BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9375, 18 February 1909, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE KING’S SPEECH

United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—' Copyright. London, February !<• The King, in his speech, opines that his cordial welcome at Berlin tends f to strengthen those amicab •feelings which are essential to the .mutual welfare and peace. Foreign relations are friendly. After references to affairs m the Balkans and Persia and to the Italian earthquake, the Speech expresses deep satisfaction at the measures designed to improve ;th« Indian administration and desires that _steps be taken to give effect to the Royal ■Speech in November to the people of l-India’i advising them to protect their and so advance the welfare >of all races. The South African Convention marks the first stage in consolidation. The Speech announces the conclusion of the great .Poor LawOommis-.-sibn. , . . ha There was a noble pageant in toe House of Lords, the Queen wearing the Guilin an diamonds. The Prince and Princess of Wales were^present. The King started in good voice, hut tired before the end. He goes to Brighton on Friday to rid himself.of all traces of cold. , The Earl of Liverpool moved, and Baron Hemphill seconded the Address in the Lords. _ Messrs Rogers and W. W. Berm moved and seconded respectively the Address in the Commons. Mr Balfour, referring to unemployment, warned them that no plan not attempting to increase the demand for skilled labour would have a good effect. It was necessary to increase the confidence of the investing pnhilc. The Government, by rash speeches and action, had driven capital “abroad. Their folly in rejecting every method by which bargains could be effected with other .-nations and preference obtained with our own colonies was obvious to everyone not hidebound in the formulae inherited from ancient ' writers. Mr Balfour incensed the Nationalists and provoked hot interruptions by adducing that the statistics showed a great increase of agrarian crime in Ireland. He called on Mr 'feirrell to pat into force the Crimes Act of 1887. « Mr Asquith said that affairs in Persia were exceedingly unsatisfactory, and there was no prospect of improvement until the Shah sept his promise. The Government would not make any loan or otherwise support the Shah while he continued bis present policy. He promised inquiry into pensions in Ireland, but did not desire to palliate or minimise the dpelorable state of things in certain districts, but the facts had not proved the administration we?k. Matters of finance would largely occupy the attention of the House, which would not indulge in the luxury of social reform without paying for it. The money would have to he found by methods from sources consistent with justice an sound policy. Mr Henderson protested against the proposed increased expenditure on the Navy.

THE TIMES ON THE SPEECH. Received February 18, 8.5 a.m. Loudon, February 17. The Times says that the presence of the King redeemed the opening of the session which |would otherwise lhave been a tame one. The purple patch disestablishment in Wales will not be pressed beyond a second reading and then reserved as a missile to fling at the Lords in the succeeding session. The real interest centres on the Budget, The specific recognition that increased expenditure on the navy is necessary is very welcome.

SUFFRAGETTE METHODS

Suffragettes are indignant that no reference was made in the King s speech to woman’s franchise. Three invaded an “At Home” at Mr MeKenna’s house and addressed the guests from a chair. All were ejected. Another ballooned over London with a megaphone and a huge (inscription on the balloon.