MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1916, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

1 CABINET CRISIS. MR. BONAR LAW DECLINES TO FORM A GOVERNMENT. MR. LLOYD-i'.EORGE UNDERTAKES THE TASK. New York, Dee. fl. Lloyd George lias agreed to form a Cabinet, with Mr. Bonar Law cof pirating. London, Dec. 0. The Central News says that the King lius called all the Ministers to a confiince at the Palace. The Westminster Gazette states that Mr. Bonar Law declined to form a Ministry. The Daily Mail says that Mr. Asqnith on Tuesday 'Morning changed his mind, ant; withdrew his assent, writing to Mr. Lloyd George that, upon reflection, he could not agree, consequently Mr. Lloyd George sent in his rsignation in writing. "he Times welcomes Mr. Asquith's whole-hearted sympathy. Air. Asquith's proposals were a hopeless and impossible compromise. What the situation now requires is a return to the well-trk'd English system of small and harmonious Cabinets. The Daily News says that Mr. Asqnith s resignation is a humiliation to the country. It is the result of the crusade engineered by Lord Nortliclili'e, and is one of the most sinister incidents in our national history. The new Cabinet will contain no Libera! element apart from Mr. Lloyd George, hut we liopo the House of Commons will give the administration fair play. The Daily Telegraph deeply regrets that it is impossible to settle the differences of the Cabinet without an open rupture. The King's Government must be carried on, and if Mr. Asqnith served under Air. Bonar Law he would only add new lustre to an already splendid record. Lord Chatham served under Newcastle, and Canning and Castlereagh under Lord Liverpool. Unity has been Britain's strength, and it will be a tragedy if we palsy the conduct of a foreign war by a return to barren domestic conflicts. Though it is recognised that a general election may be essential, newspapers point out that the 1013 register disfranchised 50 per cent, of the civilians who had changed their addresses or lodges, and all soldiers. Probably four million voters have been disfranchised, and an election in such circumstances would be a farce. The Daily Mail makes an attack on M). Asquith, Viscount Grey, and Mr. Balfour, whom it designates as the I-laldane gang. Mr. Balfour, throughout the crisis, has been confined to his sick room with influenza, and has attended no meeting* and made no statement. The Daily Mail states that Mr, Asqnith on Sunday gave a general assent to Mr Lloyd George's proposal, and Mr. Lloyd George on Monday received his assent in writing. By the afternoon Mr. Asquith was not prepared to make a statement in the House of Commons. Lord NorthclilTe, in a statement to the United Press, said that Mr. Lloyd George has given a knock-out blow to the gang of aged or inept mediocrities who have prevented the full force in the war. Whatever happens ' these malevolents cannot get together again. Whatever Government arises cannot but be an improvement on that which has disappeared. Mr. Lloyd George is one of the few British statesmen who understand the United States. "I look for good relations between Great Britain and the Republic as the result of his forceful action yesterday. Mr. Bonar Law is a safe man, and if h becomes Premier will be the first Canadian to achieve the honor, which is equal in dignity and importance to that of your President." Paris, Dee. 6. The newspaper Humanite says that the problem Mr. Lloyd George has set before Britain, will also be put before France. It is not a question of dictatorship, but of organisation, rapid action, and will power. THE KINO'S CONFERENCE. MAKING HISTORY. Received Dec. 7, 11.5 p.m. London, Dec. 0. The King's summoning the Council of Ministers was the climax of a day full of Ministerial conferences. The step had not been taken for many years, and was an unmistakeable sign of the gravity of the Cabinet crisis, which is undiminished. Mr. Lloyd George conferred with Mr. Bonar Law in the morning, and later went to the palace at one o'clock, where he remained for half an hour. The Westminster Gazette first announced Mr. Bofiar T&w's decision. Confirmation soon came from other sources. Sir E. Carson called upon Mr. Lloyd George, while Sir John Simon, Mr. Hareourt, Mr. Samuel, and Mr. Henderson interviewed Mr. Asquith. Mr. Lloyd ,'jeorge was the first arrival at the Royal conference at 3 o'clock. The others soon followed, including Mr. Asquith and Mr. Balfour. The proceedings lasted an hour and a half. Mr Asquith was the first to leave, showing traces of the grave position. Mr. Asquith, immediately after the conference, conferred with Viscount Grey, Mr. McKenna, Mr. Montagu, and