MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 December 1916, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

THE CABINET CRISIS. ■ A NEW PHASE. STRUGGLE BETWEEN ASQUITH AND LLOYD GEORGE. \f_ BOTH RESIGN, /. , —" T ' ' ' London, Dec. 5. Mr. Lloyd George has resigned as a . consequence cf Mr.. Asquith's' intention ' to continue as a member of the War '. Council. Mr. Asquith has resigned. . MR. ASQttTH'S RESIGNATION : ACCEPTED MR. LLOYD GEORGE TO FORM ' ' " MINISTRY. Received Dee. 6, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 5. The King this evening gave an audience to Mr. Lloyd George. The Court Cireulai announces that the King has accepted Mr. Asquith's resignation. Renter Service. The King has summoned . Mr. Lloyd George. London, Dec. 5. A Liberal meeting carried a general vote of confidence in Mr. Asquith by 45 votes to 8. There were ten abstenlinns. The meeting conclusively proved that the followers of Sir John Simon, who opposed Mr. Lloyd George, were in small strength in the Liberal Party. The crisis has shown that behind the oonfiict of personalities there is a conflict of policies. One body of Ministers favor concentrating, all the strength upen the fighting services; others argut. that if wo deplete industries in order to fill the army wo deprive ourselves cf the means of financing the war. The difficulties of the Asquith Government are increased by the miserable results of the A!Ted diplomacy in Greece and the deplorable withdrawal of British and French marines after the attack on Friday, I "he Northclifl'e papers have commenced vigorous attacks on Viscount Grey and Lord Robert Cecil. It is believed that Mr. Lloyd George also favors Viscount Grey's resignation. Mr. Thomas, M.P., secretary of the Riilwaymen's Union, speaking at Kentish Town, said the present political happenings were calculated'to cause dismay in the trendies. If the working man goes on strike he is abused and called a traitor and other unsavoury names and finally brought-under the regulations of the Munitions Act. Statesmen should he treated similarly if they strike. They cannot expect the workers to do their duty unless the leaders set an example. This .fooling must stop. The country will not folcrate a dictatorship, but is Jed up with the press, campaign of calumny and slander. If the Premier is unfit to sit iii the War Council' then he is unfit to hold office. Mr. Wardle announced that the Labor Party unreservedly supports Mr/'Asquith with its wl\plo strength. The Westminster Gazette announces that Mr. Asquith definitely declined a proposal to form a War Council, of which he was not a member. The next irove remains with Mr. Lloyd George. It is understood that Lord Grey and most of the principal members of the Cabinet support Mr. Asquith. ■ The Gazette adds that Mr Lloyd George has demand*! a smaller War Council, with practically unlimited powers, the Premier to be excluded: and only have the right to veto its decisions. Mr. Asquith approved of the council, but held that the Premier must be chairman; therefore he would rather, resign than submit to any other arrangement. GENERAL ELECTION PROBABLE. J MR. ASQUITH WILL HELP NEW CABINET. • Received Dec. (i, 11.55 p.m. London Dec. 8. A paragraph in the Court Circular announcing the historic happenings to the public, said: "Mr. Asquith had audience of His Majesty this evening, and tendered his resignation as Prime Minister, which the King was graciously pleased to accept." It is generally believed that the resignation entails a general election, but that before an appeal to the 1 country Mr. Bonar Law will form a Government and seek the country's approval. The temper of the present House of Commons is against a new Government, especially if the belief that Mr. Asquith has been unfairly 1 driven from office is correct. There is reason to believe that Mr. Asquith desires not to put any obstacles in the way of a new Government, but that he will advise his Liberal, Labor, and Nationalist supporters to assist Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Bonar Law. It is hoped that Mr. Asquith will remain in public life, so as to give the 1 country the benefit of Jus great experience and ability. He will probably receive a. peerage. HISTORIC PROCEEDINGS. MR. ASOfUITH'S RESIGNATION. COMES AS A BOMBSHELL NO PERSONAL BITTERNESS. Received Dec. 0, 10.55 p.m London Dec. 8. , Mr. Asquith's resignation came as a bombshell, showing that every effort to ' preserve the unity of the Coalition toad i failed. Though Mr. Lloyd George's

