The Coalition Ministry

MOST people in England must now be enthusiastic over Mr Asquith’s announcement about the formation of a Coalition Ministry. Taken literally, the sacrifices which each party makes for the sake of better carrying on of the present war command unsuited admiration. But the fact cannot be gainsaid that coalition has seldom proved permanent or satisfactory; and no one need be surprised at the withdrawal of Ministers like Lord Haldane, Mr Birrell, Mr Barcourt and Lord Lucas. The report that Mr Churchill will be leaving the Admiralty is also a significant one. It is, of course, premature to comment upon report now available. This much may be said, viz., that a cabinet which includes Mr Lloyd George and Mr Austen Chamberlain, and Mr Henderson and Mr FE Smith forcibly reminds one of the Coalition Ministry which brought together two such antagonists like Mr Fox and Lord North.