New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-07
Radical Cabinet Shifts,
but Few New Men
Likely
GENERAL ELECTION
MAY BE FORCED
Opposition to WeIshman
Makes His Hold on
Commons Doubtful
BY ARTHUR s. DRAPER.
by Gable TO Tho Trlbunel

George is Britain's Premier. In co.
operation with Bonar Law, who re-
fused the post, the Welshman will
strive to organize ministry.
Thus, after week of stress, the
atmosphere has cleared. The crisis
has not been entirely weathered, but
there are indications that the prob
.em is nearing a solution.
The new ministry will be formed
from coalition in all probability,
Britain's chief statesmen having
fought each other to such a stand
still that compromise is the only
method of bringing order out of
chaos.
Little Change in Policy.
There will be radical changes in
the government, but the new men,
bers will be few in number. The
general policy with regard to the
prosecution of the war will undergo
little transformation.
Lloyd George will assume the Pre-.
miership only with the understand
ing that if he fails to command a
working majority he will dissolve
the government Immediately and call
a general election.
In the formation of new ministry
Lloyd George faces one of the most
difficult tasks that have ever fallen to
his lot. He can count only on the
support of the Unionists. Labor,
sworn enemy OF the ginger leader
and holding the balance of power in
the palm of its hand, will fight him
tooth and nail.
The Irish Nationalists will be en-
ticed into participation in the govern
'ment only by an offer Of unadul-
terated home rule. Even among the
Liberals the fighting Welshman will
run into stone wall in any efforts
20 swing a majority to his side.
Election Seems in Sight
Still another fact stands out from
the maze of speculation following in
:he wake OF the kaleidoscope changes
of the last few days. More and more
keen political observers are hourly
joining the ranks of those who con-
tend that a general election is the
only true solution of the present pre-
dicament, and that il will be only a
matter of a short time before the
country becomes convinced of the same
thing and demands a voice in the selec-
tion Of Britain's governors.
With this in view, the prediction is
more than local that few weeks will
see the return Of Asquith TO the head
Of the government. OF all the possible
candidates he is the only one who can
command a strong majority, who can
count on the full support of the Labor
ties, who can be assured OF confidence
because OF his past record.
Law Refuses Premiership
The latest Developments in the sit.
uation were the result of conferences
IN Buckingham Palace between the
King and the leaders OF all parties
end of the Cabinet. From early morn
ing until late at night there were con-
tindous shifts and changes In the
morning Bonar Law had an audience
with the King, telling the latter that
he felt il was impossible for him to
undertake the formation Of new
ministry.
This afternoon, apparently in an
effort to bring about an understanding
between the opposing factions. the
King called the party leaders TO the
palace. and was closeted with then.
for more than an hour. With the
sovereign we're Asquith, Lloyd George.
Law, Balfour and Henderson. the last
named the representative OF the labor
party. The presence OF Bslfour ere
ated much attention, for he has been
i'll.
Kings Efforts Fail
The efforts Of the King 20 bring
about a reconciliation met with fail.
are. Evidently he suggested that the
opposing forces try tc reach an agree
ment and report TO him later. Imme.
oiately after the conference Asqui,h
returned 20 Downing Street. where he
conferred with Grey. McKenns, Mon.
tagu. Henderson and other Liberala
Lloyd George also saw many OF his
followers.
Attempts to reach ! compromi,,