VETERAN FIGHTERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 675, 29 May 1929, Page 10

VETERAN FIGHTERS

“You Can’t Keep Good Men Down

LEADERS IN BRITISH ELECTIONS

(Written for THE SUXJ

TOMORROW, in Great Britain, a record electorate will decide the fate of the Government and rival political parties. Each of the three great leaders in the unparalleled battle has fought on the political field for a score and more years. Each has had his meed of honour and reward as Prime Minister, and each, no doubt, has a yearning for another triumph. In the following article, and in a subsequent one which will be published tomorrow, pen-pictures of famous statesmen will be given. The first of these depicts Mr. David Lloyd George.

PORTY years ago a wild young mar in the political sense only, struc terror into the heart of smug Toryisn Me was David Lloyd George, a we bit fellow, with a tongue like a rapie and with the audacity of a giant. Hi first important political meeting a Llanelly revealed the edge of hi satire. The chairman of the meetin; was a son of Anak, some 6ft 4in b

cellor of the Exchequer. Minister _ of Secretary of State for War. Prime Minister, Peacemaker. Pactmaker, and always an aggressive oppositionist out of office. And his rewards have been great, measuring from ch-in upward and downward. First and greatest, the Order of Merit, for magnificent service during the World War. Then the Grande Cordon of the Legion of Honour; and D.C.L. (hon.) Oxon.; LLD,, Wales; Hon. LL.D., Edinburgh and Sheffield; and Privy Councillor. Though a Welshman in every way. it so happened that he was born in Manchester. Orphaned early he was reared by a splendid uncle, a stern man, a wise moulder of high character and ambition. The law beckoned to the nimble lad, and at 21 years of age he became a full-fledged solicitor. It was but a step into politics, and soon the political arena rang with ringing phrases and raucous references to the “little 'Welsh attorney.” Opprobrium did not daunt him. for he knew quite well that he could retaliate and still have something in reserve. For 15 years he fought in the ranks of the Opposition, when each of the rival sides held famous political fighters. All the time lie was marked for greatness. Chance came as it always comes to watchful, competent men, and when it came at last he was ready for it. Onlookers, both in admiration and anger, could only exclaim, “Here’s a fellow!” As President of the Board of Trade he was happy in an exercise of his free-trade passion and proclivities. As Chancellor of the Exchequer he moved adroitly among millions and then and there probably resolved to make a fortune with his pen. This by his own intimate confession he has since achieved, making for more wealth than he ever earned as a politican—by no meass a mean sum. He knows by experience now the anguish of heavy taxation. But he can afford the worst of such burdens. It was as Minister of Munitions, however, that he earned the right to enjoy enduring fame. He could organise, ho could wheedle, he could drive. And he got munitions. In the role of Prime Minister he had the power which spoiled him as it spoils most men. He acquired the fatal* weakness of believing that he alone knew everything and could do everything. A kind of common political paranoia. Then, as peacemaker, he was wilful 'and elusive. Did not he and M. Clemenceau nearly come to blows? And yet through it all his sense of humour and his historic breakfasts were the brightest things in Paris. When the Italian delegates scampered from the Peace Conference in volatile dudgeon, Lloyd George consoled himself with learning to sing “Will Ye No Come Back Again?” And ho is a pleasing singer. An able man, a great man, a man to ponder over. But as an old Scottish lady once, said, possibly with too harsh a' judgment: “A’ body admires a monkey; but none will take it to his bosom.” R. RILEY. (To be concluded.)

his stockings, but possessing a small head. He was a doctor. When he saw “L.G.,” not then a - member of Parliament, he showed disappointment and actually sneered at the candidate’s lack of size. Mr'. Lloyd George soon felled the rude Goliath. “May I ask you to stans up. sir?” was his opening remark. Rather astonished, the chairman complied with the request. The short and slim Welshman looked at the bulk towering above him.

“Thank you,” he said quietly; then, turning to his audience, began his speech with this information: “In the part of Wales from which I come we are accustomed to judge men from the chin upward, and not downward.”

Thus, a new terror arrived in British politics. Ever since for 39 years without a break in Parliamentary representation for Carnarvon, this political David has smote all the Goliaths possessing small and also big heads. And today, despite the silver of his leonine mane and the burden of 66 years of ardent activity, he still is the greatest smiter of them all.

Tie is a much better friend than a political enemy. Nobody can be more gracious than he and those who have topped an egg with him at breakfast will gladly aver that he is a perfect host, a charming companion, and a delightful fellow. Cross him in politics, however, and the forked lightning of his speech scorches and maims opponents in tlieir vanity. H.is record of political achievement is as formidable as a catalogue. President of the Board of Trade, Chan-