The Alaska daily empire., 1916-12-19
MIR. AsQUITH's RETIREMENT
Uouisyille Courier.JournaD


 The solution of the crisis in the British govern ment by the resignation of Prime Minister Asquth IS heralded dramatically unexpected No doubt 1t was unexpected at this particular time; even tne expected when coming suddenly always IS accompanied wlth an element of surprise that makes the expected uneX- pected Mir Asquiths resignation just now was not looked for but there have been several occasions during the past two years when his resignation was regarded as not improbable and there has been no time within that period when 1t was regarded as out of the question:
 Mr. Asquith's premiership has covered eight of the momentous years in British history, years which even before the outbreak of the war made the re- responsibilities of his office exceptionally burdensome and difficult. But since Great Britain entered the war, under the conditions which she could not es cape Mir Asquith both before and after the formation of the Coalition Cabinet has had task next to the impossible And it is doubtful if there is any man in the kingdom who could have stuck to that task longer and with better results. Essentially an adrot taSitian having ingrained belief in the virtues or compromise and conciation as more effective m practical results than hot extremism and rugged ob Stnacy he has retained the premiership of the Gov ernment, actual well as nominal, longer than 1t seemed likely that one man with human limitations and sensbilities would be able to do
 Probably is was inevitable that at such a time any man who sought to fill the office that he filled should be driven nagged from his post that his patience and forttude should eventually break under the incessant assaults to which he was subjected, that ultimately he should lose his grip the rud der by which he seeking to steer through the waters of many and violent storms, many and power ful cross currents, many and hidden rocks and reefs
 That he weathered the gales as long as he aid, that he sailed the ship far he did Is no mean proof of his ability and his aptitude for the work he had to do.
 Certainly the criticisms which have harrassed him not to be escaped. They were inevitable to the situation. They always have been inevitable similar situations and they always will be. Through 1t all Mir. AsQuith played his part well and it may belt probably s-that he continues to play it well by leaving the stage when he does.
 For looking back the history of the two years past which he has helped to make. one sees nothing to warrant the belief that man of radically differ calibre and character could have served his try better in Mir. Asquiths place than Mir. Asquith has served it. But that history has been very much in the making and conditions have changed complete ly during those two years. The problems that con front the Government not the problems which first and later confronted the Asquh government and which it has largely solved. It may be- however, just of the criticisms of Mir. Asquth how unjust many of them were, some other man, some different of man, is the man for the present hour. Just unjust those criticisms may been. they have been the result of natural bad blood in the British body polite and the Premier's retirement will do something to allay the fever as well as make way for some successor who may be better fitted than Mir Asquith to take up his work at the point at which he lays it down.
 And if Lloyd-George is not that man where is he to be found?