THE
ENGLISH-SPEAKING WORLD.
BY EVELYN WRENCIL
ACURIOUS situation has arisen in Newfoundland. The recent scandals which wt-e referred to in the Spectator at the time are responsible fbr the kaleido- scopic changes which have taken place. It will be recalled that the court of inquiry set up by the Warren Government found the charges proved against Sir Richard Squires, the ex-Prime Minister, of obtaining a sum- of over £4,000 from the funds of the Liquor Control Department. Also, according to the report„ he accepted " timely financial assistance " to the extent of nearly £9,000 from the Dominion Steel Company. Mr. Campbell, the Minister for Agriculture, and others, were also found guilty on various counts. On the opening of the Legis- lature last week, Sir Richard Squires, Mr. Campbell and others were arrested by the Warren Government on various charges of larceny. The sequel occurred when the Warren Government was defeated in a " want of confidence " debate by 16 votes to 15. In the mean- time Sir Richard Squires was admitted to bail. As a result of the Government's defeat,. the Governor, Sir William Allardyce, accepting the advice of the Prime Minister, Mr. Warren, granted a dissolution, and a General Election will take place in four or five weeks. Mean- while a combination between Mr. Warren and Mr. Higgins (Leader of the Opposition) against. Sir R. Squires has been effected. It is to be hoped. that the new Government will leave no stone unturned to clear Newfoundland's good name. The events of the past few weeks show how urgent was the need for this washing of dirty linen in public.
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