New-York tribune., 1918-05-09
Fate of Lloyd George
Government May De-
pend on Voteso
Nationalists
Premier to Give
Reply to Charges
If Cabinet Falls Ap-
peal May Be Made to
Electorate; Paci-
fists Joyful
By Arthur S. Draper
Especial Cable to The T,-ibune)

Especial Gable to The Tribu7e)
LONDON, May S-Premier Lloyd
George is expected to follow EXPIRE
mier Asquith tomorrow in the de-
bate in Parliament on the motion to
appoint a committee of the House Of
Commons to investigate the charge
that Major General F. B. Maurice
has brought against the Premier and
Chancellor of the Exchequer Bonar
Law.
AS the government intends to
make Asquith's motion a vote of
censure, large attendance is ex-
pected. Tonight I hear perhaps
Asquith will withdraw his motion
after hearing Lloyd Georges de-
fence, such a maneuvre having the
eject Of putting the Premier on the
defensive and forcing the ministry
to demand vote of confidence or
resign.
To-morrow's debate cannot be con-
sidered fair trial of the charges,
as Maurice will have no opportunity
of presenting his case before the
Commons tribunal.
Cannot Foretell Result
If division is taken tomorrow
the result will depend on whether
the eighty Nationalists return to
Westminster and whether a consid-
cradle number of Unionists join the
Opposition or refuse to vote. Any
attempt to forecast whether the gov
ernment will stand or fall is largely
guesswork.
hear the Lloyd George Opposi-
ton already has considered the for
nation of an alternative government.
and that it is prepared to carry on
should the present administration
fall.
The new government would have a
preponderance of Liberals and Labor,
but also some Conservatives, whereas
Lloyd George is a Liberal, surrounded
largely by Conservatives
II the King should ask Asouith to
form & government, his slate certainly
would not contain the name of Lloyd
George, Bonar Law or Balfour. The
downfall of the government would
mean an early general election, unless
Asquith is to return to power accom-
panied by some dramatic change in the
military and political situation.
Asquith is supposed to be weak in
the country, because he is considered
20, lean toward peace by negotiation.
The charge may be unfounded so far
as the Liberal leader is concerned, but
u undoubtedly is true of several of
ms former ministerial associates.
Lloyd George Weak Politically
Almost any leader except Asquith
would have little difficulty in obtaining
the premiership at this time, as Lloyd
ueorge is decidedly weak politically,
Whatever may be his strength outside
sne House of Commons.
Minister Roberts, Of the war Cabi-
net, In speech to-day gave hint of
Il HSSS'OAS government Step Wnen ne
SAID the Cabinet was tired of the snip
ing tactics of the opposition, and the
time had come perhaps when the coun-
tsry ought to decide whether it would
nave another government. That would
.ndicate the government might appeal
the electorate.
:. The ministerial press has rushed to
tne defence of Lloyd George, charging
mat Asquith was using the Maurice
.etter as a political weapon to turn
me government out. Another line
tsken is to emphasize the gravity of
me military situation, wherefore mis-
sakss must be overlooked temporarily
some newspapers which have loyalty
supported Lloyd George since he be-
came Premier address him sharply,
Chronicle"
Under military law General Maurice
= forbidden to communicate the facts
"a which his letter is based to a Mem
yer OF Parliament. However, tbe op-
yOnents of the government have enough
rmiiormation with which tc quiz Lloyd
SSsorge and Donar Law intelligently.
some members plan to raise whole
osstsnued o., Page 5, Column 2