New-York tribune., 1911-02-23
rRv The Associated Press

fBv The Associated Press.
London, Feb 22-Premier Asquith received
a tremendous ovation from his supporters
in the House of Commons tonight when
the Parliament bill, otherwise known as
the veto bill, measure designed TO curtail
the power of the Lords was passed on its
/ first reading by the governments full ma
! iority.
/ The Nationalists first rose in their places,
cheering wildly and waving their hats
The Liberal members quickly emulated
their example. This exhibition Of enthusi-
asm was repeated few minutes later as
the Prime Minister quietly left the scene
Of his victory in his initial action against
! the upper house.
| The debate to-day maintained good
oratorical level. but presented few new
points. The dominant note Of the Unionist
speeches was an invitation to the govern
ment TO settle the matter by agreement.
Frederick E Smith, in a slashing attack,
accused the government OF outraging the
convictions Of half their fellow country
men on a matter that could never be set
tied EXCEPT by consent. The British peo-
pie he said, would support the Opposition
in any resistance, however desperate they
might offer 70 the Dill,
The Right Hen. George Wyndham also
urged the government TO accept the invi-
tation to settle the question by agreement.
otherwise, he said, sooner or later the Op-
position would repeal the bill.
Winston Spencer Churchill, the Home
Secretary. concluding the debate for the
government, replied to these speeches that
the ministers would not have fifty sup
pcrters left II they agreed to enter such
conference now. He contended that, COM
pared with the referendum the govern
ment's moderate proposals were the veriest
Torysm and said that no step would be
neglected to carry the bill swiftly into law.
The government did not fear the referen-
dun as a check on progressive legislation,
but regarded II as a vicious system. espe-
clally unsuitable for this country. It's
adoption would lead 10 Jacobinism, Cesar
ism and anarchy.
At the close OF Mr.. Churchilrs speech
came a little scene. He had stated that
among the legislative proposals TO be sub.
mitted. in addition TO Home Rule, would
be a measure for creating fair and even
ly constituted second chamber. a chorus
of shouts came from the Opposition men,
bers, "When?"
Mr.. Churchill was momentarily embar-
raised, and sought refuge by declaring
that he could not reveal the governments
intentions in answer 10 a chance ques-
ton.
The second reading OF the veto bill will
be taken up on Monday when Austen
Chamberlain will move an official opposi-
ton amendment welcoming the iniroduc-
tion of bill for the reform of the House
of Lords, but declining 10 sanction q meas
ure placing all legislative authority in the
hands OF a single chamber. -
Much comment was caused to-day by the
absence Of Chancellor Lloyd George from
The House of Commons. He has again
gone 10 Brighton. and is still obliged to
take the greatest care Of his throat.
After 4 long period of indecision Lord
LansdoWnc. leader of the opposition In the
House OF Lords, gave notice to-day OF a
blll for the reform Of the upper chamber.
and meeting OF the Unonist members of
the House Of Commons. which has been
organized for tomorrow to urge this course
on their peers and leaders, will now merely
have the duty of congratulating Lord Jans-
doNne
This turn Of affairs s regarded b. the
Unionists as having completely altered the
situation. They contend that IT implies that
the House Of Lords will either reject the
veto bill outright or will introduce amend
ments which it will be impossible for the
government 10 accept with the resslt that
the government will be compelled 10 pro-
rogue Parliament until after tho corona
tion and then decide whether 10 create a
sufficient number OF peers 10 force the bill
through the House OF Lords.
As nothing Is yet known Of the contents
OF Lord LansdoWne's BILL nothing can be
predicted with any certainty. II Is under
stood that he will propose not only 70 alter
the constitution bur the powers ~ tbs upper
chamber. and an attem0t will be made 70
send the bill TO the House Of Commons
before or at the time when the House Of
Commons sends the veto bill 10 the upper
chamber 20 that the two projects may be
before the country simultaneously.
Lord Balfour o. Rurleigh VIII submit next
week 70 the House OF Lords bin for the
Introduction Of the referendum on occa-
sions of great national importance.