The Dominion. THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1924. THE BRITISH POLITICAL TANGLE

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 95, 17 January 1924, Page 6

The Dominion. THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1924. THE BRITISH POLITICAL TANGLE

The circumstances in which the British House of Commons has entered upon the Address-in-Reply debate are in all respects extraordinary. They are not least extraordinary in the apparent unanimity with which it is assumed that a Labour Government is about to take office. . Evidently no doubt is entertained on this point either by the members of the Labour Party or those of other parties. It has yet to appear, however, that there is sufficient justification for allowing a minority party—a party holding considerably less than one-third of the seats in the House of Commons—to assume even temporary control of the national affairs. During the election campaign, the Liberals affirmed t at te remedies for unemployment recommended by the Labour Paity Socialism and the Capital Levy-would prove disastrous. Mb. Asquith himself declared at Paisley that in the election the Liberals J ere ° n the defensive on two fronts—against Protection and against Social s . By the verdict of the British electors, the tariff issue has been set aside. That issue being removed, the Liberals and Unionists have much in common as regards domestic, Imperial, and foreign policy. Yet if the intentions of Mr. Asquith and his supporters are correctly reported, it is with the Labour Party-the party of Socialism and the Capital Levy—that they intend to co-operate. Both Unionists and Liberals perhaps consider that from the pom of view of party tactics the best thing to do is to force Labour in o office and let it and the country realise the difficulties of the e^ situation for any Government. It is no doubt m itself desirable that a Labour Government should learn by experience how difficult it is to cope with unemployment and other domestic problems, or to deal effectively with perplexing issues of foreign policy. Once in office and saddled with responsibility, Labour no doubt will find it impossible even to shape P^P 0^18 /^ 31 "® o fficZmight solution of these home and foreign prob ems. A term inoffice mig do something to educate the members of the Labour JL tainly would educate and enlighten the public, and teach it to tinguish between realities and political tall talk. Taking broad account of the interests of the country, howevei, and particularly of the critical economic conditions which at pi esent exist, the patriotic course undoubtedly would be tor the two British parties which have so much in common to unite. They should unite even if they do So only temporarily in order to carry on until better and more settled conditions are attained. A perusal of the King’s Speech to Parliament must deepen regret that an arrangement between the Unionists and Liberals wnc is dictated alike by patriotism and common sense appears to be out or the question. The Speech maps out with regard to home, Imperial, and foreign affairs measures of policy which are definitely constructive. A number of these measures are likely to bo approved by members of all parties. . ~ Apart from the fate of the Imperial Conference resolutions regarding fiscal preference and defence-a somewhat open question the proposals which will most interest the Dominions are at thd those which aim definitely at relieving unemployment in Great Biitain The extension of trade facilities and export credit schemes, the pait payment of interest charges on approved development works in the Dominions and Colonies, and contributions to the cost of public utility wprks undertaken by British local bodies are all of importance m this On its election policy, the Liberal Party is as well placed to cooperate ifi forwarding these measures to relieve unemployment in Britain and promote Empire trade and development as it is badly placed to co-operate with the party oi nationalisation and the Capital Levy.