SYMPATHY WITH MR THOMAS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21808, 13 June 1936, Page 15

SYMPATHY WITH MR THOMAS

“DIGNITY AND HUMANITY” OF COMMONS GENUINE ACCEPTANCE OF DISCLAIMER (Received June 12, 10.41 p.m.) LONDON, June 12. The press throughout the country deals sympathetically with Mr Thomas. It'believes that the enquiry will have a good result, and pays a tribute to the dignity and humanity of the House of Commons in its painful duty. “The Times” says; “The House of Commons is the least vindictive assembly in the world. It requires expiation when standards of public conduct are violated, but when expiation Fas been made it tolerates no attempt to exacerbate the wound. Mr Thomas repeated his denial that he had consciously betrayed a budget secret. The House was free to accept, and did accept, the disclaimer, since the trib nal refrained from any such imputation and the country will be satisfied with the word of so well-known and trusted a public servant. “On the other hand, Mr Thomas, in loyalty to the House and its tribunal, accepted the findings, which the House also accepted. Mr Thomas remains therefore under the imputation of betraying a secret, even inadvertently, and the parliamentary code requires immolation even for so venial a transgression. Mr Thomas, by resigning his seat, gives allegiance to the code.” The “Daily Herald” commends the Labour party for its effort to turn the situation to public advantage. It says: “Where cleaning is wanted is in the city.” The “Manchester Guardian” says the public will feel the greatest sympathy for Mr Thomas, but to most people the really disturbing thing is the revelation of the length to which the gambling spirit will go, and the city’s facilities for it.