THE NEW ORDER

Evening Star, Issue 18533, 16 January 1924, Page 5

THE NEW ORDER

MANY COMPLICATIONS. ADVICE TO MS MACDONALD. Pwm Aawoiafcion—By Telegraph-^pyright LONDON, January 15. (Received January 16, at 11.40 a,m.) ‘ The Times,’ in a leading article, says: "When Mr MacDonald is summoned to form a Government he will have to consider how certain offices of the_ Royal Household shall bo filled. The simplest and best solution' of the problem _ seems to be for him to ( leave the filling of these posts unfettered to the persona! choice of The old reason why the choice could not be left to the Crown now longer exists. There was a time when the household appointments jvere used as a means of recruiting the King’s friends in Parliament, when those who held them were sometimes employed in intrigues against the King’s Ministers. f All danger of abuses of that kind are long past, and the .JviQg would choose whom he thought best fitted for the posts. In future Ministries would be relieved from the temptation of assigning them to place hunters, and using them to strengthen party interests. Should Mr MacDonald think it proper to make a change, it is hoped that no successor of his will find it desira'h'.e to reverse so natural a reform.”—‘The Times.’ NO PARTY COALITIONS. GOVERNMENT’S FATE SEALED. LONDON. January 15. Parliament will open to-aay without any eleventh-hour agreement between the parties. The ‘ Daily Telegraph ’ states that Mr MacDonald will speak immediately after the Address-in-Reply has been moved and seconded. The doctor has granted Mr Asquith permission to attend Parliament, but he is still suffering with his throat. It is probable, therefore, that Mr Lloyd George will launch the Liberal attack, following Mr MacDonald. The debate is expected to be prolonged. Over fifty of the Liberals are anxioffs to defend themselves before their country constituents for installing the Socialists' in office, and many of the Ministerialists are eager to meet the challenge. Mr MacDonald will require about ten days to complete his arrangements when Mr Baldwin is defeated, and Parliament will adjourn for that period. The 1 Daily Herald ’ says that the Labor amendment to the Address-in-Reply will be moved by Mr Clynes on Thursday. It will be a simple assertion tnat the Government does not possess the confidence of the House. (Mr MacDonald will wind up the debate.—Reuter. WAR MINISTER. SIR lAN HAMILTON SUGGESTED. LONDON, January 14. It is reported that Mr MacDonald has asked General Sir Tan Hamilton to become Secretary of War. Sir lan Hamilton stated that he had not yet received a definite offer.—A.-, and N.Z. Cable. LABOR’S FOREIGN'POLICY. SINGAPORE SCHEME TO BE DROPPED. LONDON, January 14. . Mr Scott Duckers, who was a prominent conscientious objector during the war, in a speech in London, said that the foreign policy was settled. No more money would be voted for Singapore. The policy of the Labor Government would include the fullest possible reparations from Germany, a powerful navy, a well-paid and efficient army, and, failing a satisfactory understanding with France, an increased air force.—Reuter. ROCKS AHEAD. LONDON, January 14. The_ threat of mining troubles and the possibility of a railway strike are disquieting Labor quarters, but these matters have not altered the decision of the Labor leaders to take office as soon as possible, nor have they caused the Liberal leader to reconsider his determination to assist < in the defeat of the Government. It is now anticipated that the fateful decision will be made on Mondav.—A. and N.Z. Cable.