wishes concerning the War Council had been accepted in principle, on Sunday, Mr. Asquith contended that the powers of the Council must he derived- from the Cabinet, as a whole. Consequently it was necessary to find Ministers who were prepared to delegate their authority to a smaller body. Mr. Llovd George did not object to Mr. Asquith being a member of the Council, but held that a member of the Council cannot at the same time discharge the duties of Prime Minister, in view of the time taken' up in general administration, supervision, and attendance in the House of Commons. When found it was impossible to reconcile the conflicting views, Mr. Asquith called the Liberal leaders together, including Viscount Grey, Mr. Harcourt, Mr. Montagu, Mr. Samuel, 'Lord Crewe. Mr. MeKenna, Mr. Runeinian Lord Reading, and Mr. Henderson. Later, Lord Curzon was called in, and the party negotiations with Mr. Bonar \aw. Just before 7, Mr. Asquith drove to Buckingham Palace, and had half an hour's audience with the King. When he returned to Downing Street he was not 'carrying his portfolio. Apparently Mr. Asquith suggested to the King to summon Mr. Bonar Law. Throughout Mr. Lloyd George was most conciliatory. His letter of resignation was couched in the friendliest terms. It recalled a decade of intimate personal association with Mr. Asquith, emphasising the fact that, despite the sharp differences of opinion occasionally, there never was a personal quarrel. Mr. Lloyd George proposes that the War Council meet twice daily, or oftener. He attaches importance to the presence of the Labor Minister of the Council, holding that Labor is virtually concerned in the effective prosecution of the gigantic conflict. Mr. Lloyd George, and Mr. Bonar Law are no parties to the efforts of the Northclifl'e Press to drive Mr. Asquith from the Premiership. They only knew Mr. Asquith's final decision to' resign at '0.30, when Lord Curzon returned from the meeting of the Liberal members of the Cabinet. Three hours later Mr. Bonar La w was summoned to Buckingham Palace. SUPPORT FOR LLOYD GEORGE. ASQUITH AND GREY HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR GREEK TROUBLE. Received Dec. 6 10 p.m. London, Dec. B. The Evening News, referring to Mr. Lloyd George's resignation, says that the resignaiton of Lord Derby is expected to quickly follow. The country t will support Mr. Lloyd George, becau-e it is deeply exasperated at Greece's i treacherous murder of British troops, for which the nation holds Mr. Asquith i and Viscount Grey responsible. A DIFFICULT SITUATION. PRESS COMMENTS. London, Dec. 5. The latest news shows that the political situation is still difficult. Lobby opinion attaches great importance to Mr. Bonar Law's efforts at conciliation. The general expectation is that Mr. Asquith will not consent to being excluded from the War Committee, Mr. Lloyd George' still dc-sires to be president of the committee, remaining in the Ministry, the Earl of Derby, as UnderSecretary, performing the actual work of the War Office. The, Daily Chronicle says the Ministeiial crisis has developed. Yesterday there was a persistent rumor that Mr. Asquith would" resign; to-day Mr. Asquith has not yet abandoned the idea of reconstructing the Government, but the s'tuation is not hopeful. Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Bonar Law have conjointly submitted proposals for a War Council, with executive powers, of which the Prime Minister would not be a member, but over whose decisions he would have the right tcveto. The War Council would then consist of Mr. Lloyd George, Mr. Bonar Law, Sir E. Carson, and Mr. Hencerson. Though Mr. Asquith is unable to accept the proposals, he favors a small War Council, but considers that he should be chairman, otherwise, he would be placed in a humiliating position and prefers to resign. Lord Grey pnd other Liberals and members of the Cabinet support Mr. Asquith. If Mr. Asquith does no" accept or resign Mr. Lloyd George and the Unionist members of the Cabinet must withdraw, as the only veans of escaping Parliamentary embarrassment* would be a general election. The Chronicle adds that a strong effort is tieiiif made vot to saddle Mr. A'j'Kemia and Mr lU.ieiman. who desire, to conserve financial and shipping resources, inci accordingly are opposed to new military adventures overseas. It is generally believed that Mr. Balfour will siioitly leave the Admiralty and that Sir E. Carson will possibly be his successor. Mr. Barnes is likely to join the Cabinet. The forward party in the House of Commons strongly support Mr Lloyd George, and favdr a drastic purge Tf he whittles down the original proposals bitter disappointment will be produced and Mr. Lloyd George's influence be paralysed. The old party lines have largely been obliterated in lobby discussions, members taking it for granted that they could adjust themselves to the new coalition as easily as they did to the old one The Nationalists hold strongly aloof. Labor opinion is generally neutral, but nedorses the proposal .that Labor should be largely represented in the Government and more actively associated with the direction of the war. A meeting of unofficial Liberals, including Sit John Simon and Mesßrs. Birrell and. Hobhouse, attracted about sixty, but failed to carry a motion condemning the forces which have continually sought the overthrow of the Government. GERMAN VIEW OF SITUATION. Amsterdam, Dec. 5. The crisis in England is causing widespread interest, in Germany, where it is b«;l!oved that Mr. Lloyd George will lead a Cabinet including Mr. Churchill and Sir E. Carson. 'i ho Vorwaerts says that Mr. Lloyd George and the conspirators have the upp;r hand. Our energetic submarine warfare has caused distrust in the capability o;' the Government. The Roumanian catastrophe threatens damage to the Entente's prestige more than any other failure in the war. The German cannons bet'ure Bucharest are also hitting Mr. Asquith and Lord Grey. y ,

