CHANGE OF MINISTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3274, 13 December 1916, Page 38

CHANGE OF MINISTRY.

MR LLOYD GEORGE AS PRIME MINISTER.

A COMPLETE REVOLUTION

HOW PORTFOLIOS ARE HELD

(By Cable.) Official : The new Government is as follows :

WAR CABINET

Mr LLOYD GEORGE. Lord CURZON, President of the Conn oil and Leader of the House of Lords.

Mr HENDERSON (without portfolio). Lord MILNER (without portfolio). Mr BONAR LAW, Chancellor of the Exchequer, who will lead the House of Commons, and also a member of the War Cabinet, but expected to attend only irregularly.

Other members of the Government are as follow :

Lord Chancellor : Sir ROBERT D FINLAY.

Home Secretary : Sir G. CAVE. Foreign Office : Mr A. J. BALFOUR

Colonial Office : Mr W. LONG. War Secretary : Lord DERBY. Secretary for India : Mr A. CHAMBERLAIN. President of the Local Government Board : Lord RHONDDA. President of the Board of Trade : Sir ALBERT STANLEY. Minister of Labour : Mr HODGE. First Lord of the Admiralty : Sir E. CARSON. Minister of Munitions : Dr C. ADDISON. .Minister of Blockade : Lord ROBERT CECIL. Food Controller : Lord DEVONPORT. Shipning. Controller: Sir JOSEPH M'LAY. Minister of Agriculture : Mr R. E. PROTUERO. President of the Beard of Education : Mr H. A. L. FISHER, Vice-chancellor of Sheffield Univc-rsitv.

Commissioner of Works : Sir ALFRED MOND.

Chancellor of the Duehv of Lancaster Sir F. CAWLEY.

Postmaster-general : Mr A. H. ILLING WORTH.

Minister of Pensions : Mr GEORGE BARNES.

A.ttornev-general : Sir F. E. RMTTH

Solicitor-general : Mr GORDON HEWART, K.C.

Secretary for Scotland : Mr ROBERT MUNRO.

Lord Advocate : Mr J. A. CLYDE. Solicitor-general for Scotland : Mr T. B MORTSON, K.C.

Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland : Lord WIM BORNE.

Chief Secretary for Ireland : Mr 11. E Duke. K.C. Lord Chancellor of Ireland : Sir IGNA TIT'S O'BRIEN. K.C.

The Cabinet will be confined to the five members of the War Cabinet. The members of the Inner Cabinet alone will bo called together for every Cabinet Council. The War Council of four will bo selected from the Inner Cabinet. The latter will consist of Mr Lloyd George. Mr Bonar Law, Mr A. Balfour, Lord Milner, Lord Derby, Lord Curzon, Mr A. Henderson, and Sir Edward Carson. All the papers cordially welcome the new Ministry, and pay tribute to Mr Lloyd George's courage in casting aside traditions in order to obtain the best men to carry on the war. Some real nervousness is felt regarding the startling constitutional innovations, (•specially the exclusion of practically all the departmental Ministers from the Cabinet The exclusion is considered in circles most favourable to Mr Lloyd George to be justified by existing circumstances and ihe necessity of making the War Council supreme to the utmost. Other quarters consider that it will be only justifiable by results. HOW THE CRISIS AROSE. The acute stage of the Ministerial en'sis appeared to have been passed when we wi nt to press last week, and Mr Lloyd George was supposed to have obtained substantially what he wanted in the way of a small War Council, but the crisis developed again, and both Mr Asquith and Mr Lloyd George resigned. Viscount Grey and the leading members of the Liberal party supported Mr Asquith's view. Many meetings, consultations. and conferences were- held as the situation developed, and many repo ts and rumours were current. The NorthclifFe group of papers commenced vigorous attacks on Viscount Grey, Lord Robert Cecil, Mr Asquith, and Mr Balfour, aihl most of these were described by the Dailv Mail as "the Haldane gang." Lord XorthclirTe, in a statement to the United Press Association, said "Mr Lloyd George has given the knock-out to the gang of aged or inept mediocrities who have prevented the British Empire from exertincr its full force in the war. Whatever happens, these malcvolcnts cannot get together again."

