MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1918, Page 6

MOTHER COUNTRY.

THE POLITICAL POSITION.

MR. ASQUITH AND THE MINISTRY.

London, July 9,. There are many rumors in political circles that Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Bonar Law approached Mr. Asquith and suggested that he should become the Leader of the House of Commons, and thus definitely attaeli himself to the coalition, otherwise Government candidates would oppose Mr. Asquith's fellowers at the general election. This, combined with the opposition of the Laborites, would probably result in the virtual extinction of Liberalsm.i In the event of Mr. Asquith's acceptance, in view of the fact that he holds the Liberal funds, Mr. Lloyd CJeorge would be confirmed in the leadership. The political position is one of extreme piquancy in view of the circumstances in which Mr. Asquith left office and the continual attacks of the Daily News on Mr Lloyd George. The position is complicated by the fact that the Northcliffe newspapers, referring to the rumors, intimate that they will oppose the Government if Mr. Asquith is allowed to reenter.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc, AN OPTIMISTIC OFFICER,. London, July 9,. Colonel Lynch, M,.P., lias energetically taken up recruiting in Ireland,. He has written an open letter inviting Mr. Roosevelt, who is a prsonal friend, to assist in a whirlwind campaign, and is also making an effort to secure a visit by General Joffre or a contingent of French heroes,. Colonel Lynch believes that training ; Americans in Ireland will have an excellent effect. He hopc3 to secure permission personally to address county councils and Sinn Fein organisations. He believes the campaign will not only assist the war, but prepare the way for a final solution of the Irish problem,.— Aus,. N,.Z. Cable Assoc,, and Reuter,. THE GERMAN COLONIES. London, July 9,. The Globe, commenting on Mr. Lloyd George's address to the Americans, in which he said he did not want- to dispossess Germany of her inheritance, aslq whether the conquered colonies are to be treated as part of Germany's inheritance. "If «o, we assure Mr,. Lloyd George that the Dominions will have something to say,. If that is Mr. Lloyd George's idea we recommend him to get into closer touch with national opinion." —Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. ENEMY MERCHANT SHIPS. London, July 9, In the House of Commons, replying to a question, Mr. Bonar Law said he did not think the matter of dem«iding the surrender of enemy merchant ships equivalent to the tonnage submarined could be discussed usefully at this stage of the war—United Service. HOSPITAL SHIPS. London, July S. In the House of Commons, Mr. Macnamara stated taht German submarines had on occasions exercised the right ot searching hospital ships in order tosee that they were complying with The Hague Convention. He emphasised the fact that Britain had never broken the letter or spirit of the Convention, and said he believed that the same was true regarding the other Allies.—Reuter. COURAGEOUS WORKPEOPLE. Mr. Kelleway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Munitions, inferring to the recent explosion in " munition factory, paid a tribute to the courage of men and women workers. In the presence of sudden appalling danger they worked as coolly as if doing exhibition drill. Only twelve out of 7000 failed to turn up to work next morning. Mr. Kelleway suggested that, as the I'reneh Government had conferred the highest military henor on the citadel of Verdun, we should confer the Victoria L'ross on this factory—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. KEEPING IN THE LIMELIGHT. London, July 9,. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward, during their visit to the front, spent a lively time in the danger zone. They motored three miles along the front line and had a taste of shell-fire. Both were greatly impressed with General Foch and M. Clemenceau. The Overseas Ministers declare, that 'their visit was useful. They gained a general knowledge of what fine work the overseas corps of troops were doing, Sir Joseph Ward states that he is prouder of the troops to-day than ever. | Their work is such as to cheer the heart of the most confirmed pessimist. The men are irrepressibly confident of final victory—Aus. N.Z,. Cable Assoc. DEALING WITH ALIENS. London, July 9. Six members of the House of Commons who, at Mr. Lloyd George's request, examined the aliens questions, recommended that every male alien oyer IS be interned, unless there were definite medical or other reasons for exemption, also women of enemy origin, except those whose husbands Qiad been exempted. Those interned shall, as far as possible, be repatriated, also all persons of enemy origin shall be dscharged from the Government service and enemy businesses and banks wound up. The committee suggests that a committee of members of Parliament be appointed to visit internment camps, and that all changes of names since August, 1914, be inoperative. The committee will issue a separate report wth proposals dealing with the espionage question. Sir George Cave will make a statement on the alien question on Thursday.— Aus. N.Z,. Cable Assoc. ROYAL SILVER WEDDING. London, July 9. Replying to an address of congratulation from the Imperial Conference on their silver wedding, testifying to constant and increasing affection of the people at home and overseas their Majesties say Hat no congratulations are more warmly appreciated. They nray that peace may soon be restored, {ringing reunion in the home life, when uXtasis of the. well-being of the «»lrt.-Aui. N.Z. Cable Mm.