SWIFT AND DECISIVE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14300, 21 February 1910, Page 5

SWIFT AND DECISIVE.

GOVERNMENT AND LORDS. r (Received February 20, 6 p.m.) London, February 19. Mr. Herbert Samuel, (the,new Post-mastet-Generai),' in a. speech" .at adinner of the Eighty Club, said the Government's' action ■ regarding the ; Lords would be swift, courageous, and decisive. ' A MR. ASQUITH'S DILEMMA. THE LABOUR MANIFESTO. London, February 18. The .statement issued ; by Mr. Barnes (chairman- of the Labour party) is considered more noteworthy after Mr. KeirHardie's recent declaration that the Labour party will support the Government , whatever course it may take ; in'• connection with the Budget'and veto. The Morning Leader declares that it is now- clear that . Mr. r Asquith cannot i remain in - office unless :he tells the Kinfe plainly that the whole of his composite party require the limiting of the Lords' veto, as an immediate new "crisis is due. The statement is circulated ■; in the lobbies that Mr. Asquith intended to explain to the House of Commons on Monday that the word " safeguards" in the Albert Hall, speech referred solely to legislation. ;• :,. The Manchester Guardian ? says that unless the difficulty is removed the Government « will be forced to choose between resignation and re-" taining office on the basis of Unionist support. This would not be less calamitous than - a direct defeat of Liberals. - • «■■ AN OTH ER ELEGTIo'n LIK ELY. WITHIN TWO MONTHS. >w London* February 18.>.' The Freeman's Journal says that there is every probability of a general election within six weeks or two months. The Daily Chronicle claims that Ministers .cannot . constitutionally give the King the advice which Mr.. Barnes suggests. ■ '■-■■.. ,";";'■■■;; * ' The Globe says Mr. Asquith may surrender to the party of revolution or appeal to the patriotism of Unionists to extricate him. ■■_ ~.,■: ■■■ IRELAND AND THE BUDGET. NO "INCREASED TAXATION. : ' - London, February 18. ' '■■> , Jt is reported that Messrs. O'Brien and, Healy will insist on dividing the House of Commons upon; every item touching Ireland and increased taxation. ' ' " ;,; ' •:%'■:':"■ •;-.■:■. (Received February 20, 6 p.m.) " * - London, February 19; -The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has condemned the reintroduction of the, Budget imposing on Ireland un-, due taxation. ::■ v >,■.;■'.•.,■■....-■.:•• -.;■■■-. '. THE FIRST BUSINESS; f BUDGET BEFORE VETO. y . ; (Received February 21, 12.5 a.m.);; .'■ London, February 20. ;-The King has signed the' Speech from the Throne. ! There, are ;; indications p that • ,;l the early I division foreshadowed" by' the Government Whip;relates to a resolution 1 enabling the House to deal comprehensively with ; the Budget as. the first business of the session*. . v