IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 14139, 19 February 1910, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

AN ACUTE CRISIS. THE LABOUR PARTY’S ATTITUDE. I A SPLIT THREATENED. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. • LONDON, Feb. 18. There are indications that the crisis has reached an acute stage. Six Cabinet meetings have been held within the week. After a meeting lasting for two hours it was adjourned until late this afternoon. ■ Mr. Asqjlith, in the interval, had a further audience with the King. Meanwhile, Mr. T. P. O’Connor was mediating between the more extreme men, and a Minister interviewed the Master of Elibank twice, and next conferred with Mr. Redmond and Mr. Dillon. Then, apparently, an understanding was reached. Subsequently, Mr. Barnes, after consulting with Mr. Keir Hardie and other prominent colleagues, authorised the following statement, embodying the Labour Party’s settled policy.: — “Despite his Albert Hall speech, Mr. Asquith will hold office without assurances from tho King regarding the veto, which, moreover, is only to be dealt with after, the Budget. I know that course will not he acceptable to tho Labour Party. It implies that tbo powers that be think tho election was not sufficiently decisive in regard to the ■veto. It involves, therefore, another election before the Lords question is settled. If an election must occur we ought to have it as soon as possible. I am aware that the reply to all this is that tho finances of the country must be straightened. I said tho responsibility for the confusion should be put on the authors. Doubtless the difficulties could be overcome by loans and otherwise.” The Liberals interpret Mr. Barnes’ «tatement as a declaration of war on the Government unless the Lords question dealt with before progress on any other business is attempted. Tho Times’ Parliamentary correspondent says some of the extrmee Radicals are prepared to move an amendment on the Address, regretting Mr. Asquith’s not asking for an assurance from the King. The Times, in a leader, says Mr. Barnes’ statement is considered, as a manifesto, distinctly unpleasant, but it forgets the author of the confusion was the Government. It introduced a Budget, which the Lords referred to the people, and the result is such that the Budget cannot now be passed. The Lords were justified, and tho whole case against them falls to the ground. IRISH VIEWS. ANOTHER ELECTION FORECASTED. LONDON, Feb. 18. Mr. T. P. O’Connor states there will be no crisis if the Government is able to declare that the Veto Bill will become law despite the Lords’ hostility. Tho Nationalists are opposed to sending up tho Budget before the veto is dealt with, inasmuch as it would be tantamount to recognising the Lords’ right ,to accept or reject, it, thus restoring the very power the nation declared the Lords should. never again possess. Mr. O’Brien, in a letter to the NorthEast Cork League, says he is sure they are unshakeably attacked to a policy which is already making the Radicalised Irish Party pause before conniving at tho robbery of Ireland through Mr. Lloyd-Georgv’s 'Budget. Mr. Dillon, in a letter to the Kilkhagh branch of tho league, acknowledging a contribution to the- Parliamentary fund, sa;s another election may be forced on Ireland before many weeks. THE NEW CRISIS. (Received Feb. 19, 10.45 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 18. The Morning Leader declares it is now clear that Mr. Asquith cannot re-, main in office unless he tells the King plainly that the whole of his composite party requires the veto as an immedi-' ate issue. The new crisis is duo to a statement circulated in the lobbies that Mr. Asquith intended to explain to the House of Commons on Monday that tho word “safeguards,” used in his Albert Hall speech, referred solely to legislation. The Manchester Guardian says unless the difficulty is removed the Government will be forced to choose between resignation and retaining office on the basis of the Unionist support, and this is not less calamitous than a direct defeat of the Liberals. Tho elections in the North of England, it says, were fought upon Mr. Asquith’s Albert Hall declaration. MR. BARNES’ STATEMENT. (Received Feb. 19, 10.45 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 18. Mr. Barnes’ statement is more noteworthy after Mr. Keir Hardie’s recent* declaration that the Labour Party would support the Government whatever course it should take in connection with the Budget and tho veto. THE NATIONALISTS. (Received Feb. 19, 12. S p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 18. It is reported that Messrs. O’Brien and Healy will insist on dividing the House of Commons upon every item touching on Ireland and increased taxation. ANOTHER ELECTION PREDICTED. (Received Feb. 19, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 18. Freeman's Journal says there is every probability of a general election being held in six weeks or two months.

Tho Chronicle claims that Ministers cannot constitutionally give tho King tho advice which Mr. Barnes suggests. The Globe says Mr. Asquith may surrender to the party of revolution or appeal to the patriotism of the Unionists to extricate him. Lord Newton has given notice for a debate at an early day on Lord Rosebery’s committee.