BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9665, 2 December 1909, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE COMING ELECTION. FREE CHURCHES PREPARING. A VIGOROUS CAMPAIGN. United Tress association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. Received December 1, 8.20 a.m. LONDON, November 30. The Cauncil of Evangelical Free Churches is preparing a vigorous campaign for tiie general election, in favour of educational and licensing reform. Lord Morley, speaking at Denham, commented on Lord it. Aidwyn's conspicuous absence from the debate in the Hou-:e of Lords. Unionist newspaper?, though absolutely dissenting from Loiv] Morley'a conclusions, admit the skill and vigour of his first Mpeech'in the House of Lords outside hij own department "The Times" criticises his ideal of an autocra'ic House of Commons for seven -years uninterruptedly. "The Standard" says Lord Morley ignored the fact that the Budget was a sheaf of measures.

DEBATE IN THE LORL'S. Received December 1, 11.35 p.m. LONDON, December 1. The Budget debate attracted another brilliant crowded gathering. The Marquis of Lansdowne's amendment was agreed to by 350 votes to 75. The Archbishop of Cork, in an eloquent maiden speech, strongly opposed the amendment. It was a cry from taxation of land value to that of socialism as denounced by the Earl of Rosebery. The mass of the workers of Britain, in matters wherein they have special knowledge and experience, such as relating to the property of building or friendly societies, might be trusted to take an independent line as against the Socialists. He warned the House of the consequence or disregarding the great constitutional principle. He deprecated adding to the heated controversy observable in the country as calculated to endanger the House of Lords' rightful position. Dwelling on the recklessness shown by some in a high position he remarked that the tendency was to be conciliatory to the Commons. He added that the people knew what to think of those running midst inflammable materials with crackers and squibs. If serious conflict followed the present vote the whole responsibility could not justly be placed upon the Lards. Lord Curzon, remarking that the Budget was recommended in some quarters as an instrument of social I reform, warmly repudiated the in sinuation that the anxiety for social reform was any less keen on the Opposition than the Government side. Earl dawdor made a powerful declaration in favour of the amendment, which was listened to with the closest attention. If the Lords passed the Bill, he said it would destroy for ever the power and authority of the House as a second chamber. Whether or not it was dangerous there was only one course open to them at this critical national juncture. The aim of the second chamber was to guard the people against wild, rash legislation. The policy of the Government was to establish tbe House of Commons ( absolutely independent of tha check of the. second chamber upon its legislation. That, said Earl Cawder, was not a very attractive proposal to treedom-loving people. , The Earl of Crewe, replying to criticism, declared that the Government were prepared at the proper moment to respond to the challenge to defend the national defence policy.