SPEECH FROM THE PREMIER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 85, 31 March 1914, Page 5

SPEECH FROM THE PREMIER.

MR ASQUITH'S RETIREMENT.

AN INTERESTING CONTEST.

(Received 10.55 a.m.) London, March 30

In a crowded and excited House, Mr Asquith announced that Generals French and Ewart persisted in their resignations. He deeply deplored their decision, and said he could not speak too warmly and gratefully of their ability, loyalty and devotion to duty. He hoped they would continue to serve the Army( In the circumstances, he felt it his duty to assume the office of War Minister, which the King approved. (Loud cheers). Mr Asquith then announced his retirement. All lawyers are agreed it will be necessary that he be re-elected. Colonel Seely, from the corner of, the the third bench above the gangway, made a personal statement. He said there had been no difference between himself and his colleagues on any point of policy or principle. He pressed his resignation because it appeared, though this was not his intention, that there had been a bargain with the officers :tegarding the service they should reuder the Crown. As Generals French and Ewart had resigned, he felt obliged to surrender his own place. It might be that the whole army system would have to be recast, but he would not discuss that now. He hoped to still support tho Premier and the cause for which he stood.

When Mr Asquith left, the Liberals, Laborites and Nationalists cheered enthusiastically. It is understood Colonel A. Sprot (Unionist), whom Mr Asquith defeated at the 1913 election by 1799 votes, will contest East Fife against Mr Asquith.

THE DEBATE CONTINUED.

GENERAL FRENCH'S SUCCESSOR.

(Received, Noon.) London, March 30

On the third reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill, Mr Smith accused Mr Churchill of provocative measures when he made his Bradford speech, as he was aware instructions had been sent to General Paget, and later gave an order to move the fleet to Ireland. Mr Churchill said Sir Edward Carson had raised a rebellion greater than the police could cope with. The Opposition leaders were striving to prevent the Government putting down the revolution.

Lord Morley, in the Lords, promised a full statement of his own poaition to-morrow.

Sir James Griorson and Sir lan Hamilton are suggested as successors to General French. General Hamilton's acceptance woffld enable the Government to abolish the office of Jnspectoi'-Ceneral of Overseas Forces.

PACET'S REINFORCEMENTS.

(Received 12.50 p.m.) London, March 30.

Replying to Lord Salisbury, Lord Moiley admitted that the reinforcements promised to General Paget included a naval and military force from England, and two Irish divisions.