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Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 76, 31 March 1914, Page 7

ASQUITH MINISTER FOR WAR

MUST FACE THE ELECTORS. RESIGNATION OF COLONEL SEELY. THE ARMY SYSTEM. MAY HAVE TO BE RECAST. (By Telegraph. — Press Association.— Copyright.) (Received March 31,' 8.10 a.m.) . LONDON, 30th March. Colonel Seely, Minister for War, has resigned. The Prime Minister (Mr. H. H. Asquith) is assuming his duties. Sir John French and General Ewart have not withdrawn their resignations.. (Received March 31, 9 a.m.) LONDON, 30th March. Before a crowded and excited House, the Premier (Mr. Asquith) announced that Sir John French and General Ewart persisted in holding to their decisions to resign. Mr. Asquith said he deeply deplored their decision. He could not speak too warmly and gratefully of their ability and loyalty, and devotion to duty. He hoped they would continue to serve the army. In the circumstances he felt <t his duty, Jo. assume the* office of Minister for War. (Loud cheers.) ,' The King had approved this step. Mr. Asquith then announced his retirement. All the lawyers, he said, were agreed that it was necessary for him to be re-elected. Colonel Seely, from the corner seat on the third bench above the gangway, made a personal statement. There was no difference, he said, between himself and his colleagues on • any point of policy or principle. He had pressed his resignation because it appeared, though this was not his intention, that there had been a bargain with the officers regarding the service they should render the Crown. As Sir John French and General Ewart had resigned, he was obliged to surrender his own place. It might be that the whole Army system would have to be recast, but he would not discuss that phase now. t He hoped still to support the Premier and the causes for which he stood. When Mr. Asquith left the House, the Liberal, Labour, attd Nationalist members cheered him enthusiastically. It is understood Colonel A.. Sprot, will contest East Fife against Mr. Asquith. [At the last General Elections Mr. Asquith and Colonel Sprot contested the seat for East Fife, the polling resulting— Right Hon. H. H. Asquith, 5149; Colonel A. Sprot 3350; majority for Mr. Asquith, 1799. There were 10,713 electors in the constituency.]