BRITISH POLITICAL CRISIS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 103, 2 May 1916, Page 7

BRITISH POLITICAL CRISIS.

MR. ASQUITH'S STATEMENT ANXIOUSLY AWAITED. SECRET SESSION AN ACKNOWLEDGED FAILURE. SIR EDWARD CARSON'S INFLUENCE GROWING. IMPORTANT CONFERENCES. LONDON, April 29. The political situation is still obscure. The majority of the moderates deprecate Mr, Asquith's relinquishing the Premiership, fearing it will break up the Coalition and bring on a general election without any clear cut issue. Mr. Asquith's statement on Tuesday is being awaited with intense interest. A Cabinet meeting has been called for to-morrow. Mr. 'Lloydl George has consequently postponed his meeting at Conway for a week. He intended at that meeting to reply to his critics, including Mr. Gardiner (editor of the "Daily News").

Lobby opinion is equally divided regarding the secret sessions. It is believed that as the proposals were not then upset the Hcuse would assent. Even the Labourites now admit that the secret session was ait absurdity and is not likely to be repeated.

The Labour Party's arrangements for the great recruiting campaign are practically complete. Before yesterday's fiasco there was great confidence in its result, but the prospects now are not promising. It is expected that Mr. Asquith wil now negotiate with the Labour leaders to secure their assent to a measure of general compulsion. Sir Edward Carson's position in the House of Commons is improving daily. His clarity of judgment and careful weighing of words and actions are giving force to the Opposition's opinion for the first time since the Coalition was formed. The King visited London and had interviews with Mr. Asquitlij land Lord Kitchener. The Cabinet held a two hours' sitting. GREECE SHOWING HER TEETH. USE OF GREEK RAILWAYS BEFUSED. ATHENS, April 29. Greece persists in her refusal to allow the transport of Serbian troops on the Greek railways. Th e Entente Ministers are awaiting further instructions.