A SERIOUS PROBLEM.

Northern Advocate, 8 December 1916, Page 3

A SERIOUS PROBLEM.

THE KING IN COUNCIL.

MANY ANXIOUS CONFERENCES

MR ASQUITH SHOWING SIGNS OF STrUIN.

(Press Assn.—Reed. 11.5 p.m.)

LONDON, December 6,

I The King's summoning of a Council lof his Ministers reached a climax toI day. The calling of a full Ministerial conference is a step not taken for I many years and is an unmistakeable sign of the gravity of the Cabinet crisis. Mr Lloyd George conferred with Mr Bonar Law in the morning and later went to the palace at One o'clock &hd remained there half-an-hoUr. The "Westminster -Gazette" first announced Mr Bonar Law's decision and confirmation soon came from other sources. Sir Ed. Carson called upon Mr Lloyd George while Sir J. Simon, Mr Harcourt, Mr Samuel and Mr Henderson interviewed Mr Asquith. Mr Lloyd George was the first arrival at the Royal conference at three o'clock and the others soon followed, including Mr Asquith and Mr Balfour. The conference lasted an hour-and-a-half. Mr Asquith was the first to leave showing traces of the grave position. Mr Asquith, immediately after the conference, conferred with Sir Ed. Grey, Mr McKenna, Mr Montagu and other Liberal col'.eagues. and also with Mr Henderson, while Mr Lloyd George consulted leading supporters. The impression grew in political circles that a settlement was probable. The "Evening Standard" under, stands that Mr Asquith has made certain fresh proposals with a view to meeting the demands of Mr Lloyd George's party. The "Daily Chronicle" accepts Sir Edward Carson's dental, but reiteratos that the solution should have been seriously considered upon the lines previously cabled. The main pur. pose is to conciliate both parties in Ireland. Sir Ed. Carson's unabated loyalty towards Ulster was unquestioned, but if he succeeds in effecting the union of all Irishmen he would add greatly to his reputation as a patriot. Mr Redmond denies that he has partaken in the negotiations, but some of his followers are fully aware of his plans which were maturing but had not yet reached a definite settlement.