BRITISH POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3384, 22 January 1919, Page 45

BRITISH POLITICS.

(By Cable.) The newspapers recall that Sir F. B. Smith made fierce pre-war speeches favouring an Ulster and regard this fact as a proof of • his unfitness for the highest judicial post in the Empire. The papers comment on the few surprises in the Cabinet selection, and some regret that Mr Lloyd George has not shown ,more courage when filling some of the most prominent offices, particularly that of the Admiralty. There are several hostile comments over Mr Churchill'* translation to the War Office, while doubta are expressed of Sir F. E. Smith's suit, ability for the Lord Chancellorship. , All, however, approve of Sir S. P. Sinha's appointment (as Secretary for India). Mr Asquith, in a letter to the National Liberal Federation, said that the recent elections had been held in conditions under which the new House of Commons could not be regarded as representing the considered judgment of the electorates. The result was that the Unionists were masters of the parliamentary situation. Mr Asquith is of opinion that it is imperative for the Liberal Party to preserve its identity and its independent activity, for the problems of the new era. Social and industrial development do not raise the narrow and conventional party issues, but the country's old and tried faith In. Liberalism ought to contribute importantly to their solution... The Manchester Guardian says that probably the next Budget will entirely Temove the excess profits tax.