On Monday in the Commons Mr. Asquith made the momentous
statement that the King had summoned a Con- ference of representatives of the political parties to meet at Buckingham Palace and discuss the Irish question.—The chosen representatives were Mr. Asquith and Mr. Lloyd George, Lord Lansdowne and Mr. Bonar Law, Sir Edward Carson and Captain Craig, Mr. Redmond and Mr. Dillon.— The Speaker would act as President at the King's suggestion. Mr. Bonar Law said briefly that the Opposition had "loyally accepted the invitation—the command—of His Majesty." Mr. Redmond stated that he acknowledged no responsibility for the Conference. He and Mr. Dillon had received a command to attend, and had not, of course, resisted it. Mr. Ginnell ejaculated some furious words about a conspiracy against the House headed by the King. After Mr. Asquith's statement the Labour Party met and unanimously passed a protest against the Conference as an "undue interference on the part of the Crown."
