THE NEW PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 14314, 12 March 1910, Page 5

THE NEW PARLIAMENT

ANGRY UNIONISTS. THE PENALTY OF USURPED POWERS. SOUNDLY BEATEN ON A DIVISION. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, March 11. The publication of tho Estimates having disclosed that the Government were only making provision for supplies for'six weeks instead of sufficient to cover tho session, as usual, Mr Austen Chamberlain asked for an explanation. Mr Lloyd-George replied that the Government were reverting to the practico which was in operation before 1896, as it was desirable that the Houso should keep control over the Executive, sinco the Government did not deem it expedient to arm tho" Executivo with funds which would make it practically independent of the House at a critical time. Mr Chamberlain characterised tho plan as a shabby manoeuvre. The Government were holding office by threads which might bo snapped at any moment, and were striving so as to leave the greatest financial confusion behind. Lord Hugh Cecil said it was clear that the Government intended ( at a later stage of the session, if they were turned out of office, to ask the House to refuse the Crown supplies. Such a course had not been taken since the timo of Charles I. The Government wero designing to wreck the Constitution at all hazards. Mr Lloyd-George replied that the Government were simply reverting to the practice of the Salisbury Government. Lord Hugh Cecil said he regarded it under quite different circumstances. Mr Lloyd-George : It would be a very good thing if tho Opposition had the opportunity of clearing up the difficulties they had created. Mr F. E. Smith moved the adjournment of the House as a protest. The motion was rejected by 354 to 223. ARMY RESERVISTS. WOULD MAKE GOOD COLONISTS. LONDON, March 11. (Received March 12, at 8.30 a.m.) Replying to a question, Sir Edward Grey said tliat tho emigration of reservists was only permitted to a limited extent. Regarding soldiers who had completed their tho Army Council would bo glad if employment with the Oversea Dominions' defence forces could be guar;mteed for, say, two years, and this would enable them lo take up work for which they were fully qualified, and would benefit the dominions while settling down in their new environment. No advances of reserves' pay could be made, and no definite steps had been taken to ascertain the views of the dominions in the direction indicated. PRESS OPINIONS. LONDON. March 11. (Received March 12, at 8.5 a.m.) The 'Morning Leader' (G.). refening to the debate, says that tho Government, have at last realised" that revolution must be mot by counter-revolution. '" Tho Times' declares that the Government contemplate bringing all power to carry on the business of the country to about the middle of May. The paper adds that thero. is no money to pay the Civil Sen-ice or Old Age Pensions. (Received March 12, at 9.30 a.m.) The 'Westminster Gazette' (G.) justifies the six weeks' vote, on the ground that the Government are bound to retain for the Commons tho power of controlling the situation. It adds that the Unionists had been hoping that if Supply were voted until August they would be able to postpone or precipitate a dissolution at their own pleasure. j The 'Star' (G.) says that the meaning of the Government's sharp action is to avoid a dissolution. The deadlock will be ended by a refusal of Supplies until the passago of the Veto Bill is assured. The 'Globe' (O.) says that the electorates will make a very practical retort when they learn that pensions are being withheld to enable Mr Asquith and Mr Lloyd-George to rotain office. The Opjwsition attribute tho postponement of all services until the middle of Ma_y to the Government's desire to add to the difficulties of the situation should a change of Cabinet occur.