ELECTIONS

Feilding Star, Volume 1, Issue 49, 10 December 1923, Page 5

ELECTIONS

THE FINAL RESULTS GOVERNMENT MINORITY 76. SIX MINISTERS DEFEATED PREMIER BALDWIN'S RESIOXAT lONLOB D DERBY SUGGESTED STATE OF PARTIES (By Electric Cable Copyright). (Aust. and X.X. Cable Association.) London Dec. 8. i f , i l The state of parties at the conclusion of the second days" results was Conserva lives - - ' l ' Liberals N 8 Labour I8 ~ Independent " So far six Ministers have been de feated. They nclndo the Lord Advocate for Scotland. William Watson, who did not hold a seat in Parliament and who was beaten by a Labourite in Carlisle; Major Royd-Carpontcr, Financial Secretary to the Admiralty; P. J, Ford, junior whip and Major Tyron, Minister of Pensions, who was beaten by the Liberal Walter Buneipian, in Brighton. WHAT NEXT? London, Dec. S. •'•What will happen ncxtr" is everywhere being asked. The press discusses the situation speculatively, agreeing that it is unprecedented. In the variety of alternative debated it may be summed up this way: Firstly: Mi- Baldwin will resign, but the .King will not accept his resignation and he will carry on with uncoil tenuous legislation. Another (lection will be held in twelve months Secondly: Lord Derby and other non-tariff members of the Baldwin Government will tarry on instead of Mi- Baldwin.

Thirdly: The Conservatives and Liberals will form a coalition.

Fourthly: The Ling will send for Mr Ramsay Mae Donald (leader of the Labour Party), who will agree to form a Cabinet, the Conservatives and Liberals acquiescing on condition of there being no contentious legislation and no capital levy.

Fifthly: The Labourites and Liberals will form a. coalition to carry mea Mires mutually agivLed upon.

MR BALWDLN EXPECLTED TO RESIGN.

The Daily Express' lobby correspondent says: Mr Baldwin wil resign both the Premiership and the leadership ol the I'nionist- Party and will announce his decision at a party meeting at the Carlton Club next week. Mr Baldwin, at the declaration of the poll at Bewdley, said: "From th« look of things I am going to have rather a difficult time, but I am ne\er afraid ol difficulties. At all events, f. shall be able to face them knowing more than ever I have your confidence an 1 support."

Mr Baldwin and Sir Alfred „Mond arrived at Paddington Station almost simultaneously from their constituencies. The Premier was grave and uncommunicative He curtly remarked that he had nothing to say in regard to the situation. FURTHER RESULTS. Tiie representation of Sheffield remains unchanged, except for a Conservative gain from a. Liberal. The contest in the West Riding of Yorkshire resulted in. the return of lour Conservatives, four Liberals and ten Labourites, compared with rive, three and ten respectively in the last Parliament. - ,v Scottish burghs are little changed. East Biding of Yorkshire is solidly Conservative, as the Liberals lost the Holdernoss seat. Cornwall is wholly Liberal. in Cheshire the Conservatives lost three seats to the Liberals, otherwise country representation is unchanged. Dorsetshire, Glamorganshire "xxnfi Carmarthenshire are also unchanged, changed. 'There is no alteration in Belfast. Gloucestershire is represented by one Conservative, two Liberals, one Labourite, compared with three, none and one respectively in the late House. Liberal L. W. Cosfello gained Huntingdonshire- from a Conservative LIC A DIvRS' OPINI OX Mr Lloyd George to-day commented "•The results make it clear that the trickery of ''honest men" has ignominiously failed The people have seen through both . The most remarkable, and in many ways the most gratifying feature of the election is the agricultural districts' rejection of a. huge bribe of eleven millions sterling offered to them by ineorruptibles." Mr Asquith met a large crowd upon arrival from Scotland. In response to incessant demands for a speech, he said: '-'The election has been one of the most discreditable adventures in history. What is the result Free trade is safe; Protection is dead and brined."

