The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1916-12-08
ASQU|TH OUT; PREMIER
SHIP OFFERED LAW
LAW MAY DECLINE HONOR
Crisis in British Cabinet ICuI-
inmates in Resignation
of Asquith.

aotSS HI INcSlS IldIlOn
of Asquith.
London, Dec. 5.-Herbert HI. As
quith tonight resigned the British
premiership, which he had held
through eight stormy years of domes-
tic and foreign history, and the gov
ernment crisis found a solution
which had been considered the least
probable of practical alternatives.
The Unionist leader, Andrew
Bonar Law, was summoned to the
palace Immediately after Mr.. As
quith had departed, and the King
onered him the prime minister's
commission, which he had just ac-
cepted from Mr.. Asquith's hands.
NO announcement regarding Mr..
Bonar Laws decision has yet been
made and there are some doubts
whether he will accept the heavy re-
Isponsibility. If he declines, it is con-
Isidered certain the honor will fall to
David Lloyd-George.
The continuation of the coalition
/
speeding up of the war management
would be the policy in either event.
Day of Excitement.
The premiers decision to resign
and advise the King to summon An
/ drew Bonar Law to form n cabinet
was taken after day of, extraordin-
airy political excitement. There were
constant comings and goings of the
political leaders between Downing
street and the government depart
ments. Mr.. Asquith consulted with
several Unionist leaders, including
Earl Curzon, Lord Robert Cecil and
the Earl of Derby.
! Noticeable absentees from this
conference were A. ]. Balfour, who is
i'll, Andrew Bonar Law, j. Austen
Chamberlain and Walter Hume Lone.
In the afternoon the premier met
/ his supporters, including Viscount
Grey, Lewis Harcourt. Edwin s
Montague, the Marquis of Crewe.
Reginald McKenna, Walter Runci-
man, Lord Buchmaster, III. Samuel
Lord Reading and Arthur Henderson.
1t is supposed Mr.. Asquith explained
that he was forced by almost insu-
perable obstacles to the reconcilia>
tion of the conflicting interests and
intended to resign. Almost imme-
diately the premier drove to the
palace and had an audience with the
King.
Regarding Food Dictator.
1t now is remarked that when Mr..
Asquith was asked in the House OF
Commons yesterday if a food dicta-
tor had been appointed he replied
sharply:
II don't like a food dictator.
There is much talk tonight of the
possibilities of a general election. Mr..
Bonar Law would first form a cabi-
net. if he takes office, as it is neces-
sary that the government be carried
on, and then appeal to the electors
for ratification of his administra-
ton.
There is strong opposition, how
.
must necessarily divert the country's
energies from the war work, and the
new government may decide to go
Iahead with the approval of the House
OF Commons only
/ The part David Lloyd-George -
playing in the crisis was demon
strated today by the fact that he re-
manned in his Office while the pre-
mier conferred separately with the
Liberal and Conservative members
of the Cabinet. Mr.. Lloyd-George's
policy had supporters in both camps.
His strongest Liberal friend. Lord
Reading, carried messages between
the premier's councils and MI.
Lloyd-George's desk. 1t was signifi-
can't also that Mr.. Bonar Law re-
Trained from attending the Conser-
vative meeting with Mr.. Asquith.