The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-06-08
PARLIAMENT. MEETS,
CONFRONTING CRISIS
Question of Changing Kings
Oath May Precipitate
First Clash.
RADICALS URGING
WAR UPON LORDS
Less Fear Entertained of Conse-
quences of Opposing George
V Than His Predecessor.

LONDON, June S-The first parIia-
ment Of King George V assembled to-
day, confronted by the most complex
situation that has ever faced that body
at the beginning OF a new reign.
In a political situation of great deli
cacy, with the effects Of King Edward
death becoming more apparent daily,
parliament takes up not only the great
question Of curling the veto powers Of
the house of lords and Of strengthening
out the nations finances, but Of altering
the Kings oath.
The latter now seems to dominate the
public mind, all creeds and classes tax
ing sides on the proposal to eliminate
the Protestant declarations in the oath.
termed insults to the Roman Catholics
Previous to the formalities of the
opening the cabinet met in Downing
sJreet, all the members being present
4 is understood that at this meeting
The question Of the oath was given par
ticular Importance.
In well-infOrmed political circles the
belief has been gaining ground thar
while the fight would be continued with
much bitterness, the war on the lords
would not be forced to immediate con-
sideration. Radical Liberals, however,
are keen for the veto question to De
urged ahead, declaring that important
advantages Will be lost to the Govern
ment through delay.
Compromise Rumored.
With the opening Of parliament today
there was revived the story that both
the Liberals and the Unionists wished
compromise and were ready to agree in
private on a program to be carried
through in parliament.
The real outcome Of the state sf I'M
settlement is understood to depend on
the attitude OF the King. He holds the
trump card and the IeaCNrs want to see
how he stands.
The feeling that it would be unfair
for Asquith 20 plunge the King into the
turmoil of a constitutional crisis by
pushing forward the veto question az
the very outset is gradually disappear
ing. The Laborites and the Irish, on
whom the Liberals depend for their
majority, continue to throw their influ-
ence for extreme radical policies, and
lead the opposition TO such proposals
as that which would have all difficult
ties settled in a conference with closed
doors.
Safer to Oppose King.
T. P. O'Connor. the Nationalist leader,
said today:
''The death Of King Edward has
brought the Tories into a frame Of mind
where they are much more reasonable
than before. This is partly due 10 the
difference in power and popularity be
tween King George and his predecessor
The Liberals, if compelled TO oppose
King George, would not be at such a
disadvantage as hey wCSld when fight
ing the wonderfully popular Edward"
The principal bills demanded immedi-
ate attention are the regency bill, the
civil list bill and the amendment of the
royal declaration, all of which owe
their urgency to the death of Edward.
The routine of Strengthening out the
new reign's affairs must be taken IN
first
The belief has been growing, however.
that the amending of the oath may be
made an extended discussion giving the
delay said to be desired