MR. LLOYD-GEORGE.
[To THE EDITOR OF THU • SPECTATOR."]
Sta,—Your views of the popularity and chances of success of Mr. Lloyd-George in the competition for the Premiership—in case of a regretted vacancy—are generally regarded with growing favour in many quarters. In Wales an influential party is rallying to the selection, and in Ireland in many in- dependent quarters the same opinion prevails. I find in a provincial newspaper of some political importance, the Tuam Herald, the following reference to Mr. Lloyd-George in its current issue :-
"Casting round amongst the Ministers likely or capable of entering the lists in competition with Mr. Asquith in Parlia- mentary and popular favour, we do not wish to make any invidious comparisons, but in our honest opinion we do not see a man who stands deservedly higher in public estimation in this connection than Mr. Lloyd-George. He cannot be accused of a want of active sympathy with Ireland. Consistently and courageously he has been so since the first day he entered Parliament. He is a Welshman, a true Celt, with all the warmth and the genius of the race. He is the most successful administrator in the Cabinet. Gallant little Wales would loyally support him ; and if Ireland threw in her lot with her sister-country, 'backed as he would be by the Labour and democratic sections, who are sure to support him in the competition with Mr. Asquith, we are confident that Mr. George would with such support and following poll the whole Liberal Party, with the possible exception of the Imperialist section. We trust the opportunity may not arise, and that Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman may be spared to continue to guide his great party, as he has so conspicuously done, with such rare tact, talent, and temper," &c.
This exactly and curiously coincides with the Spectator's views on this question, and I know expresses accurately a growing feeling in Ireland on the subject.—I am, Sir, &c.,
A NATIONAL LIBERAL.
[Our correspondent is very greatly mistaken if he thinks that the views he quotes from the Tuam Herald represent "exactly and curiously" the views of the Spectator. The passage, however, is well worth putting on record, and is significant of a movement within certain sections of the Liberal Party. We must add that we did not suggest that Mr. Lloyd-George was competing for the Premiership with Mr. Asquith.—En. Spectator.]
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