HOME RULE CRISIS

Manawatu Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12757, 1 April 1914, Page 2

HOME RULE CRISIS

PREMIER RESICNS. ON ACCEPTANCE OF NEW PORTFOLIO. IN AN EXCITED HOUSE. COLONEL SEELY'S SWAN SONG. MR ASQUITH CHEERED. LONDON, yesterday. In a crowded and excited House Mr Asquith announced that Generals French and Ewart persisted in their resignations. He deeply deplored their decision. He could not speak too warmly and gratefully of their ability, loyalty, and devotion to duty. He hoped they would continue to serve in the army. In the circumstances he felt it his duty to assume the office of War Minister, which the King approved. (Loud cheers.) Mr Asquith then announced his retirement. All lawyers are agreed that it will be necessary for him to be re-elected. Colonel Seely, from a corner of the third bench above the gangway, made a personal statement. He said there was no difference between himself and his colleagues on any point of policy or principle. He had pressed his resignation because it appeared that though it was not his intention there had been a bargain with officers regarding the service they should render the Crown. As Generals French and Ewart had resigned he felt he was obliged to surrender his own place. It might be that the whole army system would have to be re-cast, but he would not discuss that now. He hoped still to support the Premier, and the causes for which he stood. When Mr Asquith left, Liberals, Labourites and Nationalists cheered him enthusiastically. It is understood' that Colonel Sprot contests East Fife against Mr Asquith.

Mr Asquith has represented the Eastern Division of Fifeshire since 1886, when he defeated Mr J. Boyd Kinnear by a majority of 374. In 1892, he was returned with a majority of 394 over Sir J. C. Gilmour, wh:-e in 1895, having attained Cabinet rank, he inceased his majority over the same opponent to 716. In 1900 he defeated Mr A. H. Constable by 1431, and in 1906 his majority when he contested the seat with Captain J. Gilmour went up to 1444. In January 1910 his present opponent, Colonel Sprot, came into the field, and was defeated' bv 2159. In December, 1910, Colonel Sprot again opposed the Liberal leader, the election resulting: Asquith, 5149; Sprot, 3350; majority, 1799. Mr Asquith may be said to hold the seat safely, but Unionist efforts will be directed to further reducing his majority.

MR CHURCHILL ACCUSED. OF PROVOCATIVE MEASURES. HIS RETORT. LONDON, yesterday. In the House of Commons on the third reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill the Rt. Hon. F. E. Smith accused Mr Churchill of provocative measures. When he made his Bradford speech he was aware that instructions had been sent to Sir Arthur Paget, commandant of the forces in Ireland, and later lie gave an order to move the fleet to Irelandl Mr Churchill said Sir Edward Carson had raised a rebellion greater than the police could cope with. Opposition leaders were striving to prevent the Government putting down the revolution. Lord Morley, in the House of Lords, promised a full statement of his own position tomorrow. FILLING WAR OFFICE VACANCIES. SUGGESTED SUCCESSORS TO GENERAL FRENCH. LONDON, yesterday. Sir James Grierson and Sir lan Hamilton are suggested as successors to General French. Sir lan Hamilton's acceptance would enable the Government to abolish the office of InspectorGeneral of Overseas Forces.

PROMISED REINFORCEMENTS. LONDON, yesterday. Replying to the Marquis of Salisbury in the House of Lords Lord Morley admitted that reinforcements promised to Sir Arthur Paget included a naval and military force from England, and two Irish divisions. VIOLENT DEBATE IN THE ASSEMBLY. PREMIER AND APOLOGY. SYDNEY, to-day. Mr Holman's remarks regarding Ulster were the subject of a violent debate in the Assembly. The Premier promised to consider a suggestion to apologise to Ulstermen for the slur. AWAITING EVENTS. LONDON, yesterday. The King and Queen are not proceeding even to Windsor if there is a likelihood that politics will demand their presence in London.

A DEFINITE ANNOUNCEMENT. COLONEL SEELY RESIGNS. DUTIES ASSUMED BY PREMIER. LONDON, yesterday. Colonel Seely, Secretary for War, has resigned. Mr Asquith is assuming his duties. Generals French and Ewart have not withdrawn their resignations.