His Majesty, having ace Asquith's resignation, sent for I '. ■ '■• aw, as lender of the Unionist he I advised the King to send ,ur Mr Lloyd George. Before this, however, the King summoned a council of Ministers, a step which has not been taken for many years. His Majesty appealed To tho patriotism of the leaders of all parties, and invited them to co-operate, it is understood that Mr Asquith, regardless of personal considerations, intimated his willingness to advise the Liberal statesmen to join the Bonar Law-Lloyd George combination, though personally he was not prepared to reconsider his resignation. Mr Asquith left the Palace and hold a conference with the Liberal leaders, but they decided against joining any Government which did not include Mr Asquith. The Liberal leaders decided that it. was better to go into opposition, but pLomised Mr Bonar Law patriotic co-oporation in ail measures for carrying on the war. THE NEW PLATFORM. Afterwards Mr Bonar Law and Mr Lloyd George waited on his Majesty, and Mr Lloyd George undertook the task of forming a Ministry. He met the Labour party, and arrived at an understanding with them. An sections of Labour were represented at the conference, and tho majority 'finally decided to take part in tiie new Government, MiHenderson to be a member of the War Committee without a portfolio, and devote the whole of his -energy to the war. Mr Lloyd George informed the conference that the single plank of his political platform was a vigorous prosecution of the war to a successful conclusion. A serious task lay before the country, and it could only be accomplished by utilising to the utmost the entire energies of tho nation. He admitted fully that Labour had already played a great part, but greater demands would be made, upon Labour as well as upon other classes of the community. There was every prospect of success, but it depended upon an increased output of munitions; hence, tremendous responsibilities were thrown upon Labour. These responsibilities made it only equitable that Labour should have some say in the direction of affairs. The Government would contain a real Labour Minister as President of the new Labour Department, which would take over tho wholo Labour work of the Board of Trade. Labour members searchingly cross-ex-amined Mr Lloyd George, and "were gratified to learn that his policy practically amounts to State control of ' all industry end means of transport on land and sea, in order that the man-power may be directed into the best channels. Every effort will bo made to increase the quantity of homegrown food. Farmers will be provided with the most modern machinery, and food prices ■will be rigorously controlled. The Labourites pressed Mr Lloyd George l particularly regarding the conscription of labour and wealth. " Tho Prime Minister intimated, as regards the first policy, that there would bo direction and regulation of work for the whole manhood of tho country, so that no class could complain of being unfairly treated. Regarding the conscription of wealth, lie foreshadowed a scheme for controlling investments and savings on tho v lincs of tho existing case of certain classes of American securities. This would place the realised wealth of the country at the Government's disposal. There would bo also a largo extension of tho war profits tax. All profits would be calculated on an average of three years before the war, and all in excess of this amount would go to tho State. The Labour party having discussed Mr •Lloyd George's proposal decided to participate in tho Government. - MEETING OF LIBERALS. Two hundred Liberal members of tho House of Lords and the House of Commons met at the Reform Club. Crowds witnessed tho arrival and gave an ovation to Mr Asquith, a few hysterical Suffragettes howling "Traitor!" Slome women greeted Lord Haldane with cries of "Kaiser llaldane," and created a considerable disturbance over Viscount Grey, whom the police escorted. The Liberals carried a resolution of confidence in Mr Asquith. and also decided to support the Government. Mr Asquith said that his colleagues had acted on their own dictates, uninfluenced by him. Ho emphasised the importance of supporting the Government in order to win tho war. Speaking at the Liberal meeting, Mr Asquith said there had been a carefullyengineered campaign against Viscount Grey and himself, but he acquitted any member of the Government of complicity therein. He received Mr Lloyd George's proposal for a smaller War Counci on December 1, and replied the same day that the Prime Minister must preside over such a body. Mr Lloyd George disagreed with that view, and' on the 3rd inst., Unionist Ministers intimated that unless ho (Mr Asquith) resigned they would resign. Ho appealed to Mr Bonar" Law to remain, and wrote to Mr Lloyd George" on the 4th inst. that ho was not prepared to remain in the Cabinet as a spectator. He outlined certain proposals, which Mr Lloyd George accepted subject to the character and personnel of the War Council. Mr Asquith said he consulted his friends. who felt that the differences regarding the Prime Minister presiding over the War Council and the personnel of the council were irreconcilable, so he resigned. He declined to join the new Government, because he felt that he would be a source of weakness to it. The attacks upon him would continue, and it would be better that he should give an independent support out- ! side the Cabinet. In a masterly peroration Mr Asquith advised them all to avoid recriminations. Personally he gave each and all credit for acting with the best motives. Above all. they should do all they could lo facilitate the task which had fallen into other hands. The official report amplifies the negotiations between Mr Asquith and Mr Lloyd I George. On Sunday they tried to accom--1 modate tho views upon which thev difi feretl. There were two points—first, in ■ relation to the Prime Minister and the War J Committee; ant! second, the l War Committee i personnel. Mr Lloyd George-wanted to ox- ! chicle some audi include others. There was ! a strong and sharp difference of opinion I between them regarding these matters, i "Various suggestions were made in an en- ! deavour to solve tho first question, but thev ; did not attempt to solve the second, i Finally, the following arrangements n-cvo suggested:—The Prime Minister to have sunreme and effective control over the war i policy ; the War Committee's agenda to be i submitted to him daily; the Prime Minister I to be able to direct the War Committee j to consider particular topics and proposals; 1 all its conclusions to bo subject to his ap-

