LATE EARL OF OXFORD

Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1928, Page 3

LATE EARL OF OXFORD

THE COMMON'S TRIBUTE. y (Australian Press Association &. Sun.) LONDON, Feb. 10. Profound silence reigned when Mr Baldwin moved the adjournment, as a tribute to Mr Asquith (Karl Oxford), whom he doseril>cd as one of the greatest Parliamentarians of the nineteenth century, equipped with a fine, rare intellect. Mr Asquith’s speeches, as they fell from his lips, were literature. Fie was convinced that tuturc generations would study them, particularly those of the early days ol the war. Mr Asquith’s temperament was essentially judicial, and wan rarely at fault. His personal integrity was unassailable and his loyalty most deeply seated. He was always magnanimous, never showed bitterness or malice, even through the most bitter controversies before the war. Mr Asquith towards the end of his career, had to face hitter cruel disappointments. He placed them without bitterness, blame or self pity. He never attempted self-justification. Mr Asquith faced them with dignity and restraint, never more so than in the closing years. He conferred distinction on this House. v* Mr Ramsay MacDonald said as a _ party leader Mr Asquith, even in his most stressful moments, never used a dishonourable weapon, nor selected appeals which were cheap and base. Through many months of national stress and heavy personal anxiety, he served the nation loyalty and carried into comparative retirement of hilatter years, a serene, placid dignity. He was a cultured gentleman, who in the midst of turmoil and trial never lost his distinction. LONDON, Feb. 10. Lloyd George said Mr Asquith would he remembered as one of tlie greatest parliamentarians that bad ever adorned the Commons. His unsurpassed and polished speeches were expressions ol a well trained, stocked and balanced mind. He did not give the impression of an advocate, but of a judge summing up facts and delivering judgment. Mr Asquith died on the hanks ol the Thames. He was a kindred spirit, placid, calm and moving with stately, serene flow, never boisterous or turbulent even in the worst weather. He has now passed into history, where he would fill his place with impressive distinction. T. P. O’Connor, as the last member of a once great Irish Parliament, paid a special tribute to the way in which Mr Asquith came through the torturing hours of deciding l>etween peace and war, representing the best characteristic of his country and race. The House then adjourned as a tribute to the deceased.