The New York herald., 1922-03-07

London, March o.
Prime Minister Lloyd Georges ILL
ness is not serious. But neither the
political turmoil nor London fog is
helpful TO bronchial catarrh, so he is
going 10 Wales tomorrow or Eext
day. There is little doubt that while
he is away everything possible viii b.
done. first, to assure his continuance
in Office until after the Genoa confer
ence, and second, to form Center
party in preparation for the general
election. There were reports current
tonight that the Premier at the car
nest solicitation OF the Unionist Lead
ers in his Cabinet, had decided to hold
on 70 his office for the time being
without committing himself as to MS
eventual decision.
Tomorrow Sir Arthur j. Balsour
Lord President Of the Council, IS to
make an important speech to his con-
stituency in London, wherein lie IS
expected to outline the position Of the
Cnionist leaders, substantially stating
their belief in the necessity OF tho re-
tention OF the Premiership By Mr.
Lloyd George. There was no doubt
OF the loyalty OF Sir Arthur. Austen
Chamberlain, Lord Birlkenhead and
other Unionists in the Cabinet after
the dinner at Lord Birkenheads house
last night but even the loyalty Of
these leaders. cannot IL il would. con
ceal from Mr.. Lloyd George ara the
public the fact that the Unionist party
organization led BY Sir George
Younger thirsts for the Premier's DO
litical blood
With the Unionist members of tha
Cabinet. however. win 90 all but some
sixty OF the diehards in the House ~
Commons. and until the actual time for
an election comes the revolt of tie party
mechanics cannot become serious. 1t IS
expected that the absence OF Mr.. Lloyd
George will aid perhaps IN the task os
holding the Government firm. especially
in taking the first steps toward the for
nation OF a Center party.
The situation has some points of re-
sembiance 10 that IN America IN 1912
when Theodore Roosevelt found the en-.
tire machinery Of his party set against
him and formed the Progressive party.
Mr. Lloyd George. however. faces no
such difficulties az did Mr. Roosevelt.
In the first place the Premier has with
him the entire Cabinet. drawn from both
the older and dominant parties In Great
Britain. and ive-sixths or the pariia-
mentary membership are * thcse par
ties
Furthermore nj least some of the
party organization is within their con-
stituencies. Neither tile independent
Liberals nor the "diehard" Unionlsta
who would remain Independent II the
Unlonist party splits 70 form new CEN
trail party can hope for any success at
the polls. judging by the Indications of
recent bye-elections and their present
membership In the House of Commons.
with such powerful leaders as Mr.
Chamberlain. Sir Arthur Balfoar AMI
Lord Rirkenhcad III the Unionis' camp
and that OF Winston Churchill. Edward
Shortt and sir Alfred Mond IN tho LID
eral. II Is plain that they would carry
into new party large numbers of both
Of the old parties. irrespective q the
wishes Of the party organizations.
Political organization Is hy ne means
so powerful here as IL Is In America.
The real party leaders here are much
more frequently holders of office.
There ~ even p rumor tonight That
there exists possibility ~ the Asquith-
Lloyd George row being patched up
and that IL not Mr.. Asquith himself.
many of his hotherto "wcc frec' sup
porters will desert t. the new party
IoHpoN, March 9 ASSOCIATED Press).
Influenced by his Unionist colleagues,
particularly with reference 70 the inter-
national position as II would be affected
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