The Waikato Times With which is incorporated The Waikato Argus. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1921. BRITISH POLITICS

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14584, 5 February 1921, Page 4

The Waikato Times With which is incorporated The Waikato Argus. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1921. BRITISH POLITICS

The constant reporls which come from Home that a general election is probable in the near future do not give the idea that the Government are a happy family. The overwhelming majority which they have in the House of .Commons assures them the power to carry through any legislation they may introduce, and if they contemplate going again to the countuy before half the period has expired for which the House was elected, it can only be because the differences of opinion within the Coalition are so acute that it is impossible for them to continue to work together. The personal speculations lhat are cabled across the world arc interesting as gossip, but can scarcely be considered valuable. The fact that Mr Winston Churchill has recently inherited a large amount of money by the accidental death of a rousin seems to have stirred the correspondents to excitement, and they are making surmises which, to say the least, are unflattering. That, he should be financially independent is said to be the greatest blow that the Coalition Government has received, from which we must, conclude, i»' we believe the statement, that he only remained in the Cabinet for the sake of the salary. We cannot profess

to be greatly inclined toward* Mr Winston Churchill, but we should be willing t>> give him credit for acting on somewhat different motive?. For one thing he is said to be a close friend of Mr Lloyd George's. Majiy people would say that that would not prevent his attempting to trip up his chief, and would point to recent examples of the kind. It is, however, realised that one of the greatest assets an ambitious politician can possess is a good character, and treachery creates distrust, among large number* who have not themselves suffered from it. One of the difficulties of modern politics is lhat while everybody has been given a vote, there are no statesmen who inspire personal respect. The rumour that Viscount Grey will re-enter politics and would act in conjunction with Lord Robert Cecil is prompted by that feeling. Both are men of high character, but there are not many points at which their opinions would coincide.

The difficulties in connection with an attempt to govern with the support of a Coalition are great. It can be done in war time, because then all united in desiring victory; but experience shows that even with such a powerful motive, party feelings do not disappear. When war ends, and reconstruction begin?, the differences of opinion immediately manifest themselves. In order to maintain unity and retain power, men sacrifice their opinions and support measures which they do not approve, with the result that they lose the respect and confidence of those who thought they stood for some opinion. In order to keep the various parties tof-'ether a Government refrains from introducing legislation which will provoke contention, or water their Bills lo the point of futility In England at the present time the Conservatives are said to be extremely anxious to Introduce Protection, and the Coalition Liberals are equally opposed to it. The anticipations of an early general election are probably based on this movement in the strongest wing of the Coalition; but as they lack lenders it is by no means certain that it will be pushed. It will be recognised, however, that it would add greatly to the interest in politics and the standing o'' the Mouse of Commons If tiiese differences of opinion were argued in the open, rather than made the subject of bargains behind closed doors. Within the last three years an immense number has been added to the British electorate, and the pressing need for the immediate future is lo make these people capable as far as possible of giving a reasonai le vote. Inlil flint is done it is illogical to expect satisfactory politics. The discussion of public questions, with a statement of the arguments for oi against a particular line of action, is Hie most effective education, and for some years it has been entirely lacking. In its place we have had Orders-in-Couneil, and compromise legislation. The former inspires antagonism, for the reasons for the Orders are not understood; ami the legislation inspires no respect. We arc constantly told of unrest, and people often ask what is the cause, when men have only to ask for more wages to get them. The unreal and artificial nature of politics is one of the contributory causes to the restlessness and discontent that is common. Pounds, shillings and pence are a strong argument, but they are not the only one.

We hold, therefore, that a change of Government in which the Coalition would be replaced by a Government of one party would be of advantage to Britain. In all probability the Tories would secure a majority if an election were fought on party lines. They would then have the opportunity of introducing the legislation which they desire, and would not feel that they were sacrificing their convictions for the sake of office. It is questionable whether in a world which has so many new problems to face, a Tory policy has much hope of permanence, hut it would probably secure the opportunity. It is want of capable leaders that has been the weakness of the party for many years. Even'in the present Cabinet the proportion of'Liberals is very (much greater than their numbers in the Coalition warrant.

It is questionable whether the Coalition will desire to alter the Act which curtails the power of the House of Lords. If they were wise they would refrain, for the existing-'' Act, although it does not place a limit to the power of the Lords, has dealt with them so gently that their capacity for obstruction is but slightly scotched and is very far from being killed. If the constitutional position of the Lords becomes a party question the result will ultimately be much more drastic. The researches of a modern school of historians show that peers had no more claim to a seat In the early days of Parliaments than any one else. The King called whom he would and Parliament was mainly a Court of Justice. The peer cannot base his claim on antiquity, and hereditary right can offer no defence if it be challenged. A second Ibiusc is desirable, but it Is always difficult to create. If the Coalition Government attempt to alter the present Act they are likely to create fresh enemies, and if we may accept the cables as evidence they already seem to have few friends.