BONAR LAW SENT FOR. THE LIKELY NEW PREMIER- ! Received Dec. 6, 7.5 p.m. London, Dec. 5. The report ,that Mr. Lloyd George liwted the King is untrue. Mr. Bonar Law was summoned to Buckingham Pal■ice at 5.30. It. is suggested that he is I'kcly to be Premier, allowing Mr. Lloyd George and Sir Edward Carson to run the war on the basis of permitting Adr'irai Sir John Jellicoe and General Sir William Robertson a free hand. THE NEW GOVERNMENT. ADDITIONS AND OMISSIONS. Received Dec. 7, 2 a.m. London. Dec. ft. All the newspapers insi-t that the enemy need not draw comfort from Mr. Asquith's resignation, sinco the only point at issue was the method of carrying on the war with the greatest vigor. All agree' that Mr. Bonar Law does not desire to form a purely party Administration, but wishes to keep the Coalition $n existence. •It is believed that Mr. Montagu and' Mr. Samuel were also in sympathy with seme of Mr. Lloyd George's aim's, and may serve in the new Government. Mr. Samuel may succeed Mr. MeKenna. It is expected that Lord Reading will be a. prominent member of the Government, probably Lord Chancellor. Viscount Grey, Mr. Balfour, and Lord Lansdowne are not expected to continue In office. Mr. MeKenna, Mr. Runciman, Mr. Harcourt, and Earl .Crewe, who actively supported Mr. 'Asqiiith, are averse to s/.y compromise. Mr. Lloyd George nlso objected to the inclusion of Sir Edward Carson in the Cabinet, and this is a cardinal feature of Mr. Lloyd George's plan. Sir Edward Carson, last year, had shown great qualities of straightforwardness, sagacity, and simple wisdom, gaining the respect of many members of the House of Commons who had previously been bitterly opposed to him, apart from the possibilities of the settlement of Ireland, which Mr. Lloyd George always considered feasible. LIMITING MEAL COURSES. : MEATLESS DAYS IN PROSPECT. j I Received Dec. G, S p.m. London, Dec, 5. The Board of Trade orders the limitati( n of meals at public places and boai'ding-liou.-es to three courses for the evening and two courses for the other meals. Meatless and Ashless burs d'ocuvre, soup, and dessert are counted o,s half a course each. A further order is foreshadowed, providing'for meatless days universally. THE IRISH QUESTION. ] A DRAMATIC SETTLEMENT. Received Dec. fi, 10 p.m. : London, Dec. 0. The Daily Chronicle states that Sir . Edward Carson has devised a dramatic • stttlcment of the Irish question, the 'oasis being amended Home Rule, includ- . ii\,' Ulster, if the Nationalists agree to conscription. : 1 DETAILS OF THE SCHEME Received Dec. 7, 1 a.m. ; London, Dec, 0. The Daily Chronicle states' that plans are maturing for a dramatic settlement \ of the Irish question, in the event of , Sir Edward Carson re-entering' the ! Cabinet. Sir Edward Carson has se- [ cured the consent of his Ulster lol- ] leagues to the establishment of a Home , Rule Parliament for the whole of Ire- , land, the 'Protestant portion being represented on a basis of proportional i representation. Ulster will be included , for a period of three years, after whicli , opportunity will be given for a revision . of the condition The acceptance of the . scheme is conditional upon the Nationalists agreeing to an extension of con- ; scription to' Ireland, bringing in an additional 150,000 soldiers. Martial law will be abolished, and it is hoped some of the Nationalists will join Mr. Bonar . Law's Government. Discussions have been going on with I the Irish leaders and Mr. Lloyd George ; and Sir Edward Carson for some time. I NEW BOARD OF ADMIRALTY. \ ' A STRONG PERSONNEL Received Dec. 6, 7.5 p.m, London, Dec. 5. Official: The new Board of Admiralty will onsist of Mr. Balfour, Admiral Sir J. R. Jellicoe, Vice-Admiral Sir Cecil . Burney (Second Sea Lord), Rear-Ad- , mnal Tudor (Third Sea Lord), Captain Halsey (Fourth Sea Lord), with Lord Lytto'n and Sir F. Hopwood as civil , members. AMENDED PENSIONS BIH London, Dei!. ... 1 he House of Commons has passed the amended Pension Bill. CONTROLLING WHISKY Times Service. London, Deo. *\ The Government, after January, will take over all, the patent still whisky made in Scotland, and only 70 per cent, of the present consumption will be allowed to be distilled by malt distillers. The total prohibition of whisky is riot suggested, but spirit is the best known ince for making high explosives. THE CHEESE QUESTION London, Dec. 5, 'lhe cheese negotiations are proceeding, the price is not yet flsed, ['

MR. MASSEY'S NEGOTIATIONS i AFFECTED. MANY CONSULTATIONS. Received Deo-. 6, 5.5 p.m London, nee. 5. The crisis interferes with Mr. Massoy's and Sir Joseph Ward's negotiations. Mr. Mussey visits the Midland munition »!>vks next week. Sir James Curroll retuvm, to New Zealand curly in January, visiting South Africa en route. Many consultations have taken place at Downing Street. The Marquess of Crewe, Karl Curzon, Mr. MeKenna, Mr. Hareourt, Lord Buckmaster, and Mr. Montague visited Mr. Asquith. It was i.otic.eablc that Mr. Lloyd George was absent. FRANCE APPROVES WAR COUNCIL Paris, Dee. 8. The Matin snys that Mr. Lloyd George if attempting, under threat of resignation, to create a War Council invested with full powers. . Franco wishes*, the new organisation success.