Stratford Evening Post With which is Incorporated "THE EGMONT SETTLER" Established 1890. "WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1931. BRITISH POLITICS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 78, 11 March 1931, Page 4

Stratford Evening Post With which is Incorporated "THE EGMONT SETTLER" Established 1890. "WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1931. BRITISH POLITICS

THERE is considerable disturbance in the British political parties at the present time, and the unrest suggests that changes of considerable importance may occur. The Labour Government has failed to live up to its promises and, though one does hot doubt the sincerity of such leaders as Messrs. MacDonold, Snowden, and Thomas, it seems that their hopes of improving the country's state have been shattered with the realisation of the facts. It is one thing to theorise, another to put theories into practice. The Socialist theories may be interesting and may appeal to many as humane, but Socialism fails badly when it comes to applying its doctrines to conditions as they exist. Were it possible to bring the world's activities to a stop for a few weeks or months and make complete arrangements for the universal application of the best ideas of Socialism, perhaps it might be successful up to a point, but the factor that is so important and uncertain is the attitude of human nature. It is true that there has been some advances in the application of Socialist doctrines, but it is also true that'that application is responsible for many of the difficulties with which Governments are confronted to-day. However, Mr. MacDonald's Government is finding that its programme is not finding complete acceptance among all of the members of the Labour Party, and breakaways are becoming a matter that must give the leaders considerable anxiety. Nor are the Conservatives a happy family. Mr. Baldwin was re-elected leader at a recent conference of the party, but there is uneasiness in the ranks, and Mr. Winston Churchill has cut adrift from his leader's policy in some respects. Again, there is the section that favours greater preference for Empire trade than Mr. Baldwin and his associates are prepared to give, and the prospects for unity are not bright, though, judging by Mr. Baldwin's speech, reported in the cable news on Monday, the leader is now prepared to go a long way in giving Empire trade the fullest preference. Lately there has been some talk of effecting some form of unity between the Conservatives and Liberals, but we doubt if it will eventuate. It looks as if a new party, led by Sir O. Mosley, may become a troublesome factor in British politics, but it is too early yet to judge how far its influence is likely to extend. Britain's political situation is very interesting, tor the Labour (i >vernment is not in anything like the strong position it held a few years ago, while it is doubtful if either the Conservatives or Liberals are keen for office at the present time. It is probably upon that which Labour depods for its continuance in power. However, there are signs that the economic situation is idowly improving, and the improvement may be reflected in new activity in the political field.