other Liberal colleagues, also Mr, Henderson, whilst Mr. Lloyd George consulted his leading supporters. The impression grew in political circles that a settlement was probable. The Evening Standard understands that Mr. Asquith made certain fresh proposals with a view to meeting the demands of Mr. Lloyd George's party. RABID AMERICAN COMMENT. Kceived Dec. 7, 10 p.m. New York, Dec. (5. The New York Herald says that the Tory plot to overthrow the Liberals has succeeded. Mr. Lloyd George having lent his great powers and repute as a Liberal to the partisan purposes of a Tory cabal, which may next turn upon him. London, Dec. 6. Official: The proceedings on Thursday in the House of Commons will 'be formal, and the House will adjourn until Monday, "

LORD DERBY'S VIEWS. LIGHT UPON EVENT? LEADING TO CRISIS. TIGHTER CRIP OF POSITION i REQUIRED. Received Dec. 7, 7.5 p.m. London, Doc. fi. Lord Derby. in a. notubio speech at the Alriwych Club, throw liuhf upon tho events loading up to the crisis. After repudiating tho charges of disloyalty »»d intrigue, lie said it became apparent, especially in regard to the man-power question, that the Government lacked a serious, grip of the position. A small war committee was required to decide juiekly, with power to compel the departments concerned to carry out tlio decisions. Unless the proposal was realised quickly there was a danger of the army and navy General Staff's plans failing next year. When Mr. Lloyd-George asked Lord Derby to join in submitting a proposal to Mr Asquith, Lord Derby felt justified in consenting to a war committee intended to consider all vital war questions, really constituting a war Cabinet charged with tho duty of carefully considering all schemes, and looking ahead as far as humanly possible, and to adopt a fixed policy and see it through. The question of its composition nej.t arose. The idea was for a few men; also that the Prime Minister, whose duties were so great that he could not always preside, should not be rquired to attend ill meetings,; and the committee to sit ill day and every day if necessary. It was therefore desirable to delegate the rhairman's functions to someone else There was only one man whom tho conntry cojild designate chairman, and the Premier was given power to veto any if the committee's proposals. Lord Derby added that though he still thought the change was possible without, overthrowing the Government, the most difficult part of the reconstruction was the selection of members of the war committee. Much of the difficulty was due to people suggesting names. He supported Mr. Lloyd George because be wanted a thoroughly efficient war committee. He deeply regretted the present situation, but there could not be i compromise on the whole-liearted prosecution of the war. After appreciative reference to Mr Asquith, Lord Derby said: . "We must show our enemies that they will not get any satisfaction out of the crisis." He concluded by saying that a Government composed of one party was unthinkable. The country needed the best brains. In a by-election Mr. Kennedy Jones was returnecj unopposed for Hornsey. DETAILS OF NEGOTIATIONS. PROBABLE MINISTERS IN WAR MINISTRY LION-HEARTED COURAGE NEEDED. Received Dee. 8 1.30 a.m. London Dec. 7. The sensation of the day has been the King's intervention recalling his action in a constitutional crisis. It is understood that Mr. Bonar Law, on Tuesday evening, emphasised the necessity for maintaining a show of national unity. He was only willing to form a Cabinet if Mr. Asquith and the Liberal leaders co-operated to preserve the coalition. The King appealed to the patriotism of the leaders of all parties, and invited them to co-operate. It is understood that Mr. Asquith, regardless of personal considerations, intimated bis willingness to advise the Liberal statesmen to join the Bonar Law-Lloyd George combination, though personally lie was not prepared to reconsider his resignation. Mr. Asquith left Buckingham 'Pa-lace and conferred with the Liberal leaders, but they decided against joining a Government which did not include Mr. Asquith. The Liberal leaders decided 'it would be better to go into opposition, but promised Mr. Bonar Law patriotic cooperation in all measures for carrying on tho war. Mr. Bonar Law and Mr. Lloyd George had thus far shared in the general belief that the King's intervention would result in the preservation of the Coalition, but the decision of the Liberal leaders made Mr. Bonar Law decide to suggest to tbe King to send for Mr. Lloyd George. This was evidently in accordance with a previous arrangement, as Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Bonar Law had been together