MR. ASQUITH'S SPEECH.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14292, 22 December 1916, Page 5

MR. ASQUITH'S SPEECH.

A GENEROUS REJOINDER

CORDIAL SUPPORT OF THE / GOVERNMENT.

MR.- REDMOND DISAPPOINTED

(Australian and N:Z. Gable Association

and Reuter.)

London, Dec. 20. ■Mr Asquith } .who v was. loudly cheered, heaptiiy congratulated; %It Lloyd George oh attaining to the Premiership. He re-echoed his disclaimer of party ties. He- had' not the leadership of the Opposition,' because it had not existed, nor did he speak : as leader of the Liberals. He desired'to give the Government all the support possible, and the benefit of his experience. Though unspeakably relieved to cast off tho almost insupportable burden of office, he regretted that he was co;npellect to leave an unfinished task on which he had so long and strenuously worked. Though there had been errors of judgment and method, he emphatically denied that the^ late Government had been guilty 'of' slackness, un- j thoroughness, or lack of whole-hearted- ! ness. It .was impossible in w.ar time' to rep!\-\to mudslingers, lor to honest, patriotic onlookers. He would be content when the facts were | disclosed, to leave his Government and his own part to the judgment of history. ~Mr Asquith reviewed the British contribution to the war by Army, Navy and finance. Much had been done to minimise - the, enemy's violation of maritime warfare. He believnd that the-.arming of merchantmen .was ..t-h'e best safeguard. Evidence existed tluifc the biocakde of Germany was sappi";.', German vitality and turning the thoughts of the German people towards peace. He considered the' prospect regarding finance-and transport .serilous, but misgivings were not jii.stific-'l,