New-York tribune., 1921-01-28
y NOrthcliffe
Backs Derby
For I relllier
Former British Ambassador
to France Expected to
Enter for Lloyd Georges
Post in, Speech To-day
Coalitions Power Ebbing
Loses by Unemployment
Crisis. Snub 10 Evans and
Cecil Brothers Desertion
From The Tribune's European Bureau

Sk'Sst
Copyright. 1921, New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON Jan. 27.~Lord Northcliffe.
who is credited with bringing about
the elevation of Lloyd George to the
Premiership, and who later broke with
him. is now backing Lord Derby as q
dark horse for the leadership of the
government. Despite stories, believed
to have been inspired by members of
Lloyd Georges entoarage, Lord North
cliffe never has forgiven the Premier
for what he considers ingratitude in
attacking him when ne was critically
ILL.,
Lord Derby, who comes Of family
which has taken leading part in
English politics for generations and
has himself served as Minister of War
and as Ambassador to France, will
make speech tomorrow in which he
IS expected to declare his willingness
to enter the political lists against the
Premier. Action is being pushed just
now because the Lloyd George govern
ment is embarrassed by the forthcom-
failure of the Welsh Liberal Assoca-
ton to indorse Captain Ernest Evans,
the Premer's private secretary who
announced his candidacy for Parlia-
ment, and the dissatisfaction of busi-
ness and labor elements with the gov
ernment's method of handling the un-
employment situation.
Coalition Losing Power
Opponents of Lloyd George say that
the coalition is steadily losing its pow
er and that developments at the Paris
conference show that its usefulness is
over. They are reminding Lloyd
George OF his prediction promises to
make Germany pay to the uttermost
miraculous power by which these
promises can be redeemed.
The political crisis may come quick
", in the opinion of these opponents,
out it is difficult to see how The gov
eminent can be overthrown at this
Juncture unless the Conservatives de-
sert Lloyd George.
Lord Derby is being pushed because
ne is popular among the classes and
the masses by reason of his sports
manship, and he also enjoys the con-
idence of business leaders. He served
with success and distinction in Paris,
although he had had no previous ex-
perience in diplomacy.
An interesting question arises in
regard to Lloyd George In case of
the fall of the coalition it is asked
whether he would return as an un-
aduiterated Liberal and attempt to
form new party composed of Liberals,
Conservatives and Laborites.
Asquith Shares Bitterness
Herbert H. Asquith shares North
clltfe's bitterness toward Lloyd George,
although there is little in common be-
tween the ex-Premer and the pub
Usher Lloyd George will not obtain
the leadership of the Liberals if AS
quith can block him and the latter is
fairly strong just now. The Labor
leaders, especially those who once
served under IAoyd George, are equally
determined to resist any political
overtures from the Welshman.
Under these conditions Lloyd George
could hardly hope to occupy more
influential position than Asquith does
new. The real Par .iamentary test
would be between the cwo extremes of
the Conservatives and the Laborites
.he fall Of the government would have
infinitely more effect on foreign re-
iations than would a change of min
ietry in France. A new government
whether Conservative or Labor, would
be bound to reconsider the policies
with regard to America. ireland, Ger
many, Russia and the Near East.
After hearing the views in the sew
c-al quarters, it seems inadvisable to
venture forecast as to Northcliffe's
latest campaign. but it is safe to say
that the Coalition is still fairly strong
although Lloyd Georges grip is. un-
questionably weakening.