MR. FISHER’S IMPRESSIONS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 8, 25 August 1911, Page 2

MR. FISHER’S IMPRESSIONS.

OF HOME CELEBRITIES. The Federal Prime Minister (Mr. Andrew Fisher) gave to a Melbourne ropoi ter some interesting impressions formed daring Jiis visit to England. On several occasions ho met the King) and was greatly impressed with his grasp' of imperial affairs, and his aide interest in the. Dominions. The memories of the trip that ho had made to Australia and other parts ol tiie Empire were still keen. He was much struck with the King’s personal popularity, though it seemed to him that he was hardly so much a man of the world as In's father. There was considerable speculation in England as to what might happen over the constitutional contest raging in Britain, and though" the advice which had been tendered to the King by his Ministers had not become public property, it was generally understood what direction events would take if the Parliament Bill reached a critical stage in the Mouse-of Lords. Even had the King’s intention to create additional peers in

case of necessity been known, it would probably have enhanced rather than diminished his popularity, and ho would have had a still greater welcome in the street. ‘ Of Mr. Asquith, ! formed the opinion that he is a particularly strong man,” continued Mr. Fisher. .“In his case, as with Mr. Lloyd-Cleorge and Mr. Churchill, 1 was interested in the fact that they road their principal speeches, and at other times spoke from very full notes. This was noticeable even at the conference. In the closing speech, wnich Mr. Churchill delivered on the Parliament Bill, every word, though eloquently delivered, was read. 1 was greatly impressed with Mr. LloydUcorgc. Ho struck mo as specially keen and active, and as an eloquent and forcible speaker. I was charmed also w ith Mr. Balfour, but as, an orator 1 do not think he ranks quite as high as Mr. Deakin, although he has a wider grasp, and is stronger and deeper in his reasoning. ,Sir Wilfrid Laiuier’s attitude was not uninilaonccd, of course, by the fact that ho had shortly to face a general election in Canada. He is a man of outstanding ability, but at the same time an exceedingly shrewd politician, who knows every inch of tlie game, and plays it perfectly.