ELECTION?

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 14 October 1922, Page 5

ELECTION?

POLITICAL SITUATION IN BRITAIN DEVELOPING IN AMAZING MANNEK (By Electric Telegrapn.-- Copyright.) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, Oct. 12. Tin- political situation is developing in an amazing manner. Everybody is banging on Mr Lloyd George’s and Mr Chamberlain s coming speeches, the purport of which nobody knows. The only apparent certainly is the proximity of an election. Then l arc various estimates of the dale, all conjectural. One usually well informed suggests that Mr Lloyd George, who is/Lho absolute arbiter in the mailer, effect a dramatic coup ’by forcing an election during the first week of November. It is significant that his closest confidants make no sign of knowledge. It is believed he has not taken into his confidence any oxcept a few selected members of tho Cabinet.

Some Conservatives advocate a wholesale stampede from Ihe Coalition, 'even mentioning Lord Derby’s name as leader thereof. Lord Derby does not deny or affirm. In ibis connection. Coalitionists, notably tlie Daily Chronicle, argue and if the Conservatives fight Coalition Liberal? at the elections La,bour will possibly win 200 to 250 seats. The Chronicle declares the Labourites are .already counting on the possibility of a" split, instancing the principal organiser’s declaration in a recent speech, that the Labourites wonld possibly be charged with the formation, of a (lovernment. „ .

DAME I.LOYD GEORGE ON THE PLATFORM “ELECTION NOT EAR AWAY” LONDON, Oct. 12. Dame Lloyd George, supporting a Coalition candidate at Leyton-Stonle, said a general election could not be very far away,'although she could mot say exactly when it would come. Recently, when the issues of peace or war were’ in the balance unscrupulous speakers and scribblers had had their fling and played a most contemptible part. They had shown no consideration for those engaged in preventing the fires- of Smyrna crossing into Europe and in keeping the freedom of the Straits. The Government and Allies succeeded in inducing moderation of the Turks’ demands. During the crisis ministers wore unable to indulge in domestic controversies, but when Mr Lloyd George spoke on Saturday his* supporters would not. be disappointed in his reply.