BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 316, 16 February 1910, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

WELL THE LIBERALS HOLD OFFICE? By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright, London, February xl 4. The Morning Post says it was reported among the Radical party yesterday that Mr. Asquith had failed to obtain any of the promises he desired from the King. The Liberals entertain a very real sense of the peril the Government has to face from its own allies. The Standard says it is taken for granted that Mr. Asquith did not obtain, even if he sought, those guarantees' from the King without which he said in December he would not continue to hold office, and he may easily be persuaded of the general impossibility of conducting successful administration under such circumstances. THE LAST ELECTION RETURN. PARTY STRENGTH. London, February 14. The last of the election returns is now in, Mr. J. Cathcart Was'on (I/.) having been re-elected for Orkney and Shetland by 4117 votes against 994 recorded for Mr. Sempley (C). The 'position of the parties in the new House is as follows: Liberals 276 Unionists .. .. ..273 Labor .. .. . # 39 Nationalists .. .. 71 O'Brienites .. .. n 670 The Liberals lost 113 seats, gained 22, and retained 254. The Unionists lost 17, gained 127, and retained 146. The Labor party lost 10, gained 2, and retained 37. The Nationalists lost one seat.

A DISSATISFIED LIBERAL.

London, February 14. Mr. H. Belloc, M.P. for Salford, publishes a vigorous letter in the Times denouncing the policy of passin« the Budget before the veto as a betrayal of Liberal supporters.

The Morning Leader (Liberal) fiercely demands the veto first.

The Westminster Gazette (Independent) protests against Ministers being bullied, and declares that the Govern" ment cannot continue in office and disclaim responsibility' for the financial position. MEETING OF THE CABINET. . Received 15, 9.13 p.m. » London, Febraury 15. , Cabinet sat for three hours yesterday, .and adjourned its deliberations till today. , THE BRITISH PARLIAMMENT. . ELECTION OF A SPEAKER.

. CHANGES IN THE CABINET. Received 15, 9.15 p.m. London, Feoruary 15. The Speech has been submitted for .King Edward's approval at the Privy (Council on the 19th. , Parliament formally meets to-day to elect the Speaker and to swear members .during the week. The following Cabinet changes are officially announced:—Home Secretary, Eight Hon. Winston Churchill; President of the Board of Trade, Right Hon. .Sydney Buxton; Chancellor of the Duc'iy of Lancaster, Right Hon. J. A. Pease, ."with seat in the Cabinet; Postmast-ir-JGeneral, Right Hon. Herbert Samuel; Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (which is the same as Patronage Secretary), the Master of Elibank. MR. REDMOND IN LONDON. CONFERENCE WITH LIBERAL ■ LEADERS. I- ""v- - 15, 9.15 p,m. j London, February 15. i Mr. Redmond has arrived in London, I and is negotiating with the Liberal leaders. | IN MR. REDMOND'S HAND'S. j THE FATE OF THE BUDGET. Received 15, 9.50 p.m. London, February 15. , The Times says the fato of the Budget is unquestionably in Mr. Redmond's hands. Whether he dare put it to the touch is another matter.