BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3451, 16 February 1912, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT^ LONDON, Feb. 14. The weather for the opening of parliament was dull, but dry. Their Majesties received an ovation on driving to Westminster in state.- There yvas a. brilliant scene, but the scene in the Chamber was somewhat dimmed, owing to ‘court mourning. The peeresses wore black drapings, only relieved with white plume veils. The Speech' from the Throne referred to the friendly relations with foreign nations, and the readiness, when favorable opportunities offered, to join other Ppv/prs in mediating lii i-egaPcl to Tripoli, also iff considering with Russia the best means of assisting Persia in the establishment of order and tranquility. Britain would not intervene in China,'but would adopt steps to protect British life and property. She recognised! that the leaders of both sides had shown a desire to safeguard the lives and interests of foreigners. The Speech dwell ffpon the labor - isputes, and firmly trusted that a reasonable spirit would prevail on both sides, thereby avoiding developments winch would 'seriously affect the trade of the country and the welfare of the people. The Speech announced Bills for the better government of Ireland, Welsh disestablishment, and internal, social, and industrial reforms, also for the carrying out of the Imperial Conference recommendations, and amendment and consolidation of the nationality law. WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE. A FRESH DEMONSTRATION. (Received Feb. 15, 2.45 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 14. Owing to the absence of women’s suffrage in the Speech from the Throne a fresh demonstration is being arranged on a large scale. NEW' APPOINTMENTS. (Received Feb. 15. 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 15. Lord Sandhurst has been appointed Lord Chamberlain, and Mi- C. F. Masterman Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

A VIGOROUS DUEL. MR. ASQUITH AND MR. BONAR LAW. INTERESTING SPEECHES. (Received Feb. 15, 11.10 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 15. In the House of Commons Sir H. Vernev (Liberal member for Buckinghamshire) moved, and Mr W. G. Gladstone (Liberal memebr for Kilmarnoch) seconded the Addrees-in-Reply. A vigorous duel between Air Bonar Law (Leader of the Unionists) and Mr Asquith (Premier) occupied the rest of the debate.

Mr Bonar Law complained that the Speech from the Throne was silent regarding Lord Haldane’s (Minister for War) ffiission to Germany. The country had had amateur diplomacy. Sir Edward Grey (Minister for Foreign Affairs) should have undertaken the mission. Tlie whole affair was mysterious, though not without limelight. He asked Mr Asquith for an explanation and declared that understanding with Germany was only- possible if the British position were made clear and unmistakable. He paid a tribute to Mr Winston Cliurchill’s (Home Secretary) Glasgow speech, and said that if the policy were carried out in the same spirit they could rely upon Unionist support-. He denounced the Government’s failure to redeem its pledge to reconstruct the House of Lords. If Mr Lloyd George’s (Chancellor of the Exchequer) somewhat brutal threats against the doctors were carried out the Insurance Act would be entirely changed. He did not believe that the Bill would even come into operation.

Mr Asquith, recalling Mr Bonar' Law’s expression “limelight”, said that hitherto Sir Edward Grey had been charged with furtiveness and subterranean diplomacy. It was a most lamen 7 table fact that Anglo-German friendship and goodwill had been seriously overclouded during the last few months, when an atmosphere of suspicion created legends which at other times would be dismissed as incredible, but which were widely believed at present.

WHY LORD HALDANE WENT. (Received Feb. 15, 11.25 p.m.) LONDON. Feb. 15. Continuing, Mr Asquith said he had been told that the masses of the people in Germany firmly believed that during the summer and autumn Britain meditated, and was even prepared, for an aggressive attack. He was almost ashamed to have to contradict an extravagant fiction. The very fact that such rumor? found credence—not indeed by the German Government, but in the minds of many intelligent fair-minded people in Germany—-was a regrettable symptom. Both Governments were animated with a sincere desire to secure a better understanding. During January the Government had an indication "that the visit of a. Minister to Berlin would not be unwelcome, and as Lord Haldane had arranged to go to Germany in connection with the London University, the Government hastened the Visit so as to enable him to take advantage of the suggestion of friendly confidential communications with those cw.nfc: oiling and l guiding the German policy. This involved a departure from conventional methods, but both sides felt that it would be easier 'if they commenced with informal non-commit-tal conversations rather than full-dress diplomatic negotiations. Those expectations had been completely realised (cheers). Lord Haldane had a frank and full conversation with exalted persons in Germany. MOMENTOUS ‘ ‘CONVERSATION.' ’ (Received Feb. 15, 11.40 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 15..

M'r Asquith said there was perfect freedom of statement and frankness, and explanation over a wide area. The very fact that there had been such an interchange of views ought to dispel any suspicion that the Government contem. plated aggressive designs. He earnest, ly hoped, however, and might funner s'ay that he genuinely believed l that the conversation might have more than this negative result' but he could not make a prediction at this stage or enter into matters of detail. Nevertheless Lord Haldane’s visit was unmistakable evidence of the sincere'desire of both sides for the establishment of a better AngloGerman footing without either sacrificing or impairing the. special relationship wherein each stood to the other. (Cheers.) Both Government® were now engaged'in a careful survey of the practical possibilities. He heartily endorsed Mr Bonar Law’s remarks that matters of that kind must exercise the patience of all.

PERFECT FRANKNESS. OTHER MATTERS. (Received Feb. 16, 12.10 a.m.) LONDON, Fob. 15. Mr Asquith justified the change in

the capital of India to Delhi, and said! they had good reason to hope that a stable Government would be created in Persia, where the Russian troops were being withdrawn. He angrily repudiated Mr Btpar Law's insinuation' at the Albert Hall that the Government was creating offices with the intention pf filling them with their own 1 political partisans. He challenged Mr Bonar Law to prosecute the charge in the House of Commons. -