proval and veto; mooting.? to bo attended by him at his own discretion. No agreement with Mr Lloyd George waa reached on Sunday, and the matter was left over for consideration. It was understood that Mr Asquith would give Mr Lloyd George a written communication on Monday, but the newspapers on Monday mornnig published a proposal to exclude him ti-om the committee. Mr Lloyd George assured him that he was not responsible tor the publication. M r Asquith accepted this assurance, but the fact remained that the thing had become known. He wrote immediately to Mr Llovd George stating that unless the impression was corrected that he was to be relegated to a position o. an irresponsible spectator of the war ho could not go on. Mr Lloyd George accepted tnc suggested arrangement.

Mr Asquith then consulted his colleagues, and informed Mr Lloyd George that the VVar Committee could not possibly be workable and effective unless the Prime Minister was chairman. Mr Llovd George himself disagreed with this. If the committee were reconstructed on a smaller basis, Mr Asquith considered that ho himself must choose the members.

Viscount Grey paid a tribute to Mr Llovd Georges work, and his relations with Mr Llovd George were such that he did nob believe it possible that these attack could have been made by those confessedly working for him.

Mr Lloyd George, interviewed, said ho was gratified as the result of the Liberals' meeting. It would strengthen the country in the great task it hnd undertaken. Ho did not intend to reply to the pors «• ii questions in Mr Asquith's speech. MR ASQUITH'S SERVICES.

Many eulogies have been paid to Mr Asquith's patriotism. He has received a, letter from the King-, expressing grateful appreciation of his long and distinguished services to the State.

The Westminster Gazette says it is believed that Mr Asquith declined the Kins'a offer of an earldom and the Order of the Garter.

Mr Bonar Law suggested that Mr Asqtuth should have the, Lord Chancellorship and an earldom if he joined the Cabinet, but Mr Asquith declined when the other "Liberals refused to co-operate with the new Government.

Mr Thomas, in a speech at Cardiff, eulogised Mr Asquith's patriotism, and especially his resolution to assist the Government. Mr Thomas urged the rail! waymen to follow Mr Asquith's advice, but they should not support the Government blindly. Criticism would be necessary, especially in the interest of trade unionists. Mr Thomas urged that Mr Lloyd George should suppress the newspaper 'campaign, which has destroyed Mr Asquith, lest" it should destroy him also. PRESS ATTACKS.

