New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-05
Victory of Vigorous
Policy Party
Complete
LANSDOWNE AND
BALFOUR TO GO
Derby Slated for War Of
flce-Eastern Campaign
To Be Pushed
BY ARTHUR s. DRAPER

AOIiuol4, DeS' f.-OuL OF the well
ter of rumors and conflicting state
ments concerning the political crisis
there are few points that can be
stated with some degree of positive
ness:
Lloyd George has won a decisive
victory.
Premier Asquith either has re-
signed or probably will resign, TO
become Lord High Chancellor, with
an annual salary of $4,000.
Runciman and McKenna will un-
doubtedly leave the Cabinet.
The ministry will be entirely re-
organized, with Lloyd George as
Premier.
Parliament has adjourned until
Thursday or next Monday.
The situation is changing so rap
idly that even these statements are
liable to alteration, for the victory
of the Opposition is so complete, so
sudden and of such magnitude and
responsibility that it demands a eau
tious pause for consideration.
Premier Asquith saw the King
again to-day, and later told the
House Of Commons, in brief ses-
sion, that his majesty had approved
the request for the reconstruction Of
the government.
viii Not Change Policy
The Premier added that the recon-
struction would not change in any way
the policy pursued by the government
since the beginning of the war. He
said he thought the appointment Of a
food dictator and all other questions
as to personnel should be postponed
until the reconstruction had been COM
pleted.
All the ministers are believed 20 have
handed in their designations. The state
ment in the House by Sir James Henry
Dslziel, Liberal member for Kircaldy
Burghs, that the designations of all
the Cabinet were in the Premier's
hands brought forth no denial from
Mr. Asquith. Apparently there has been
no agreement as to the details Of the
reconstruction, and a full explanation
of the solution will be withheld until
further negotiations have taken place.
The general public is entirely at sea
concerning the situation. All day long
politicians and statesmen raced from
place to place seeking the latest re-
ports.
Balfour and Lansdowne To Go
From a we'll informed source | learn
that Premier Asquith has resigned. but
will continue in Office for q few days;
that Lord Derby is to be the new War
Secretary, and that neither Balfour nor
Lansdowne will be included in the new
Cabinet
All the states include Lloyd George,
Bonar Law, Sir Edward Carson and
Lord Derby. but for the rest Of the
ministry there are as many names as
there are prophets. Most agree that
Lloyd George will not continue in
charge of the War once.
The strength Of the opposition move
ment came mostly from independent
peers, such as the Duke Of Norfolk and
Lords Middleton, Sydenham, Dessrt,
Loreburn and Beresford IL is UNDER
stood that the present government has
fewer than forty supporters in the
upper house. Balfour and Lansdowne
are both reported suffering from colds,
but it is significant that they are the
only Unionist leaders not among those
who are suggesting that Premier As.
quith resign.
Asquith Asks Adjournment
All the prominent figures in the
crisis, with the sole exception Of Lloyl
George, were a. hand when Premier As
quith made his announcement. Fol-
lowing his statement. the Premier sug-
gested that the House adjourn after
the days business until Thursday. In
reply to the suggestion for a longer
adjournment 10 allow discussion Of tho
situation, Mr. AsQuith said:
81 desire 10 make il perfectly plain
to the House and 10 the country that
whatever reconstruction Of the Cabi-
net takes place, it involves no depsr-
ture in any shape from the policy al
ready announced and pursued since the
beginning Of the war. II ;ny one en-
courages or entertains ths idea that
there is any question Of a change OF
policy, I can assure them that they
are entirely mistaken"
The motion TO adjourn until Thurs.
day was carried after the Premier had
announced that the first business o.,
the House on that day would be the
vote Of credit which would give the
members opportunity TO discuss any
question.