COUSINS' GREAT CONTEST Mr Acland, after a recount, retains the Tiverton Division of Devonshire with a majority of three in a contest with his connsin. Colonel Acland Troytc. in a poll of 24,000. A curious feature of the election is that it practically extinguishes Sir Llovd (.'corse's National Liberal Part v. These who were- unsuccessful include his henchmen. Sir A. Mond, Hon. ( ( . A. MoCurdy, Sir Ha mar Greenwo'od. Mr Churchill. Commander Hilton Young. Major Waring and ~i.v or seven oilier-. FRANCE DISAPPOINTED GERMANY DELIGHTED Paris message state th.it the British election result- caused disappointment there, v. here it was generally assumed tiic Baldwin GovenunentL would lie less antagonistic to France than any other. The newspaper Liberie says*: ••The lestilts mean the i <\storalion of Oermany by lenient methods, which will again be vehemently demanded. The maintenance of the Entente will be more dilliciilt than ever if Mr Lloyd George does not return to power, and almost impossible if he doe-,." I.e Temps says: ''river since the British dissolution the French policy has been directed to strengthening the Entente, and basis of agreements has been found. . If Mr Baldwin had won it. would have given a new lease of life to an Entente froe from disagreement." Berlin newspapers welcome the defeat of the British Conservatives. Some evening papers display portraits of "Mr Lloyd George the victor.'' The Radical Yossiehe Zeitung suggests there is no parallel for the success of Mr Lloyd George. Hsi American tour furnishes the chief reason why he has aga'n become a great

lorce. The National Zeitung alread yforsees Mr Lloyd George as Prime Minister, and eargerly awaits the carrying out of his promises in America in favour of unequivocal condemnation of Franch's Ruhr policy, and the exit ntion to Germany of every possible assistance in connection with reparations, and the revival of her economic activity. THE AMERICANJ>RESS New York. Dee. 8. Terming the verdict of the British public in the elections, "a thoroughly deserved defeat for the Conservatives," tiie '"World" scorns the Baldwin Covernnn nt for its foreign and domestic policies, and says, the need of Britain is a peace so complete that Europe can recover her power to buy and sell. The '"diehaids" in the party, it says, supported the Imperialistic policies in trance and caused the party to fumble the issue raised by the French occupation of the Ruhr. Under the Conservative Government it says, •'British prestige sank to the lowest point in a generation, and Britain was almost driven out of Europe altogether." 'Mid tariff issue raised by Baldwin, ■ terms a "rod herring used in an attempt to retrieve the lost position of the Government." The Xeiv York World declares that M. Poincare. as well a.s Mr Baldwin, was beaten in the British elections. The Tribune is of the opinion that the off-hand manner in which Mr Baldwin forced the tariff issue upon the British public, irritated both politicians and electors, disorganised the Conservative Party and alienated powerful newspaper support. The paper declares jhat the tarill issue in Great BritaiTi is apparently unmanageable, and says the future cannot be. forecasted. LORD DEB BY AS PRIME MINISTER. Sir Alfred Moon, interviewed; said: "'Lord Derby, being more or less a Freetrader, might carry on and for. a government to carry on a policy o. tranquility for the time being. Ther.. is one measure winch must be carried before next election and that is provision for a .second ballot for three cornered contests. I submitted this when a .Minister, being of the opinion for years that this present system is' opposed to democratic representation."' BALDWIN THE SCAPEGOAT. Mr Lloyd George to-day commented: "The results make it clear that the trickery of the honest man, has ignominiously failed. The people have seen through both. The most remarkable and in many ways the most grotifying feature of the elections is the agricultural districts' rejection of the huge bribe of eleven million sterling offered them by the "ineorruptibles." IMPERIAL PREPERENCE. As a result of inquiries in Dominion circles, the Australian Press Association understands it is not considered that the result of the erection should effect the present position of Imperial preference. It is pointed out that the election was fought mainly on the question of protection of Home markets rather than preference to Dominion products and, therefore, it is thought unlikely the promises made by the Baldwin Cabinet will bo rescinded whatever party e\ r eritiially carries on the 'Government. ■'

