LIBERALS STAND OUT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 883, 8 December 1916, Page 8

LIBERALS STAND OUT.

MUST HAVE ASQUITH. LONDON, December 7. The sensation of the day is the King's intervention, recalling his action in the Constitutional crisis. It is understood that Mr Bonar Law on Tuesday evening emphasised the necessity of maintaining a show of national unity, and was only willing to form a Cabinet if Mr Asquith and the Liberal leaders co-operated to preserve tbe Coalition. The King appealed to the patriotism of the leaders of all parties, and invited them to co-operate. It is understood that Mr Asquith, regardless of personal consideration, intimated his willingness to advise tbe Libera] statesmen to join tbe Bonar Law-Lloyd George combination, though personally be was not prepared to reconsider his resignation. Mr Asquith left the Palace, and conferred with the Liberal leaders, but they decided against joining a Government which did not include Mr Asquith.

The Liberal leaders decided that il would be better to go into Opposision, but promised Mr Bonar Law their patriotic co-operation in all measures fin - carrying on the war.

Mr Bonar Law and Mr Lloyd George thus far shared the general belief that the King's intervention; would result in the preservation of I tbe Coalition. The decision of the; Liberal leaders made Mr Bonar Law; decide to suggest that the King 1 should send for Mr Lloyd George, j This was evidently in accordance with a previous arrangement between Mi - Lloyd George and Mr Bonar Law, who have been together throughout the day. Mr Lloyd George made an early call upon Mr! Bonar Law at Kensington, and they journeyed lo Whitehall together. The two were seen at Whitehall arm-in-j arm after Mr Bonar Law's midday visit to the Palace. Political circles recognise that tbe only man with the lion-hearted courage lo face the formidable difficulties is Mr Lloyd George. With no organised following in the House of Commons, and no parly machine, the very boldness of the enterprise may win tbe sympathy of the British democracy. If he succeeds in forming a Government the new Cabinet will possibly consist of not more than half a dozen of the remaining Ministers, and the others of present non-Cabinet rank. It is expected that Mr Winston Churchill and Lord Milner will assist Mr Lloyd George. Lord Derby will probably lead the House of Lords, and Lord Curzon mav succeed Viscount Grev at the Foreign Office. Mr Ellis "Griffith, Mr W. Brace, Sir A. M. Mond, and Sir J. H. Dalziel are among the Liberals included. Though his avowed object is to form a War Government, Mr Lloyd George is preparing a strong Labour policy, including State control of all coalfields and other large developments in the direction of collective ownership. He also favours a bold and comprehensive policy in agricultural land reform, though it will be treated as part of the general war policy.