Political Crisis

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 183, 12 November 1910, Page 5

Political Crisis

FAILURE OF THE VETO CONFERENCE. ELECTIONS PROBABLE IN DECEMBER A GREAT STRUGGLE EXPECTED. "HOTTEST AND BITTEREST OF MODERN TIMES." By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright. Received 11, 9.30 p.m. London, November 11. Mr. Asquith has authorised the following announcement: — The Veto Conference has closed, without arriving at an agreement. In the opinion of all the members, the conditions whereunder the proceedings were held preclude any disclosure of the course of negotiations, or the causes leading to their termination.

The announcement is interpreted as expressing the wish of both sides to avoid recrimination and to facilitate a return to the status quo ante. The hope is widely expressed that the Conference shall be" regarded as a serious and conscientious effort to solve on novel lines an unprecedented problem. It is understood that at last evening's Cabinet meeting it was decided to force an early election, namely, in December. The highest political circles anticipate one of the hottest and bitterest contests of modern times.

"HOME RULE ALL ROUND." STATEMENT BY MR. BALFOUR. Received 11, 9.30 p.m. The Unionists are extensively signing a protest against the "Home Rule all round" policy. Mr. Walter Long, M.P. for South Dublin, and formerly Chief Secretary for Ireland, informed the members of the Nineteen Hundred Club that Mr. Balfour had authorised the statement that neither Imperial Federation, Home Rule, nor devolution formed any part of the discussion at the Conference.

LD3ERALS EAGER FOR THE FRAY. THEY "GLORY IN A FIGHT." WILL LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED. Received 11, 9.30 p.m. London, November 11. Sir Rufus Isaacs, Attorney-General, speaking at Reading, said he was glad that tongues were now loosened. The Liberals gloried in a fight, and were determined to leave no stone unturned to win. Mr. A. Birrel, M.P., in a speech at Watford, referring to the approaching elections, said the Liberals wanted all the support possible in the south and west. He added that the North of England would not budge an inch, neither would Scotland or Wales.

A GRAVE CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUE. RETICENCE CHARACTERISED AS ABSURD. Received 11, 10.30 p.m. London, November 11. The Times laments that the Veto Conference did not vindicate Britain's boasted talent for political compromise and cautious development of her institutions. Thus a grave constitutional issue must apparently be decided as a mere incident in party warfare at an election which would determine a dozen other issues. The Times adds: "The reticence regarding the prolonged negotiations is absurd, and practically futile."

"THE CONFERENCE IS DEAD."

"THE GOVERNMENT . . IS DEAD.

Received 11, 10.30 p.m. London, November 11.

The Telegraph states that it desires no statement concerning the Conference proceedings, for the Conference is dead, and the Government, representing Socialist-cum-Redmondite domination and the Radical Party as an independent force in politics, is as dead as the Conference. Let the fight come when it will; henceforth a new temper and resolve will enter the Unionist ranks.

"OPEN WAR."

AX ELECTION IMPERATIVE. | Received 11, 10.30 p.m. London, November 11. The Chronicle's leader, headed "Open War," remarks that as the Tory leaders rejected the settlement possible at the Conference, it is obvious that they will not advise the House of Lords to accept the Government's original policy, and the King is not likely to consent to the extreme measure necessary to overcome the Lords. He is much more likely to require in so great a crisis at the outlet of his reign the guidance and support of a direct appeal to the people, hence an immediate election is the Government's duty, besides being its best tactics. The Chronicle, however, though - -uds an election in December as ,v. "■•• =;vs for various reasons it is improo!