Evening star., 1916-12-04
Asquith Yields to Lloyd
Georges Demand for a
Small War Council.
KING GIVES HIS CONSENT
TO THE RECONSTRUCTION
No Change in War Policy Is In.
volved, Prime Minister Tells the
House of Commons.
By the Associated Press.

by lhe Associated Press.
LONDON, December i, 4:1o
p.m.-Premier Asquith announced
IN the house of commons this aft
ernoon that King George had ap-
proved of a reconstruction of the
government. Mr. Asquith sug-
gested that after today's business
had been concluded the house ad-
lourn until Thursday.
Premier Asquith stated that
the reconstruction OF the govern
ment involved no departure in any
shape or form from the policy pur-
sued since the beginning of the
war.
He did not deny that the resig-
nations of all the ministers were
in his hands.
Saves Coalition Government
LONDON, December 4. 1132 am
The decision of Premier Asquith, ON
the advice of the war secretary, David
Lloyd George, which is supported by
other members of the ministry, to re-
construct the cabinet, is believed to
have saved the coalition government
again and insured more vigorous PROS
ecution of the war. -----7-
There are some details yet to be ar
70 nj rod lrNf
been the most severe critics of the
governments alleged dilatory attitude
express the conviction that the pre-
mier will be able to announce befors
leagues on the vital question concern
ing the war council, the formation and
size of which led to the crisis.
Size of Council Uncertain.
Whether the council will be composed
of three. four or five members is still
a matter of discussion: while its pow
ers also are the subject Of negotiations.
Mr.. Lloyd George and his adherents de-
power to conduct the war independent.
ly of the cabinet.
Monday which usually is a quiet day
in the house of commons. promises in
teresting Developments. in anticipation
of which the members returned to town
at an early hour.
Many Sunday Conferences.
Premier Asquith left town Saturday,
but returned yesterday morning, and
throughout the day there were con-
situations and meetings of party lead
ers at the premiers residence.
Mr. Lloyd George had a long consul
tation with the premier in the after
noon. Other visitors were A. Bonar
La W. secretary of the colonies. and the
MARQUIS of Crewe. lord president OF
the council.
Perhaps the most important signifi-
canoe was Sir Edward Carson and Mr.
Law appeared together and addressed
a morning meeting of the unionist COM
mit.ee. while the Earl of Derby. under-
secretary of war. had a long interview
with Mr.. Lloyd George.
Reconstruction Is Announced.
That Premier Asquith had decided 70
advise the king to consent to the re-
construction of the government was
announced last night in the following
statement:
The prime minister.with a view to
war. has decided to advise his majesty
the king. to consent to the reconstruc-
ton of the government.
The Daily News correspondent UNDER
stands that although the possibility OF
adding Sir Edward Carson to the caDi-
net has been canvassed in inner -polktf-
cal circles. he has received no direct
invitation to serve with the ministry.
According to the Information of other
political correspondents. Sir Edwards
inclusion is part of definite scheme
of Lloyd Georges conception The
Times believes that Premier Asqufth
will not be a member OF the war coun-
ell. which. it says. would. If. in ac-
cordance with Lloyd Georges sugges-
ton, consist of Lloyd George. Sir Ed
ward Carson. Bonar Law ana lapor
possibly Arthur Hender-
son, now minister of pensions.
Saws Crisis Was Ended.
The Express. which is well informed
from the conservative side, says the
crisis was settled yesterday and that
the cabinet, which remains intact with
members, will probably
undergo a certain process of reorgani-
zation with the view of a more definite
control of the war by a stronger war
council
On the other hand. the Post, which
also has intimate conservative connee-
tions, states that at meeting OF
unionist members of the cabinet yes
terday ii was decided to send letter
to Premier Asquith advising him to
resign. and adding that if he did not
do SO they would surrender their port
folios. This statement Is unconnrmed:
and the Times says that the talk OF
is premature; that there
has been none as yet, but there VIII %
sottIad with wisdom and resolution.
Editorialiy, the Times says there are
good reasons for hoping that there are
forces at work which VIII carry
the necessary REFORM "'lhous