SPECUL ATORS CAUGHT. The defeat of the Govwniuein came as a severe shock to the Stock Exchange, for throughout the general election, the members, after the first scare of the possibility of the capital levy passed away, took an optimistic view and the belief grew daily that Air Baldwin would return with at least a workable majority. In anticipation of this result, the market developed strength' all round and prospects of protection caused considerable buoyancy in industrials. Investors and speculators alike wore confident that a marked revival in business would follow the establishment on a (inn basis of protectionist Government, out a rude awakening came on Friday morning. It was a nice recognised that all hopes of a workable majority were gone, and dealers immediately marked down prices. As the day progressed and the (Government's position became worse, the weakness became more pronounced, the closing tions being tlie lowest. 'Fortunately, however, no .sidling pressure developed except lor a few speculative share's which bad been recently bought in anticipation of protection. In most markets business is very restricted now. •e, Received December 10, U.oO a.m.) (Sun Cable). Loudon, December 9. The Daily Mail, in a leader, savs:

"The country's reply to Mr Baldwin's action in precipitating an unnecessary election is violent and unmistakeable. The Conservatives sustained catastrophic defeats. Baldwin must inevitably return to private life as a leader who conducted his followers into a poiilieal Sedan. He cannot hope to command : inure confidence. The Labor Party comes back strengthened, but its gains are smaller than might have been expected, seeing that the Conservatives and Liberals were engaged in cutting each other's throats, instead of cooperating against common disaster to the State as the. result of triangular contests. A large number of Laboritos were elected by a distinct minority. The evident duty of Lho moderates of the two constitutional partus is to co-op-erate against Nationalisation and its accompanying inefficiency." Ottawa. December b'. Canada received gloomingly the news of Baldwin's defeat. The "nonaeeptancc of the tariff favours to the Dominions by Britain will probably mean that in Canada an agitation will commence for the removal of the Customs preference which the Dominions give Britain for her goods/' says a leading Canadian newspaper which, adds, however, that s. cooler appraisal of the situation might not justify this action. "Every Canadian shoe manufacturer who is suffering by competition from Northampton boots is almost certain to .seize the present oportunity to register objection to Canada's continued «.->refcrence to the .Motherland. The success of Baldwin at the .noils would have meant new life for several Canadian producers an 1 industries. |,i Nova Scotia and British Columbia the fruit growers are in terrible straits. They had visions of a huge trade and Lloyd George's tin-can allusions have been pregnant ■with meaning for the Pacific Coast salmon packers.'' THE FOREIGN PRESS. (Neuter). Koine, December 9. The Giornale d'ltalia, says the Euro pean Governments are somewhat worried at the result of the British elections, as they foresee the re-ap-pearance, of Lloyd George, though it is difficult to see how he can ally himself with Labour. Paris, December 0. Some anxiety is shown by th<j press as to the ultimate effect 01 the British election results on FrancoBritish relations, though a unanimous opinion is expressed that the Government has been .defeated on the protection issue alone. ft is widely felt, that there, will he another general election before long. The consensus of opinion is thai Britain is faced with a difficult period which a number of papers fear may prenuieo the, Entente. CONJECTURES OF THE FUTURE. (Renter). London, December 9. Amid the perplexity of trying to pierce the veil of the obscure future to forsee who will ca.ry on the King's Government, it is noteworthy that Premier Baldwin has little sympathy among the. newspaper commentators. Liberal opinion may be crystallised into "Serve you right," while the Conservatives are inclined to dwell on. the folly of .sacrificing a safe position against the advice of many Conservative leaders all anxiously discuss the possibility of finding greatest corns mon measure of agreement between parties to carry on as Jong as possible, so that the country may avoid another election in the near nitnre, which, anyhow, would probably reproduce the present situations. A coalition is is also unpopular, therefore most of the suggestions run on lines of a single Party forming a Government with a promise of another

