WHAT SAVED THE LIBERALS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 27, 1 February 1910, Page 5

WHAT SAVED THE LIBERALS.

LONDON, January 31. The "Spectator" says that it was only | their nominal adherence to free exchange j that saved the Liberals. If the tariff j reformers had asked for taxation only on manufactured articles, other than' those consumed as food, the Liberals would have been heavily defeated. While, J however, depriving the Government of j the power to do any of the things that it desired to do, the electors were unwilling .to give a victory to the tariff reformers. The "Spectator" anticipates that the Budget will be adopted by the new Parliament after the Nationalists have made an attempt to reduce the tax on whisky. " TIMES' " ADVICE. MR. ASQUITH TO ASSERT HIMSELF. (Received 8.30 a-m.) LONDON, January 31. The "Times" says that with Mr. Asquith at the head of affairs, with &. Parliament elected under his auspices, he will no longer be simply an inheritor of a policy settled by others, but will be able to shape his own course. The centre of gravity is markedly displaced, and some reconstruction of the Cabinet is inevitable. His composite majority is capable of successful handling if he docs not attempt the unattainable, and purBues a national policy conformable to the country's verdict towards a gradual evolution by compromise. The alternative is recklessly launching out on a violent bagman's agitation.