The Washington times., 1910-02-22
ASQUITH'S COURAGE
OOZING RAPIDLY
Opponents and ErStwhile
Supporters Forcing British
Premier TO Wall.

LONDON, Feb. premier Asquith
Is today playing a game Of solitaire in
politics, and unless the radical lieu
tenants in the Liberal party can screw
no has courage tremendously. she down
fall of his administration is a question
of hours.
The premier is accused Of tricking his
own party, the Irish Nationalist, and
the Laborites. and the ultinatum Of
John Redmond, the NatiCnalists' leader
that he would not support the Liberals
until Asquith agreed TO immediate home
rule and the abolition Of the lords veto,
meets with approval even by the Liberal
press.
The Star today says:
I'VE agree with Redmond's views.
Leader Redmond Is justified in assuming
that his interpretations of Asquith's ut
terancrs were correct"
The uttcrances referred to were As
quiths election promises and his state
ment that he would not assume Office
until the King would guarantee to re-
construct the house of lords so that the
Liberal legislative program could not be
endangered.
Support RedmOnd's View.
The Morning News declares that Red
mond's Interpretation Of Asquith's speech
is the same as every journalists. poll
ticians. and every ordinary citizens in
depreciation. There are many arguments
In favor Of the course that Redmond
prefers.
Hitherto the Liberal leaders had hoped
for a compromise. but Redmond's
declaration on the floor Of the commons
has removed all hope Of this and has
precipitated a crisis.
There were many party conferences
among the Liberals this morning as a
result OF which the prediction is made
that unless AsquiJh resigns ne will be
voted out Of office within three weeks.
There was a rumOr that Asquithl was
preparing his resignation, but this was
promptly denied
New Moves Problematical.
Should Asquith be forced from office
the premiership undoubtedly viii be Of
ferred 10 Arthur J. Balf0ur. leader OF
the Conservative opposition.
How long Balfour could retain control.
in the doubtful contingency Of mis- &C
ceptinE the post. Is questionable.
Il is not believed that he could last
more than a few days. when Parliament
would be dissolved and a new election
ordered. with the Asquith wing OF the
party practically eliminated. This would
make David Lloyd George the nominal
leader Of the Liberal party.
As an indication Of the complete loss
Of caste that Asquith. has suffered In the
last twenty-f0ur hours, Il Is said today
that seventy Of the Liberals have de-
cided 10 stand by the Nationalist IN
their opposition 70 the Asuqith program
as now announced, thus completely
scattering the Liberals control
Conditions Chaotic.
Under the chaotic conditions now pre-
vailinE, the only legislation that Is pos
slble is the passage OF the budget. and
even this Is impossible unless the Con-
servauVes support it.
Enough Nationalist and Liberals and
Laborites will vote against the budget.
if introduced ahead OF the veto bill, 10
make Il out OF the question for the Lib
erals alone 10 try to pass IL
in view OF The Governments tangled
finances and the Kings urgent DIea for
the passage OF The budget, T. is believed
that some sort Of compromise viii be
effected whereby it can be passed. After
that. however, a deadlock IS predicted.
ASQUIth'S VaClllatiOn has been such
that even should he now line I'd with
the Radicals should he now line UP with
suspicion.