CABINET CRISIS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8274, 20 October 1915, Page 5

CABINET CRISIS.

INTENSE EXCITEMENT IN I BRITAIN. FURTHER CHANCES HINTED AT. THE POINTS OF DIFFERENCE. (Received October 20, 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 19. There is intense excitement in Britain over the Cabinet situation. For days there has been an uneasy feeling that serious disagreement existed amongst Ministers, but the tension was somewhat relieved last week when Sir Edward Carson flatly denied his reported resignation.

Thereafter his movements were closely watched by the newspapers, and his absence from consecutive Cabinet meetings re-aroused suspicions, which culminated in the announcement of his resignation. The report of Mr Asquith's illness, following on Sir Edward Carson's resignation, is a subject of comment, and some papers consider it may be the prelude to further' Cabinet changes. The points on which there is lack of unanimity are satd to be Callipoli, the Balkans campaign, and conscription. Mr Asquith's Illness. The Premier went to Berkshire on Saturday for the week-end, but returned unwell and his illness developed on Tuesday. He will probably be unable to take up Parliamentary duties for a week. His doctors recommend a rest In the country. Cabinet Meetings, Important meetings of the Cabinet were arranged for Tuesday morning— the third in 24 hours—but had to be postponed till the afternoon on account of Mr Asquith's illness.

Cabinet met during the afternoon, when Lord Kitchener and Mr Asquith attended; the proceedings were curtailed owing to Mr Asquith having to attend a meeting of the War Committee and the House of Commons. In the House of Commons. When the House of Commons met the galferies were packed and there was a large attendance of members. Although it was generally known that Mr Asquith "would not be present, there was some expectation of a possible statement on the situation, but this was not forthcoming. Mr Asquith's place was taken by Mr Lloyd George, whose appearance betrayed the anxiety and stress through which he has lately been passing. There were cheers from all parts of the House when the Speaker said he noped Mr Asquith would only be absent for a brief time. In reply to questions, Mr LEoyti George stated that Lord Hafdane visited France as Sir John French's guest; that it was impossible to name a day

for the Premier's statement regarding the Dardanelles; and that a method by which Itaiy could effectually co-operate in'helping Serbia or the common cause was under discussion. '