While the Northcliffe pi-ess and Lord Northcliffe himself have indulged in much vituperation of the late Ministry, with the exception of Mr Lloyd Geo;ge, the Nation indulged in a fling at Mr Lloyd George and says:—'"The hand which made the coalition has struck it down. Mr Lloyd George now aspires to run its successor with such help as ho can command from its relics—from a tremendous straddle between Tory Imperialism and Labour, and from parliamentary, snipers to whom ho has long been signaller-in-chief. Mr Lloyd George has hot beaten the Germans, but he has destroyed two British Governments and some liberties of the British people. His bustling vigour and adroitness have impressed themselves upon the popular mind in contrast with Lord Northcliffe'S hourly representation of his colleagues as a mass of senility and incompetence. This falsity, with its puanum of truth, now stands upon its trial." Indignation is being expressed by all political parties with the Northcliffe press for its personal abuse of members of the Asquith Government. Owing to the attacks made by certain newspapers on Mr Balfour, Lord Robert Cecil, and Mr Walter Long, a letter was sent to Mr Lloyd George by Mr Long, Lord Robert Cecil, and Mr Chamberlain, protesting against this new outbreak of newspaper dictation, and offering to withdraw from the Cabinet if they will thus strengthen the Ministry. Air Balfour concurred in the letter.

Mr Lloyd George replied, sympathising with the protest, and assured the writers of his confidence in them. ALLEGED PKESS INTRIGUE.

The Financial News says "According to city information, Mr Lloyd George was only just in time to stop a peace intrigue, which was very far advanced. If it had developed further it would have landed us in the most disastrous humiliation since the battlo of Hastings. No Minister in living memory ever had behind him such a volume of public confidence and devotion as Mr Lloyd George. Gorman opinion over the British crisis has been confused owing ro the rapidity or events; but it disclosed remarkable features —obvious partiality to.- Ml- Asquith and a striking accentuation of peace propaganda, together with pointed indications that much was to be expected from Mi'. Asquith's and Viscount Grey's sympathy with the American Peace League. The Gorman flow of peace talk suddenly ceased, however, when Mr Lloyd George's success became probable, the Press evidently receiving instructions to adopt a new line—i.e., that the developments in England favoured peace, because Mr Lloyd George's regime was a last desperate throw. Meanwhile General TrepcfF'.- war speech in the Duma strongly affected German opinion, and the falls of Mr Asquith and M. Stunner are linked together as meaning a light to a finish. IRISH AFFAIRS. The Daily Chronicle stated that plans are maturing for a dramatic settlement of the Irish question in the event of Sir E. Carson re-entering the Cabinet. Sir E. Carson, it declared, lias secured the consent of his Ulster colleagues for the establishment of a Home Rule Parliament for the whole of Ireland. Protestants to be represented on the basis of proportional representation. Ulstei-to be included for a period of three yeas, after which there is to be opportunity for revision. The condition of the acceptance of the scheme is that tho Nationalists agree to the extension of conseription to Ireland, bringing in an additional 150.000 soldiers, and martial law to bo abolished. , . , , , Sir Edward CarfOn denied the truth of the scheme, adding: " Ulster men know my views and my unabated loyalty to them." Two hundred Sinn-Feincrs organised ai disturbance and stopped a dramatic performance at Cork in aid of soldiers*

families, singing Irish National songs, and shouting " Down with recruiting." ..CONGRATULATIONS FROM NEW ZEALAND. NELSON, December 11. At a largely attended public meeting. held for the purpose to-night, the following resolution was earned unanimously, and is to be cabled to Mr Lloyd George :—" r lhat the citizens of Nelson desire to affirm their loyalty to the Crown and Empire, and to express confidence in and sympathy with Mr Lloyd George in his expressed intention to fight the war to a finish and bring about on early and victorious termination of it." Rousing patriotic speeches were delivered by several prominent sneakers.