The Press. THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1913. ENGLISH POLITICS.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14565, 16 January 1913, Page 6

The Press. THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1913. ENGLISH POLITICS.

The political situation in England has suddenly become involved in an extraordinary state of confusion. A few weeks ago tho Opposition appeared to be having it all their own way. Publio feeling was strongly aroused against tho Government ovor the Insurance Act. The tremendous demonstration of a dogged determination on tho part of Ulstermen to have nothing to do with Home Rule could not fail to produce a marked effect on thoughtful Englishmen. Mr Lloyd George's method of setting about the land campaign by appointing secret committees of enquiry did not appeal to British instincts of fair-play, even among many of his own side, and his rather wild utterances on tho subject of taxation were received with some misgiving among the many wealthy supporters of the Liberal cause. On previous occasions there had been evidence of a want of unanimity in the Cabinet, and further proof of dissension was subsequently given by Lord Haldane's announcement that land reform, as a ' rallying cry for the next

©lection, was to be abandoned in favour of a thorough remodelling of the education system. Needless to say, there •was a strong feeling among the Anglican Church throughout the country against the Welsh Disestablishment Bill, and not a few leading Nonconformists had an uneasy feeling that tho disendowment proposals went a little too far. It looked as if tho Opposition had only to sit tight, and with all these elements of antagonism to the Government accelerating 'the swing of tho " pendulum," it was certain that the General Election would result in the return of a Unionist majority.

But unfortunately for themselves and fortunately for tho Government, tho Opposition was not able to '*it "tight." The veil was suddenly lifted, and it appeared that the Opposition are just as much divided as the Government Party. The bone of contention in this case is Tariff Reform. A large number of tho Party, anxious to get tho support of Free-trade Anti-Homo Rulers are opposed to Imperial preference being made an outstanding issuo at tho General Election. The Tariff Reformers, including tho "Front Benchers," are naturally averse to tho question being further shelved. It will b« remembered that it was Mr Balfour's Fabian tactics on this question that brought him into disfavour, and Mr Bonar Law was elected as leader largely on account of his decided views on Preferential Trado, and his ability in putting them forward. His speech at Asbton-under-Lyno, in which ho promised that taxes on food should not be imposed without hftt convening a colonial conference to consider the question was obviously an attempt to conciliate both sections. Tho suggestion, however, was not very favourably received. The oversea Dominions protested against the onus of food duties being even indirectly placed on their shoulders, and trouble within tho ranks of tho party grew so acute that it is understood both Mr Bonar Law and Lord Lansdowne threatened to resign.

Now a further attempt has been made to patch up matters by a largo number of tho dissentient Unionistssigning a memorial expressing their adherence to Tariff Reform and to Mr Bonar Law as a leader, but urging that tho proposed alterations should not be made until after they have been referred to th© country at a second general election, thus removing Tariff Reform frarn the issues at tho election which is approaching. It is not surprising to find that Mr Austen Chamberlain objects, to this solution. Not only is he personally and sincerely convinced that Tariff Reform will improve tho social condition of England and bring about a closer union of tho Empire, but filial affection forbids him to agree to a proposal which must prove a bitter disappointment to his distinguished father, now lying a helpless spectator of the fight, but trusting to' see his dream realised before he passes away. The same feelings must actuate Mr Jesse Collings, tho life-long friend and most | loyal supporter of Mr Joseph Chamber- | lain. It is a remarkable position j with a touch of tragedy and more than [a- touch of pathos running through it all. Wo shall not venture to predict at this stage how it is likely to end.