MR. BALDWIN DECIDES

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 128, 4 June 1929, Page 8

MR. BALDWIN DECIDES

It is reported to-day that Mr. Baldwin has decided to resign. The decision is not. surprising in view of the suggestions that have been made for "arrangements to keep the Socialists out of office." Constitutionally there is little choice between immediate resignation and awaiting dismissal from Parliament. If anything, the precedents favour resignation after a Parliamentary defeat; but the fact that such a course would entail greater inconvenience to the country may well outweigh the slight balance of precedent. Mr. Baldwin was guided by precedent in 1923; but then the circumstances were different. His was still the strongest parly, and it was proper that the Liberal decision to oust him should be regularly recorded at Westminster. On' this occasion Labour is strongest, and is entitled to form the next Government. Any attempt to form an alliance of Liberals and Conservatives at the present stage would, on the face of it, be insincere. Mr. Baldwin's immediate resignation will stop the talk of such attempts.! It is highly important (as "The! Times" states) "that there should be no suspicion of manoeuvres afoot to rob Labour of the fruits of its victory."

Mr. Baldwin's personal inclination in 1923 was understood to have been for immediate resignation. It is unlikely that he then entertained or now holds any idea of "questioning the umpire's verdict." Faced with a similar position after the elections of 1874, Mr. Gladstone observed: "There would be reproach either way; either it would be clinging to office or it would .be running away." On this occasion, there can be little suspicion of running away, but the interval before the assembly of Parliament would probably be occupied with the circulation of rumours of intrigues that would do little credit to either Conservatives or Liberals though the leaders might be in no way responsible. As it is, immediate resignation will enable Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald to form his Cabinet and be prepared to announce his policy in the King's Speech. There will be less time wasted in adjournments, and Parliament will be ready to begin at once its wdrk'upon.those problems for which. Labour has cpnfidently claimed a solution.