Received this day at 8.30 a.in.) PARIS, May 23. The “Echo do Paris” says: “We have cause to believe that .Mr Baldwin will follow Mr Jionar Raw’s policy of prudent waiting in regard to the Ruhr.” The “Petit Parision” remarks that Mr Baldwin’s acts show that lie is not disposed to grant favours to Russia, and that lie not less than Mr Bonar Law, is disposed towards the alliance with France. MR LLOYD GEORGE’S REGRET. HOPES FOR THE FUTURE. (Received this dnv at 11.4.3 a.in.) LONDON, May 23. Mr Lloyd George, speaking at Llaufairfechan, expressed regret at Mr Bonar Law’s retirement. Ho said lie wiis a personal friend of Mr Boanr Mr Llo.vd George continuing said : “Mr Bonar Law loyally supported me during the war, hut I have more confidence ill the late Premier’s restraining capacity than in his driving capacity. I have not the same assurance for the future now Mr Bonar Law Inis resigned, lfis colleagues do not inspire confidence. Two reasons that prevented me from opposing Mr Bonar Law's Government without discrimination was, first, personal friendship for a loyal friend, and secondly, the serious condition of the world at the present, when embarrassing the Government would bo unpatriotic. We must not burl marling spikes at the steersman of tlie ship of State and consideration extended to Mr Bonar Law would not necessarily he extended to the next government, widen had no mandate I rum the electors. My hopes for the future will lie in the union of the Liberal Party and the United Liberal Party, which could save the world, but reunion can only come by the abandonment of personal rancour.”

PRESS COAIM ENT. London. Ainy 23. The “Times” in a leader, says There can lie no eritcism of His .Majesty’s choice from any section of his people. Nevertheless, Air Baida in must face the fact, that in Europe and the Dominions, lie still has his reputation to make, and that in both directions the immediate problems call for the highest finalities of wisdom mid resolution. It remains for him to acquire, las we arc sure he will, the unquestioned right to speak with the voice of the nation. It would probab.v bo true to say that lie was the obvious heir to Air Bonar Law. which largely explains the strong public sentiment in his favour. It is impossible to refrain from paying tribute nod sympathy to Lord Curzon, whose natural claim to succession was unquestionably over-ruled by Hie (net that he is a peer.

THE DECIDING FACTORS. PRESIDENT WILSON’S SYMPATHY. . (Received this dav at 0.23 a.in.) LONDON, May 23. Though rumours were growing throughout the day on the possibility the Hon. S. Baldwin being selected lor the Premiership in preference to Lend Cur/.ou, the first public evidence was when Mr Baldwin left Downing Street and went to Buckingham Palace and stayed with the King for an hour. Speaking to reporters waiting at the Palace gates alter the audience. All Baldwin declined to make a statement until the King’s pronouncement was published, adding: “I may need your prayers more than congratulations.” Lord Cur.soli’s health, though improved of late, was a big factor in the decision, and, moreover. Lord Roscberrv’s experiences in connection with the difficulties when the Prime Alinister was in the House of Lords was still remembered in political circles. This difficulty is all the greater since the Labour Party is recognised as the opposition in the House of Commons. Lastly it is believed that Air Baldwin was the best fitted to bring about the reunion of the Coalition Conservatives which was already proved by the likelihood of Sir R. Horne becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer, ' despite the fact that his return to office means a big financial sacrifice. It was also hoped that Mr Austen Chamberlain would he persuaded to take tlie Privy Seal under Air Baldwin and Lord Robert Cecil, and thus add his debating strength to the Treasury Benches. A meeting of the Unionist Party of both Houses will he held on Alonday morning to elect Al,r Baldwin leader of the Party so that he would lie able to appear in the House in i 1 it* afternoon in the double capacity of Prime .Minister and Unionist lender. Mr Baldwin has muelY in common with Air Bonar Law, and both are transparently honest, direct in speech and manner, and both are of marked business ability. Air Baldwin is still in the middle fifties.

"During tile negotiations preceding the selection, Enron Stamfordliam, the -King’s Private Secretary, consulted a number of influential politicians. ITe had an hour’s talk with Lord Curzon before Mr Baldwin was asked to visit the Palace. The King returnedt to Aldershot in the evening. Sir Samuel Hon re, Air Minister, who was on a ten days air tour, on hearing of the crisis, immediately flew back to London, and hoard Mr Baldwin’s wireless message in the air, that if Sir B. Horne was unable to accept the Exchequer post, it would probably go to Air Neville Chamberlain. Afwssnges of sympathy with Air Honor Law continue to be received, including Hon Afassey’s. Air "Woodrow AVilson, who cabled, begins: “I. myself, am hampered through ill-health and sympathise with nil my heart.”