Evening star., 1922-10-15
The British Political Issue.

Austen Chamberlain, at BirminS-
= ham, and David Lloyd George, at
Manchester, have, in vigorous
speeches, met the criticism of the
British ministrys course in the near
eastern situation and have virtually
called upon the country for support.
These two addresses mark Il crisis in
British politics. the outcome of which
is matter of interest here as we'll as
to the people of Great Britain. Cham
berlain, in effect. pleaded for con-
tinued coalition of the liberal and con
servative parties to prevent the eiec-
tion of d labor ma jority in parliament.
The prime minister at Manchester in
dorsed all that the unionist leader had
said at birmingham, and defended ac-
tion of the ministry in carrying out
its near eastern policy. which he de-
clared to have been a policy of peace
rather than Of war.
Following Immediately upon the
Chamberlain speech, the labor party's
organ issues a call TO labor to rally
its utmost efforts to win the coming
election, saying that 400 seats in par
Lament will be contested, and appeal
ing to every worker to contribute per-
sonal service and money to secure 4
victory. This may be viewed as an
acceptance of the challenge of the
government.
No date is set for a general election.
That, said Chamberlain at Birming
ham, is the prerogative of the premier.
But events are moving rapidly toward
test of strength. Parliament will
meet next month. and Lloyd George
will probably take early occasion to
seek vote of confidence on some
question relating TO the near eastern
issue. If the coalition is in dissolu
ton the vote may be denied. If in the
meantime the elements of the coalition
are brought together once more the
ministry may make a showing of
= united support. But even in that case,
as surely in the other, an election
must be held for coali,ionists. as we'll
as laborites. feel that a new mandate
Is required from the people.
The last general election was held
four years ago. Immediately following
the end Of the war. Lloyd George
went to the country under a heavy
handicap of criticism and won a sub
stantial victory. Since then the treaty
of Versailles has been written, the
rcparatiops proceedings have been
conducted. Strains have developed be-
tween England and France, the war
debt question has been discussed,
domestic industrial adjustments have
been effected and now the near east
ern crisis has been met and passed,
with England holding a difficult and
dangerous position. for which now the
prime minister.offers no apologies, but
for which he claims credit as peace
maker.
Austen Chamberlain, in his Birming
ham speech. distinctly characterized
a labOrite victory at the polls as a
danger in the face of which he felt
that all the elements OF the present
coalition should rally in continued
union. Whether in such laborite VIC
tory the radical or moderate wing
dominated there would be the menace
of reputation of the national debt
obligation, naturalization of trade and
resources and a heavy capital levy.
There will be, said the party leader,
no longer leadership on the part OF
government, but obedience to the con-
course or mass meeting.
Thus the issue is defined. and there
is nothing in Lloyd Georges career to
suggest a likelihood now that he will
evade it. From this time on to the
meeting of parliament, in fact to the
call for an election, this will be the
question paramount in British politics.