BRITISH POLITICS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 920, 19 November 1910, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

London, November 16. There were further surprises when the House of Lords met. Lord Lansdowne announced that the Lords were ready with their solution of the Second Chamber problem, which was the reduction of membership and abolition of the hereditary principle. The new House of Peers should consist of adequate representation of the best elements of the existing House reinforced from outside. As the Veto Conference had failed, the Government should proceed with their Parliament Bill. Earl Crewe said the Government was willing. He would introduce the Bill to-night, and take the second reading this week. The House could then either pass or reject it. The Government would accept no amendment.

The Parliament Bill was read a first time in the House of Lords.

A meeting of the Cabinet was held, lasting two hours and a half. Lord Knollys, the King’s Private Secretary, afterwards conferred with Mr Asquith, There are many reports that the King has refused to sanction an immediate dissolution on the grounds that it is unconstitutional. The King comes to London to confer with Mr Asquith, and is arranging to return in the evening.

The Daily Telegraph protests against the Throne being dragged into the controversy. The Premier and Earl Crewe had an interview with the King, who then returned to Sandringham.

A Cabinet Council was subsequently held. The Daily Chronicle (liberal) notes the subtlety of Lord Lansdowne’s resolution, which demands that Government introduce their Parliamentary Bill instead ol the Veto resolutions, since the Bill contained a preamble favouring a reformed Chamber, and that preamble caused the Liberals some perplexity and doubts in the spring. The Daily News (Liberal) states that if the Government resigns the only conclusion that can be arrived at is that the King intervened by refusing contingent guarantees. But it is inconceivable that the Crown would ally itself with the Lords and prevent the judgment of the people, solemnly given at the last election, being carried into law. The News adds : “We have Mr Asquith’s solemn pledge to dissolve unless he has the contingent guarantees in his possession.” The Morning Post is of opinion that there are few Englishmen who will not be exasperated that questions of grave moment should be decided by politicians possessing power through foreign money.