THE CRISIS AT HOME.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12941, 4 December 1909, Page 4

THE CRISIS AT HOME.

Following Prime Minister Asquith's resolution, defending the rights of the Commons against the Lords, comes the announcement that Parliament will be dissolved at the earliest possible moment in order that the country may determine whether it will suffer a continuance of the class distinction and the class privilege which the peers regard as one of the bulwarks of Britain's greatness. Mr Asquitb. makes it clear that, so far as the Government is concerned, it will suffer no usurpation by the Lords of the Commons' rights in regard to finance, and that if the Lords imagine they can control the purse strings they are labouring under. a- migtake. There is no mistaking- the temper of the Liberal party on the matter, and as the Liberals are in an overwhelming^, majority in- the Commons, it seems safe to assume that they are a reflection of the temper of the country. The general elections will be held during the next few weett3, and there will be stirring times. True to Tory tradition everywhere, Mr Balfour and hia friends seek to perpetuate class spirit, but it is satisfactory to know that Mr Balfour feels no doubt upon the result of the eleotions. It takes a>great deal to move the stolid Briton to action, and his fatuous worship of title often makes him bow to those who oppress Turn. But there are signs that he will maintain his right to be governed by his own "representatives, not by a few hereditary legislators.