throughout the day, Mr. Lloyd George liaving made an early call on Mr. Bonar t Law at Kensington, and they journeyed to Whitehall together. The two were seen in Whitehall, arm in arm, after Mr. Bonar Law's midday visit to the Palace. Political circles recognise that only a, man of lion-hearted courage can face the formidable difficulties. Mr. Lloyd George has no organised following in the House of Commons, and no party machine, but the very boldness of liis enterprise may win the sympathy of the British democracy if he succeeds in forming a Government.. The new Cabinet will possibly not consist of more than half-a-dozen, and of the remaining Ministers none will have Cabinet rank. It is expected that Mr. Churchill and Lord Milncr will assist, and that Lord Derby will probably lead tho House of Lords. Lord Curzon may sue-' ceed Viscount Grey at the Foreign Office and Messrs. Ellis Griffith, Brace, Esinonde, and Sir H. Dalziel will be among tho Liberals included, though the avowed object is to form a War Government. STRONG LABOR POLICY. Mr. Lloyd George is preparing a strong Labor policy, including State control of all coal-fields and other large developments in the direction of collective ownership. He also favors a, bold, comprehensive scheme of agricultural land reform, though it will be treated as part of the general war policy. ( yiEWS OF IRISH PARTY. London, Dec. 0. Mr. Redmond, interviewed, said the Irish party views the crisis from a different standpoint to that of the other parties. "We are," he added, "secluded from the responsibilities connected with the direction of the affairs of the Empire, while half-Government is denied Ireland. From the outset we condemned coalition, feeling that the results would b-.- disastrous to Ireland, and would prove a weak and ineffective instrument for 'Allying on the war/'

THE IRISH PROBLEM. A DENIAL FROM Silt E. CARSON. London, Dec., 0. Sir Edward Carson has telegraphed to Belfast denying the Irish settlement scheme. He says: "Ulslermen know my and my unabated loyalty to them.' CONCILIATORY POLICY. Received Dec. 7, 11 p.m. London, Dec, 7 The Daily Chronicle accepts Sir E. Carson's denial, but reiterates that the solution suggested has been seriously considered upon the lines cabled. The'main purpose is to conciliate both parties in Ireland. Mr, Carson's unabated loyalty towards Ulster is unquestioned, but. if he succeeded in i»ll'ccting a union of all Irishmen he. would add greatly to his reputation as a patriot. Mr. Redmond denies that he has par taken in the negotiations, but some of his followers were fully aware of the plans maturing, although they had not reached a definite settlement. EMPIRE CONSOLIDATION. MR. MASSEY TO THE FORE. Received Dec. 7, s p.m. London, Dec. 7. Mr. Massev, interviewed by the Pall Mall Gazette, strongly urges the summoning of an Imperial Conference at the earliest possible moment, for the sole purpose of considering the consolidation of the Empire. lie has no ambitions nor projects for the creation of an Imperial 'Parliament. However attractive such a scheme was to enthusiasts, it was premature. A much less pretentious structure would meet pre- j sent requirements. The creation of an Empire. Council with executive power to deal with certain practical questions, would be a great step, SIMPLER MEALS. j THE CHANGE WELCOMED London, Dec. C. 'lhe public welcomes the Board of Trade orders regarding simpler meals in hotels and clubs, also the forthcoming order prohibiting eating meat, pouliij or game on certain days at home. An Army order fixes the maximum clnuges for soldiers' meals in hotels and rcstiuirants as follows: Luncheon 3s (3d, tea Is 6d, dinner 5s 6d, supper 3s Od, exclusive of drinks. CAPTAIN HALSEY'S APPOINTMENT Times Service. Received Dec. 7, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 8. Comments upon the appointment of Captain Haisey, ex-captain of the battle!.hio New Zealand, as the Fourth Sea Li.rd, are gratifying to the Dominions. ECONOMY ENFORCED. London, Dec. (1. In order to decrease the traffic on rail-1 ways a 50' per cent, increase in passenger fares is contemplated, and in some cases the withdrawal of cheap tickets, the abolition of race trains, and restaurant and sleeping cars. The Army Council is withdrawing snloiers' week-end leave, except for those from the front. Hie Board of Trade has prohibited the importation of foreign jewellery, owinj to foolish buying by well-paid war workers. EXPLOSION IN A MUNITION FACTORY. Received Dec. 7, 11 p.m. London, Dee. 7. Official: By an explosion in a. national factory in the north of England yesternight, twenty-six women workers were killed and thirty injured. The damage is slight. j