New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-06
Bonar Law Likely to
Refuse, Giving Way
to War Secretary
PREMIER QUIT AS
HE SEEMED VICTOR
Rival Had Offered His
Resignation, but II Was
Not Accepted

London, Dec. 5.-Herbert II.
Asquith has resigned as Premier Of
Britain. His resignation was ac-
cepted to-day by the King.
To Andrew Bonar Law. the
Unionist leader, has been offered the
post Of Prime Minister. His de-
cision has not been made.
The recent rumors of the resigna-
tion of David Lloyd George as War
Minister were confirmed tonight by
an official announcement that he had
rendered his resignation, which has
not been accepted.
Bonar Law May Refuse
There are some doubts whether
Bonar Law will accept the heavy
responsibility. If he declines it is
considered certain that the honor
will fall to David Lloyd George The
continuation Of the coalition Cabinet,
with some changes in its member.
ship, and the speeding up of the
war management will be the policy
in either event.
There is much talk tonight of ths
possibilities Of a general election.
Bonar Law first would form o Cabi-
net, If he takes Office, as it is reces-
sary that the government be carried
on, and then appeal to The electors
for a ratification of his administra-
tion.
There is strong opposition, how
ever, to any political campaign,
which must necessarily divert tho
country's energies from the war
work while it lasted. The new gov.
eminent may decide to go ahead,
with the approval Of the House OF
Commons only, and not seek the
sanction of the voters.
Says Coalition Will Fall
"The Daily News's" Parliamentary
correspondent expresses the belief that
il will be impossible to form another
coalition government. He says Sir Ed
ward Carson and Lloyd George would
both serve under Bonsr Laws Premier
ship. but that it is understood the Lab
eral ministers who belonged to the ex-
piring coalition ministry would not
serve without Mr.. Asquith.
The correspondent adds that the po-
sition Of the Laborites has not yet been
defined. but that they would be def
nitely hostile TO a ministry OF which
LLOYD George was the Premier. The
correspondent. says he believes the rank
and file Of the Liberals are willing for
a time 10 support Bonar Law.
Summing up the outlook, The
Times" says everything Is in the air
at present and there is no telling what
will happen. "The suggestion was
made here and there Tuesday night
that Mr.. Asquith was not done with
politics and that the Parliamentary
situation might compel his return 10
power" adds "The Times"
Politicians Busy All Day
The Premier's decision to resign and
advise the King to summon Bonar Law
TO form a Cabinet was taken after a
day OF extraordinary political excite
ment and activity. There were constant
comings and goings OF the political
leaders between Downing Street and
the various government departments.
Mr.. Asquith met several Unionist lead
ers in consultation, including Earl Cur
zon, Lord Robert Cecil and the Earl OF
Derby.
Noticeable absentees from this con-
ference were A. J. Balfour, who is i'll;
Bonar Law, J. Austen Chamberlain and
Walter Hume Long.
Later in the afternoon the Premier
met his supporters, including Viseount
Grey, Lewis Harcourt. Edwin S. Mon
tagu, the Marquis OF Crewe, Reginald
McKenna. Walter Runciman, Lord
Buckmaster, II. Samuel, Lord Reading
and Arthur Henderson.
Tenders His Resignation
The meeting lasted for more than an
hour, and it is supposed that Mr. As
quith explained that he was faced by
almost insuperabie obstacles TO the
reconciliation of the conflicting inter
! ests, and intended to tender his resig-
nation. Almost Immediately the Premier
drove to the palace and had an audi
ence with the King.
Then came this court circular;
The Right Hon. Mr.. Asquith had ar
! audience with his mSs''y the Kin'