Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-02-15
Family, Friends and Villagers
at Bedside of 75-Year-Old
Statesman.
IN RETIREMENT SINCE
LLOYD GEORGE VICTORY
Former Prime Minister Active in
British Politics for
40 Years.

SUTTON COURTENAY. England,
February la.-The Earl of oxford ana
Asouith. who as Herbert II. Asqulth.
prime minister, was an outstanding flg-
ure of the World War, died here at
6 50 m. today.
Pulmonary complications brought
death TO the 75-ycar-old statesman al
his country home, the Wharf in this
little Old World village on the banks OF
the upper Thames He had lived there
since his retirement from public lie
after his resignation from the leadership
of the Liberal party in October. 1926.
Lord Asouith had been unconscious
since Monday afternoon and his physl-
clans said then that death was only
matter of how long his enfeebieo neart
could hold out A week ago the former
premier was confined TO his room with
/ severe cold. an acute attack OF pnaryn-
gitis followed and bronchitis set IN.
The earl died in mullion- HlndoWed
room overlooking his beloved Thames.
Al his bedside were the members Of his
family. Lady Asquith 'Marsot Asquith'..
his two daughters. Princess Bibesco ana
Lady Bonham-Carter, and his son. An
thony AsQu!th.
Friends and Villagers Await End.
Throughout the night a few close
&. lends and a number OF villagers VINO
knew Lord ASquith well awaited the
end. which physicians had said was
inevitable because Of his advanced age
and weak heart.
As the former premier fought his los
ing battle with death. another outstand-
ing statesman of the war. the Earl OF
Baitour, was confined TO his home near
Prestonkirk. Scotland. on the orders OF
his doctors Earl Balfour. who Is :ear-
ing his eightieth birthday anniversary.
had an acute attack of laryngitis. which
left him so weak that his physicians
have prescribed complete rest for many
weeks.
There was deep mourning in this lit
tie village of Sutton Courtenay By the
country folk. not SO much for the Brit
World War as for the kindly white
haired old man who until few weeks
ago took long daily strolls through the
fields and lanes OF Berkshire and along
the banks OF the Thames.
Then an affection OF his leg Kept
him from moving about much. Adj
gancing age had made inroads OH his
once robust health and he became an
invalid, but was still fresh and vigorous
in mind and keenly interested in
affairs
Dissented With Lloyd George.
His political career ended In party
dissens.on with the man who IN 1910
had succeeded him as premier. David
Lloyd George.
Fol- the last two years of his premier
ship Earl Asquith faced the crisis OF the
Great War stoIidly. but 1t was felt that
he lacked the magnetism necessary 10
guide Great Britain through the con-
filct and he stepped down. being suc-
ceeded by Lloyd George.
Then in another great crisis In Eng
land, the general strike of 1926. Lord
Asquith censured Lloyd George for his
attitude in favor OF the miners. Efforts
10 bring about d reconciliation of the
two liberal leaders failed. and in Oc-
tobcr, 1926. Lord Asquith announced his
retirement as Liberal leader
After a service OF approximately halt
a century 10 his country. Lord Asquith
retired from public life late In
1926 his retirement having been
brought about with a series Of events
tive victory In the general election OF
1924 From that battle at the polls the
Liberals. Of which Lord Asquith had
been leader since 1903. emerged as
broken party. temporarily at least.
There followed discussions in the
ranks OF the party that eliminated In
the bitter controversy between Lord
Asoui,h and Lloyd George over the
latter'S attitude during the general
strike In 1926 A few months later
Lord oxford resigned as party leader
Title Beginning Of End.
Previously. In January. 1925, the
eari's acceptance Of his title generally
was regarded as the beginning o! the
end Of a great political career The
honor OF an earld0m was offered by
The King Oh the advice OF Prime Min
ister Baldwin In recognition OF his
grtat services TO The nation" lie
chose the title Earl OF oxford and
refused honots. preierring To follow
The traditions Of the great prime min
islers Of England 10 be known In his
tory by his own name.
In July, 1927 IL was announced that
followers and admirers Of Lord AsquIth
had prepared for him "A private testi-
moflial in recognition of his services 10
the country III the torn OF cash
present OF $4,000 and an annuity 81
sl2.500 II was pointed out that Lord
Asquith had turned down the certainty
of private fortune as lawyer 10
enter public service, from which he
retired virtually poor man.
Throughout the years oi war and
the years Of peacemaking Asqulth re.
manned the same calm, steady bulwafk
III English ability and responsibility
He lived no, only Ia sec The ptodigtl
Lloyd George returned Ia the fold Uf
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