THE ENGLISH LIBERAL PARTY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11014, 11 July 1901, Page 5

THE ENGLISH LIBERAL PARTY.

MR ASQUITH EXPLAINS HIS ATTITUDE. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—-Copyright. July 10th, 5.15 p m.) " LONDON, July 10. A hundred and sixty Liberals attended tbe meeting called to di_cu_- the position of the party. Amongst those present Avere Sir W. V. Harcourt, Sir H. Campbell-Ban-nerol an, and Sir H. Fowler. The Liberal Imperialists, Mr Asquith. Sir E. Grey, and Mr White. Avere highly complimentary to Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman, but claimed their right to adhere to hones, difference of opinion on specific questions. A a*ote of confideniea in Sir H. Ca.nipbell-Bannermiin was carried unanimously.

(ReceiVed July 11th, 1.4 a.m.) LONDON, July 10. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman minimised the divergences of opinion. He strongly blamed certain personal antagonisms for paralysing the sections of the party. Fourfifths of the centre party wen. with him in favour of the victorious prosecution of the war, simultaneously with the announcement of reasonably generous terms. He admitted it aa_s impossible to grant terms placing the Boer, in a better position than they vr ere in at the out set of the war.

Mr A-squith denied that .he had any share in a cabal against, the Liberal leader. He A-inddcuted his right to frankly express and freely act on his convictions in regard to the Avar without imputation of disloyalty. To ignore honest —uerences by re-orting to ambitious formula? was cither affectation or political dishonesty.

'*The Times," commenting on the Liberal meeting, says the opinion in Parliamentary lobbies is that the result of the meeting is a distinct strengthening of Mr Asquit-b _ jKtrition. A semblance of unity and sacrifi.e made, to insure the indispensable cooptr&tion of the Liberal Imperialists is equivalent to a confession that in the event of Sir H Campbell-Bannerman's retirement Mr Asquith will be his suocessor.