The Washington herald., 1918-05-10
LLOYD GEORGE
CARRIES DAY,
299 TO 106
British Premier Gains Most
Smashing Victory m
His Career. y
ACCUSES HIS AccUSER
Gives Lie to Maurice; Had
Quoted This Generals
Own Figures.
OPPOSITION GOES LAME
Asquith's Party Driven to
Excuses by Strong d.
rect Attack.
ACCUSES HIS AccUSER
OPPOSITION GOES LAME

London. May e.-Dayid Lloyd
George won a smashing victory
one Of the greatest triumphs Of
his political career-in the House
of Commons late today.
Striking straight from the
shoulder. the premier threw his
accuser. Gen. Maurice. completely
on the defensive. Then he ehsI-
lensed the House to decide. here
and now" to demonstrate by
vote whether It wanted him 10
continue as premier or preferred
to have the opposition Leader. for
mer Premier Asquith. resume the
reins Of government
He asked the whole quesoou
on Asquith's own motion for an
inquiry into Maurice's charges.
The Houses answer was:
Against the motion. 2o3.
For the motion. l06.
Majority against. l67.
GETS GRAND OVATION.
When, not long after the vote
taking, the premier left the
House, a tremendous cheer wcut
up. The "win-the-war" premier
passed through the long aisIes as
in a triumphal march. His wrin-
kled face was wrapped in a smile
such as had not been seen on it
since the little Wclshman toppled
from power the forces that tried
hard but vainly to topple him to-
day. He beamed and nodded sp-
preciativcly to his friends. Not
until the doors had closed behind
him did the ovation subside.
1t was not eloquence alone, not
a purely emotional speech that
won his victory for him. Truth
incontrovertible facts-fling back
at his accusers. who had charged
him with want of veracity, formed
the boomerang that struck back
at the plot to oust him.
Aecuser's Figures Thrown Back. -
Gen. Maurice had charged the
Premiers-and Bonar Law's-1gures
regarding the strength and disposI-
ton OF the British army had been
Incorrect
The premier declared that these
figures had been supplied HIM by
Maurice's own department in the war
data that served him in the speech
in question.
Moreover" he added, these ag-
ures were correct"
But supposing they had been in
correct he said. IL was Maurics's
business to come and tell him SO. As
it was, the General acted unfairly"
1t was a piece OF "sniping." Of which
he was sick and tired. and which he
implored the House 70 stop.
Second Charge Denied.
Gen. Maurice's second charge was
that the premier had made a mis-
statement when he said the extension
Of the British front had never been
discussed at Versailles. He himself.
Maurice. had been present when Il
was discussed. his letter had asserted.
The premier calmly passed back
the lie. Maurice. he said, was not
present in the council chamber and,
furthermore. the extension matter
was never discussed at Versailles.
having been previously agreed upon
between Field Marshal Haig and
Gen. Petain-
As for the immediate reason for
the extension. the premier said it
was undertaken. not to the degree
originally desired by the French.
but in a manner decided upon by a
compromise, and then only owing 60
great pressure from the French.
The prime minister charged the
accusing general with q nagrant
breach Of discipline.
Asauith's Part.
The part played in the debate by
former Premier Asquith manifestly
was q disappointment even to n
most sanguine followers. TT
points were emphasized by thu
position leader throughout hii
| speech:
/ He wanted Il understoC that
neither he nor his colleague mad In
spired the Maurice letter o. were ir
any way connected with H.
CONTINUED on PAGE rgo