The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-08-07
BY ORDER OF The KING.
Premier Asquith says He Disclosed
Correspondence on the Veto.

London. Aug. THE last phase of
the fight over the veto bill designed to
restrict the powers Of the house Of lords
over legislation originating in the lower
chamber was entered on in the house
Of common this afternoon u hen A. J.
Ralfour, leader Of Il e opposition, moved
a vote Of censure for the government.
The chamber was filled to its capacity,
peers and distinguished strangers were
present In large numbers. The diplo-
matte and ladies' galleries were filled,
the occupants among them Reid and
other diplmats showing BY their pres
ence a continued interest in the pro-
ceedings which promise to be historic.
Mr. BalfoHr's notion, Of which lac
gave ticc on August 2. was As foi-
lows: That the advice given his ma
1esty by his mNjesty's ministers, where
by they obtained from his majesty
pledge that a number Of peers would be
created to pass the parliament bill in
the shape in which it left the house is
gross violation of constitutional liber-
ty by which along with other Ill con-
sequences, tie peOple viii be precludeG
from again prOnOubcing on the policy
of hon rule"
The rival leaders were loudly cheer
ed &c they entered the room and NJ
Balf1ur received an ovation as he rcse
to present his motion, rebuking the
government. Thu .orn.tr ITniOnlst pre-
incr emphasized that he was conscious
Of the gravity of the situation and the
seriousness of the step which he asked
the house to take. He thought that it
would be admitted that never in ell his
tory had there been a more serious
case or one which more urgently de-
served or indeed required the consid-
Grafton Of parliament and the emphatic
condemnation of the minister.
Premier Asquith appeared in his
best form when he stood up to reply.
Jeeringly he thanked Mr. Balfour for
this opportune though unexpected mo-
ton. 1t was the very thing that the
government wanted.
In a few sentences the prime minis
ter dispelled the fog by which the cir
cumstances under which he had OBJ
tanned the guarantees s-om the king
had been persistently obscured by the
opposition.
1T was my strong hope and belief"
he said, that the lords would accept
the bill and only when that hope was
frustrated as it was last month, his
majesty was asked and consented. if it
was necessary to exercise oils preroga-
tive. We took the only course consis-
tent with honor and a t-uo regard for
the dignity of the crown"
Mr.. AsQuith told the house that II
was at the kings expressed desire that
he disclosed the communications which
had passed between tsom. so there
should be no mystery and no misun-
derstanding Of perfec.y simple and
correct transaction he stated that
his intention to ask for guarantees in
certain eventualities had been com
mUnicated to King Edward first on
April IA, 1910.
Mr. Asquith concluded by maintain
ing that the only method of dealing
with the situation was through-the use
OF the royal prerogative.
Il hold my office" he added, mot
only by the favor of the crown. but on
behalf of the people. and I should be
guilty indeed of treason II at the SUI
preme moment OF a great struggle I
were to betray their trust"