The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1926. POLITICS AT HOME.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 June 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1926. POLITICS AT HOME.

There is a special interest just now in the political world at Home, because of the crisis existing still in regard to the coalminers’ dispute with the owners of the mines, and the rift, or rather serious rupture, in the Liberal Party l>v the dispute between Lord Oxford, the leader of the Party, and Mr Lloyd George, the first lieutenant of the Party and Leader in the Commons. Mr Lloyd George is wellknown to the people, more so than the more picturesque Lord Oxford, who despite the fact that as Mr Asquith, he was the Premier of 'England when the war broke out, lias not been so much in the public eye. Mr Lloyd George who lias bad a varied political career bad bis great opportunity during tlo war. He achieved greatness and distinction which no former failings or later disputations can diminish. Tf there was one British statesman who contributed his quota to the winning of the war, it was Mr Lloyd George. He rose to the occasion, and surmounted difficulties thereby paving the way to victory. In that triumph, his attitude at tiie time of the South African war or his political leanings as evidenced by his famous Limehouse speech, wen; forgotten—not conveniently, but out of gratitude, and the realiastion that a great right had supplanted any wrong there might have been in his former political career. And so lie came into his heritage as Prime-Minister at the head of a Coalition Government and from whom he received the greatest praise—whatever were the leanings of his political colleagues. The present fall from grace is a rupture with the leaders of his own party, becauss lie did not associate himself with the party in its movement regarding the national strike. Rather he took an independent attitude and is charged, in particular with sending some alarming statements to America as to the plight England was in, facing revolution. Particulars of his statements have not been circulated in detail, but it is on record that the leaders of political thought in the United States (including hibor) took tip a pro-British attitude, and let it he known that England could not be

left to any doubtful fate. It is just possible that the letters of Mr Lloyd George aroused that friendly and'outspoken feeling towards Britain, and if that he so, his diplomacy is to be commended. Mr Lloyd George carries great sway with the masses. Ho has a very fine gift of illuminating expression, and the magic of his words caught, the Americans in the right humour-and won their support. If. he has achieved that result history will do him justice. But to those who believe in action, Mr Lloyd George will be appreciated also; for there are tlioso who are complaining at the inactivity of Mr Baldwin. The present Prime Minister is of the Jolm Bull type—essentially fitted to play a wait-, ing game. It is not in the composition of Mr Lloyd George to fill such a role. He is of a different temperament. So is Mr Ramsay MacDonald, for he has been reticent to the point of silenoa which could be felt. Had lie been Prime Minister in the crisis, he would have been in the hands of the agressive leaders of Labor, for he docs not appear to lie of that character strong enough to hold the party in leash. The criticism of the Government was tolerant while tine authorities saved the country from a national strike. Now that the miners’ strike is still dragging on and the pinch for .the want of coal is being felt, there'‘is the desire to see Sir Baldwin move. He is not inclined to do so, unless at the request of both parties, in which case of course, the success of his intervention could be assured. At present Mr Baldwin is engaged in keeping the ring for the two contestants, and it seems to ho a case of settling the fi. ’.lit by a process of exhaustion. That will not be altogether satisfactory, nor will it be final. Such a settlemeift will give no kudos to Mr Baldwin, and it will not afford security for the future. The Prince of Wales rather went out of his way to indicate what might be done—something of the spirit of give and take on both sides. Mr Baldwin has encouraged the same feeling with his remarks, but be might attempt to reach the same goal by statesmanship. The Government lias' left the door open for paternal assistance to tlii? parties, and in that circumstance, the loaders on both sides might be less stubborn and meet a situation at present damaging tbo country to ail enormous degree. Politics at Hume might well devote itself to settle the very upsetting state of ajfairs now rampant. Mr Lloyd George is at all events advising what mightbe done, though bis co-members of the party are busy denouncing him. T'util all tine facts arc known it is not necessary to prejudice the ease, but looking to the man and liis record, history is sure to do him justice. With Mr Baldwin he will know that patience may go too far, hut the time should lie very opportune now for real statesmanship to achieve industrial peace.