MR RUSSELL'S PLEDGES

Press, Volume L, Issue 14918, 17 March 1914, Page 2

MR RUSSELL'S PLEDGES

to the editob or "the _t__s_. m

Sir, There are on© or two errors in Mr McCombs's letter on the majority question which, in justice to Mr Russell, I wish to correct. Mr Russell did not armroach mc asking mc to withdraw my opposition to his inclusion in the Cabinet. Knowing that Mr Russell was likely to bo included in the Mackenzie Cabinet I approached him to ascertain what his nosition would be in reference to the three-fifths handicap. Mr Russell stated that he was pledged to the three-fifths, but when the time of that pledge was expired he would be prepared to support 45-55 on the National Prohibition issue. I did not tro with Mr George Laurenson to Mr Russell's room. As a matter of fact Mr Russell had no room at that time I went across with Mr Laurenson t< the Ministerial room in the old Govern ment Buildings to congratulate the new Ministers o_~ their accession to office and it was then that I had the second conversation alluded to in my letter I have no reason to believo that wher the time comes Mr Russell will fail to fulfil his pledge.—Yours, etc..

LEONARD M. ISITT

March 16th