Party's support on more or less contentious legislation, but which Party would continue in office at present is subject to much disagreement. The I Conservatives are content" to regard ! protection as receiving a setback for i many years, while the Liberals proclaim it definitely killed. An analysis of the votes cast so far shows the following : —- Conservative 0,417,094 votes. Labor 4,477,01.7 votes. Liberal 4,254,53 G votes. THE LABOR LEADER. .Mr Ramsay MacDonald received an I ovation from a crowd on his arrival | at Paddington railway station. There I cri.'S of "The future Premier." Interviewed, he said he r.-«s not j surprised at the result of the elecI tion, only the attitude of the newspapers made him uncertain as to LaI bor. Latterly they had not been supported except by their own vnper. The feeling of the workers towards the press was bitter. He seriously asked the newspapers to re-consider their attitude, and added that his Party might have dropped the "capi- ' tal levy" question, but it was not j seeking to snatch seats, it was build- | ing sure foundations. "We will be I ready when the time comes," he added, "our task at presold is to educate opinion. The results indicate we are succeeding." (Received December 10, 9.45 a.m.^ London, December 9. Mr Younger, on leaving Mr Baldwin told a press interviewer he did not know if Baldwin would resign. He would meet Cabinet on Monday or Tuesday and see the King afterwards. The situation is most interest- ! ing. Women voters wrecked the Go- | vcrnment. They were frightened by ! the gross misrepresentations regaldj lug dear food if bur party came back. We are too strong to decline responsibility, but not big enough to do anything effective. I do not see Ave can go into Opposition. We may carry on with the benevolent support of another party. We certainly do not want another coalition with the Liberals. Our people would not consent. .Mr Younger added: '■Personally, I would prefer to he in Opposition and I see what the other fellow would do."

BRITISH. PRESS OPINIONS. London. Dec. S. The Times editorially emphasies the completeness of the defeat of a programme upon which everything had been staked and the whole election fought. It attributes the result to the fact, that the mass of electors are convinced that tariff's will raise prices, and says "The Government is practically impotent and stalemated. There will inevitably to a coalition. MiBaldwin is confronted by a most difficult problem. None of the three parties can form a stable government without alliance, working arrangement or coalition. Mr Baldwin has a choice of trying to promote snch an alliance or allowing the opposition to form an alliance aaginst him. He may decide to meet Parliament and await or invite inevitable defeat sooner or later. There must )x> definite decision in the direction in which Conservatism is tending. Mr Baldwin's first duty is still to provide the King with a Government capable of governing." The Sunday Times says the situation may compel the constitutional parties to combine for the defence of the Constitution. It is expected Mr Baldwin will resign and will be succeeded in the leadership of the party by a Conservative statesman less responsible for the recent gamble with the electorate. The Daily Telegraph says: "It is the plain duty of the two constitutionalist parties to come together. We care little who is Prime Minister. What is important is that there shall be a stable government on lines generally accepted by these parties. Itis open to Mr Lloyd George to say he warned the Conservative Party of what would happen if they broke up the Coalition. We recall his words because Mr Lloyd George; is bound to play a dominant part in the extraordinary position, which has arisen.*AVe repeat that there must be co-opera-tion cr ruin, if the Liberals withhold consent, or the Diehards raise any vain opposition there will probably be a Socialist Government within a few months. We urge the Government to immediately open negotiations with the Liberals. London, Dec. 9. Mr Garvin, in the Observer, says:

"My honest conviction is that tariff reform will be carried and maintained some day in Britain, as in Austriftia, by Labour co-operation, but as a plank in the Unionist Party's programme it must be chopped out with a prompt axe." Ho 'proceeds to argue that as the chief Unionist proposal has been rejected and the chief Labour proposal even more decisively rejected, re-united Liberalism should be compelled to face responsibility for a situation which its electioneer" ing methods, supported by the manoeuvres of the Press trust, have created.