Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-01
Rejects Government Bud
get and Causes POiiti-
cal Crisis
ON EVE OF ELECTION
General View Is That Popular
Rights Have Been Invaded
by the Nobility.


caused by the unprecedented action Of
the lords in refusing it's consent to the
governments budget, is developing
rapidly.
Cabinet is Prepared.
The cabinet, which had already de-
termined upon the policy it would pur-
sue in the event Of Lansdowne's
amendment being carried, the conclu-
sion of which was foreseen from the
first, had an unusually early meeting
today to confirm its decision and con-
slider the wording of the motion which
Premier. Asquith will ask the commons
to adopt.
Termed Invasion of Rights.
This motion will constitute remon-
STRANGE against what the liberals con-
tend has been an invasion by the peers
of the rights of the lower house.
All members of the cabinet were
present at the meeting, which excited
so much popular interest that a great
crowd gathered in the vicinity of the
premier's official residence. The crowd
became so great finally that a large
force of police was summoned to pre-
vent a possible demonstration.
Discussion to BE Brief.
The time of deliverance of the speech
of prorogation, the substance of which
was decided upon at yesterdays meet
ing of the cabinet, will depend upon
-zhe time occupied for5rneldebate on the
premier's motion, which commences to-
morrow It is expected. however, this
discussion will be brief, the speeches
by prearrangement being confined to
the leaders of the unionist, liberal, la
Dor and Irish parties.
Date Mere Formally.
Parliament will be prorogued doubt
less until the middle of January, but
the choice of the date is a nero for
mality, as the present house com0n to
an end by dissolution early in the
year. The election campaign VIII open
in earnest on Friday, when David Lloyd
George, chancellor of the exchOQuer.
and Winston Spencer Churchill, presi-
dent of the board of trade. who are
held chiefly responsible for the budget.
and Lord Lansdowne and j. Austen
Chamberlain, the most ardent oppon-
ents of the governments measure. will
deliver speeches. and, with the eIGep-
ton of a brief respite at Christmas,
will continue the fight until election
day.
Held Violation of ConstItutIOA-
Premier Asquith announced in com
mons today that tomorrow he would
move a resolution to the effect that
the action of the lords in refusing 90
pass the budget was a violation Of the
constitution and usurpation OF the
rights of the commons. As soon as he
concluded the house adjourned
Situation Unprecedented.
London, Dec. lin the sedate. de-
tached manner characteristic of the
proceedings in the giided chamber, and
in direct disregard of the advice of
some of its ablest and oldest members.
such as Rosebery Morley Lord James
Of Hereford. Lord Cromer. Lord Bal
four of Burleigh, the Earl of Lytton.
Lord Courtney and the archbishop OF
Canterbury and York, the house of
lords just before the clock struck IL
last night created situation unprece-
dented I'm English history. al least i'm
300 years by refusing formal assent
TO the budget bill and referring 1t to
the country itself for Judgment. there
by. in theory. making it illegal to col
lect taxes and carry on the kings gov
ernment. The vote was $50 against
the budget to 75 in its favor.
Scene is Impressive.
After six days debate, notable for the
high standard of the oratory as well
as for the able and convincing argu-
ments arrayed for and against the
budget and placing in every possible
light all the aspects Of the great con-
stitutional questions involved, the
house of lords cleared for division at
1880 o'clock last night
The scene was impressive, but in no
sense exciting. except that the house
was packed to its utmost capacity AMI
great army OF strange faces was
seen on the benches owing TO the pres
ence Of numbers Of peers VINO only
appear In the house in most exception
. al cases. None would have supposed
that the event proceeding was destin-
, ed net only TO prove memorable IN the
! annals Of British history. but possibly
also involving far-reaching changes in
( the British constitutions
There certainly was unusual enima-