New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-04
VETO BILL PASSES
MOST CRITICAL STAGE
BaIfour's Refusal to Vote Against
Preamble AVertS Labor
Revolt.
OPPOSITION FADES AWAY
Government Supporters Hail Re-
suit with Wild Enthusiasm
Few Minor Amendments
Adopted.

Adopted.
London. Nav 3.-The Parliament bill
known also as the veto bill, for the cur
tailment Of the powers OF the House OF
Lords. passed the committee stage In the
House of Commons to-day. practically
without amendment. in scenes Of great
enthusiasm
The refusal of A J. Balfour. leader OF
the Opposition, to vote against the pre-
amble removed any danger that might
have been feared from the revolt OF the
Labor members against this portion OF
1.-the measure. the consideration of when
was regarded as the most critical test
for the government. and it proved the
easiest to carry. The Unionist opposition
almost vanished In place Of hundreds
Of amendments. which threatened TO de-
lay proceedings in the committee stage
only few important ones. mainly IN the
direction of urging Joint sittinss or a
conference OF the two houses In cases OF
disagreement. will be moved in the re-
port stage Of the bill which is expected
to occupy only two or three days next
week
An amendment that the preamble be
eliminated. moved by George Nicoli
Barnes the Labor leader. who described
that portion Of the bill as inconsistent
with all the pledges and tenets Of the
Labor party. was defeated DIS to A..
Mr. salfour Explains His Action.
After the application Of closure and
the rejection Of another amendment
without division Mr.. Balfour said he re-
garded the preamble as indefinite and
illusory." but wished TO see the govern
ment carry il out He hated some Of IT,
but liked another part. and therefore
would not vote against II.
Amid loud ministerial cheers the pre-
amble was then agreed 10 without divi-
sion On motion that the bill as
amended he reported. division was
called for. and the motion vas carried
POS TO 147 The House then adjourned,
the governments supporters showing
the widest enthusiasm.
Mr.. Barnes showed fight as soon as the
House met The Labor party is COM
posed Of single chamber men, who nave
peatedly declared their intention OF op-
posing any plan TO reform the House OF
Lords
In moving that the preamble be elinll-
mated. Mr. Barnes said he would rather
have voted with the government e
further the progress OF the measure as a
whole. but the Labor men had to part
company with the government at this
point.
There is no justification for the House
Of Lords In any shape or form, he said
! "One chamber is quite sufficient 70 en-
able the country to carry out It's own
will. and any attempt AT a reform Of
that body would result in dissension in
the governments ranks This was
cheered by some OF the radical support
ers Of the Ministry.
Premier States Governments Attitude.
Premier Asquith, who gave general
review Of the governments attitude on
this question, said:
While do not regard q single cham
Der government with undiluted horror.
am satisfied that the interests Of the
country make it desirable 10 have sec
ond chamber. limited in numbers and
clothed with defined and limited func-
tons Of revision, consultation and delay
The government regards the reform Of
the House OF Lords as an obligation
which they would undertake if time per-
nitted in the lifetime OF the present
Parliament"
Mr.. Balfour said he opposed the pre-
amble on the ground that 1t would lead
to the constitution of a wholly and di-
rectly representative second chamber. II
the two chamber drew their authority
from the electors they would claim and
possess equal authority, and he did not
wish coequal bodies. The second cham
Der, he said should be empowered, in
case Of controversy between the two
houses, TO refer the question TO the cleo
torate
The paragraphs Of the preamble to the
veto bill, to which the single chamber La
Dor members object, are as follows.
Whereas, 1t is expedient that provision
should be made for regulating the rela
tons between the two houses OF Parlia
ment.
And whereas, II IS intended 10 substitute
for the House of Lords as ii at present
exists a second chamber. constituted on Z
popular instead OF hereditary basis. but
such substitution cannot be Immediately
brought into operation;
And whereas, Provision will require here
after 10 be made by Parliament in a meas
ure effecting such substitution for limiting
and defining the powers Of the new second
CHAMBER, but il is eXpedient TO make such
provision as in this act appears for re-
strictng the existing powers Of the House
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