HOME POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 January 1920, Page 5

HOME POLITICS.

MR. ASQUITH'S CAMPAIGN. PRESS ■WELCOME HIS RETURN. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 27, 11.45 p.m. London, Jan. 2C. Mr. H. H. Asquith (who represented Fife until defeated at the last general election) was invited to contest Paisley by the local Liberal Association. It is understood a large majority favoring the Coalition candidate decide! 1 to support the Association's choice. The Unionists thereupon selected Mr. McKean as a Coalitionist, but they hope to secure some liberal support. Mr. McKean said yesterday he was fighting the Coalition battle because the Liberals refused to nominate a LiberalCoalitionist, though the Unionists were quite willing to support one in order to thrash Labor. But at Lord Nortkcliffe's instigation the Liberals adopted Mr. Asquith, whom the Coalitionists cannot possibly vote for, because he comes out for the express purpose of smashing the Coalition. Therefore the Coalitionists have no alternative but to fight. Mr- McKean's reference to Lord Northcliffe is due to the faet that the Times has lately strongly advocated Mr. Asquith's return to the House bf Commons on the ground that his experience would be of great value to the country at the present time, especially in connection with finance. It iB noteworthy other papers of the Northcliffe Press are giving prominence to Mr. Asquith's candidature, though they are showing less enthusiasm than when the Northcliffe Press advocated his downfall in 19W. A NATIONAL MATTER. Strictly Conservative organ* like the Morning Post hope Mr. Asquith will be rejected, though they believe the only alternative is Labor. On the other hand the moderate Coalition-Conserva-tive newspapers, for example the Daily Telegraph, welcome the prospect of Mr. Asquith returning to Parliament on national grounds, as the Coalition Weakness is a lack of expert criticism. A Coalition-Liberal paper, the Daily Chronicle, which is in close touch with the Premier, desires Mr. Asquith's reelection on general grounds, but would like more information about his programme. It especially hopes he will rely on the unity of the Liberal forces, instead of perpetrating the Party's present division.

Independent Liberal organs are naturally enthusiastic, but would prefer that Mr. Asquith would indicate a more progressive tendency than he has hitherto shown, otherwise the existing Liberal defection to Labor continues.

Mr. Asquith's opening speech was mainly a defence of Liberalism. He said the Liberals were perfectly content with the old name and the old creed. He would fight the contest as a Liberal, and he hoped to win as a Liberal. Mr. Asquith justified the Liberal principles by a survey of their pre-war legislation, but he did not touch on their future policy, except in relation to Labor. On this point he said the ultimate aim of the Labor Party is State acquisition of the whole machinery of production. This is a form of industrial tyranny against which it was the first duty of Liberalism to protest. POLICY NOT DISCLOSED. Even Liberal circles consider Mr. Asquith must soon disclose his attitude on such vexed questions as the nationalisation of mines, a capital levy, and profiteering, on which, hitherto, he has only spoken in general terms, and which are in the forefront of the Labor programme. It is generally recognised that Mr. Asquith hus probably staked everything on this contest. Though it will be a three-oorned fight the prevailing opinion is that v.nless Mr. Asquith wins, the Tesult will rebound on Independent Liberalism and on Liberalism in general. All reports anticipate the reception at Paisley will be more enthusiastic than expected. Present prophecies are extremely cautious, though the Coalition is expected to be at the bottom of the poll. A vigorous campaign has now opened, promising the greatest by-election for many years. There is a great influx of Labor leaders. Mr. Asquith's election is regarded as more vital than Spen Valley. It is certain to throw searching light on the future position of the Coalition, Labor, and Asquithian Liberalism, in Scotland at all events. It will also have an important bearing on the future of Liberalism generally and the leadership thereof. Recent by-elections in England have indicated a considerable Liberal movement from the Coalition to Mr. Asquith.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A MINISTER RESIGNS. Received Jan. 27, 9.50 p.m. London, Jan, 27. The Daily Express states that Mr. G. N. Barnes (a member of the Cabinet without portfolio) has resigned from the Cabinet, and probably rejoins the Labor Party.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.