The Ruhr from London

The Ruhr from London

The loquacity of Lloyd George assumed a tone of despondency. Speaking at a luncheon given in his honor by the National Liberals in the House of Commons, he remarked: "I view the future with despair." He denounced the Bonar Law Government in strong terms and prophesied that their inanimate policy regarding the Ruhr would soon bring about their fall. "The Government is rapidly losing prestige," said he. "Its supporters are discouraged." He also urged the coalition of the Liberal parties (his own and Asquith's) as necessary to fight revolutionary labor.

In the House Sir John Simon (Asquith liberal) asked "whether happy acquiescence is still to be the keynote of British policy? " Mr. Asquith and Mr. H. A. L. Fisher, former Minister of Education, also criticized the Government's policy toward the Ruhr. Mr. Bonar Law did not reply, but Ronald McNeill, Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government, stated that its policy was unchanged and that mediation in the Ruhr was at present impossible. On a division of the House, ostensibly on account of a civil service vote, the Government secured a majority of only 48.

A deputation, appointed by the British Labor Party, is in the Ruhr investigating conditions. The delegates, all M. P.'s, are Thomas Shaw, Charles R. Buxton, William Adamson.

In general public opinion is becoming more definitely irritated with French politicians--due to the adverse action of the Ruhr occupation on British trade.