The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1910. BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2753, 7 March 1910, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1910. BRITISH POLITICS.

The oniy point upon which there is any rconn tor definite expression ei opinion in regard to politics in Britam is that another general election cannot be long postponed. It -will be noted in this morning’s cables that Mr John Redmond, the Irish Nationalist leader, is openly advising his followers to look to the campaign funds, and his statement leaves no room for misunderstanding. He evidently realises that Mr Asquith is powerless to give Home Rule with his present following, and that under the circumstances lie can do nothing better than prepare for another election battle. A statement by the Irish leader can -lie accepted as fairly authoratative, for it is quite clear that under existing circumstances lie can terminate the Government's brief rtaign whenever he chooses. It is significant that the leader of the Opposition, .Mr Balfour, lias been comparatively silent since the House opened, and lie has apparently been satisfied to watch the Government flounder deeper and deeper into the complications and embarrassments that await every movement. Meanwhile, lie has •been taking credit for a generous attitude towards Iris harassed opponents, stating that lie has no wish to embarrass the Government in regard to urgent .financial measures. The Unionist party can afford to* play the waiting game for they represent the

wealth of England and are not likely to he pinelied for funds when the next apjpeal to the country is to he made. Mr Asquith, on the other hand, is holding office simply on suffrance, whilst passing finance Bills of an urgent nature. His tenure of office -anay drag on for weeks, possibly for a month or two, hut it is obviously so insecure ■that it may he abruptly terminated •whenever the Opposition feel disposed to force the position. The conditions are most exasperating for the head of the Government who is to be commiserated with upon the exceedingly' unfortunate circumstances in •which he is placed. In so-called power he has no power to carry any legislation nf moment, and another .appeal to the country -would, in all probability, result in a marked defeat and a victory for the Tariff Reformers.