The daily sentinel., 1914-02-09

Government Under Fire at Sess.
ion Which Will Convene
Tomorrow in London.
Associated Press.

Associated Press.
London, Feb. 9.-After the lon
gest vacation that members have en-
joyed since the liberal party came
into power eight years ago, parlia-
ment re-assembles tomorrow for a
session that promises to be full of
hard work and excitement.
There are not only the home rule
and VI eish disestablishment bills,
which come up for third passage and
then to become law despite anything
the lords may do, but there is great
mass of other business which will
compel the government to fight con-
tinuously to hold the confidence Of
the house of commons. From start
to finish of a session a British gov
eminent must keep on the alert to
prevent an adverse vote, which if it
has the backing of "a majority of the
members, means the retirement of
the ministry. The danger will be
more acute than ever during this ses-
sion.
From the moment that King
George leaves the house of lords after
delivering his speech from the throne
opening the proceedings. the govern
ment will be under fire, not only
from their unionist opponents but on
several questions from liberals as
we'll. Fortunately for the govern
ment it probably will have the sup
port of many unionists on the Ques-
lions that the revolving radicals will
choose for their attacks.
The session will open with debate
on the reply to the speech from the
throne. This reply outlines the gov
ernment's measures and members of
the house are privileged to criticize
1t at any point they desire. For ex-
ample. some member may move an
amendment expressing regret that
the government did not accept the
| invitation to have an official British
exhibit at the Panama-Pacific expo
sition at San Francisco. 1t is expect
ed such a motion will be made AMI
it probably will receive considerable
support But the real test of govern
ment strength is more likely to be
taken on some more important sub
ject. Some way will probably be
found for bringing up the Irish ques-
ton, although the home rule bill is
lalready before parliament and is
therefore excluded from this prelim-
mary debate on the governments
program. A motion might be made,
however, regretting that the negotia-
lions for settling the Ulster situation
had failed and this would mean a
test vote.
Every unionist member has been
requested to be present on the OPEN
ing day, and no pairs with opponents
are being granted, SO it appears GER
tain that the opposition plans to
force the government to either re-
sign or dissolve parliament.
Dissolution, it will be remembered
| is one of the demands of the union
lists before the passing of the home
rule bill However, the liberals, ma
tionalists and laborites are just as
alert and with Premier Asquith at
their head. feel pretty confident OF
encompassing any unionist designs.
There is, however, also some dan
ger for the unionists in the debate.
| The modification of the policy of
tariff reform, endorsed by Bonar Law
| by which flood taxes" are dropped,
| has not met with entire satisfaction
| in the party. The farmers, largely
unionist, are asking why they should
/ be deprived of that protection, which
they were told tariff reform would
give them, while the manufacturers
receive it. Unionist members for ag-
r:cultural districts have been mum
dated with protests and it is probable
that some strong tariff reformer will
move an amendment that will bring
the question up. Then Austin Cham
berlain and other tariff reform stall
warts would come out in support of
the whole policy, which would be
practical throwing over of Bonar
Law, Walter Long and other unionist