THE DREADNOUGHT OFFER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14703, 10 December 1909, Page 5

THE DREADNOUGHT OFFER

MR TAYLOR AND MR HOGG,

(Feoji Our Own CoimESroKDMT.)

WELLINGTON, December 9. A persistent attempt was made by Mr T. E. Taylor to-day to elicit from Mr Hogg a toll confession of the circumstances by which the Cabinet was induced to agree to the Dreadnought offer. Mr Hogg had stated, in reply to Mr Jam'w Allen, that he agreed to it because it was represented that a very grave emergency had arisen, and if the same representations were made he would do the samo thing again.

Mr Taylor said it would be very interesting if Mr Hogg would tell the House what the evidence was that was brought before the Cabinet to justify its vote on the occasion. Was there any document—a. cablegram from the Kin.tr, Mr Asmiith, or any membor of the British Ministry— which Suggested a grave national crisis, or was there dimply a general conversation initiated by the Prime Minister? He did not suppose that the Primo Minister had any objection to Air Hogg taking the House into his confidence' to that extent.

Sir Joseph Ward: Let as get on witß the bill.

Mr Taylor: Yes, I daresay. Sir Joseph Ward: He 'can't tell you what lakes placo in Cabinet. Mr Taylor said he didn't see why the Star Chamber should be able to cover up all its tracks by saying that its secrets are inviolable. He wanted Mr Hogg to say what evidence was brought forward by tlie Prime Minister. Did the Kiiiß cable out to say the Empire was in trouble? Wore all _ tho members of the Cabinet'very excited ?

The Prime Minister: What- reply did you get from Mr Asquitli ? Mr Taylor said lie had never regretted sending his telegram to Mr Asquith. If Hid Prime Minister had gone, to Christchurch after ho sent the telegram ho would have, found what was the real opinion of Hie country on the Dreadnought question. Christchurcli' was the only city where public opinion had expressed itself. Seven out of nine people in Christchureh at least had been entirely opposed to tiie violent action taken. II he did not speak he might die and take the secret with him. "Let bim tell us now," urged _ Mr Taylor dramatically, "beforo he dies."—(Laughter.) Mr Hogg remained as silent as the grave.