THE KING'S PREROGATIVE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 220, 17 March 1914, Page 4

THE KING'S PREROGATIVE.

Th» seiuational rumor that has been published in the Sydney Sun relative to the King's intervention in the Home Rule crisis may have 110 existence as a fact, but it has nevertheless excited keen comment. It is quite within the bounds of possibility that King George has made known to his responsible adrisers his vievrs and desire as to the course of action to be pursued, and from what is known as to his predilections in favor of preserving peace, it is quite likely that he has strongly urged the adoption of a policy that will prevent hostilities in Ulster. It is quite in accord with precedent that the Sovereign should do his best to avoid a crisis, and as he is well informed as to what is happening, it is only reasonable to suppose that he has had some plain talk with members of his Ministry. The treasonable actions of the Unionist leaders and the parade of fighting forces lug caused a feeling of uneasiness that has, no doubt, extended to Koy.il circles. The danger may not be real, and perhaps partake more of the nature of bluff, but the public have grown apprehensive of serious consequences ensuing, especially in view of the conflicting elements that have always existed in Ulster before and after the rebellion. Whether the rumor of th-j King's intervention is true or not, attention has naturally been drawn to the power he possesses as head of the Stale. There are two prerogatives lie can exercise, either of which would defeat the Bill now before the House, As the paramount power in Parliament lie [could dissolve or prorogue it at pleasure, or he could refuse assent to tho Bill, hut the last-named power has not been exercised since 1707. Theoretically, by rirtue of his being at the head of the State, he is commander of the Army and the Navy, but this power is practically exercised by his Ministers.

The icing .must be well aware that under the present system of democratic government Parliament would not tamely submit to be flaunted, and that any interference with the will of the people would lead to a revision of the Constitution, just as it did in the case of the House of Lords. We have to go back to the pre-Reiormation times for any ronflict between the King and the people, and it seems almost impossible Lo credit King George with being so rash as to initiate a trouble that would jeopardise his throne. Under the circumstances, it is far more likely that if lie has taken any step in this matter it lias been merely by way of t'lvicc given in the interests of peace and good order. It may have been unpalatable, but the occasion was certainly not one for mincing words and rounded periods. To force a dissolution on the Home Rule question at this stage would be a fatal error, for it must be remembered that the question was quite as much the main issue at the last election as was that of crippling the powers of the House of Lords. Democratic government has come to stay, and the people both 111 Brltan and the dominions have rightly become intensely jealous of their privileges. Tluold adage, "Vox populi, vox Dei," has never had greater force than it possesses to-day, and were the King to attempt to rise superior to the will of the people it could only lead to one end, but it is hardly reasonable to assume that King George has committal the fatal blunder with which he is credited.