The death of Edward VII, in the spring of 1910, brought George V to the throne.  He came at a critical time.  Mr. Asquith, the Liberal Prime Minister, was then demanding that the veto power of the House of Lords should be limited or practically abolished so that in future the House of Commons should be distinctly recognized as the dominant factor in the government (S631).

In the summer of 1911 Mr. Asquith succeeded in passing his Veto Bill restricting the power of the House of Lords, and making it impossible for that body to resist any measures the Commons should resolutely resolve to carry.  He also passed the Salary Bill, by which members of the House of Commons are paid 400 pounds annually.  Later, in 1911, he passed the Workmen’s Compulsory Insurance Bill against sickness and unemployment.  The worker contributes a small sum weekly, his employer does the same, and the Government gives the rest.  The law applies to many millions of people and it is expected to do great good.

These facts show that while England remains a monarchy in name, it has now become a republic in fact.  A sovereign reigns, but the People rule.  The future is in their hands.

CONSTITUTIONAL DOCUMENTS

Abstract of the Articles of Magna Carta, 1215.

1.  “The Church of England shall be free, and have her whole rights, and her liberties inviolable.”  The freedom of elections of ecclesiastics by the Church is confirmed. 2-8.  Feudal rights guaranteed, and abuses remedied. 9-11.  Treatment of debtorrs alleviated. 12.  “No scutage or aid [except the three customary feudal aids] shall be imposed in our kingdom, unless by the Common Council of the realm."[1] 13.  London, and all towns, to have their ancient liberties. 14.  The King binds himself to summon the Common Council of the realm respecting the assessing of an aid (except as provided in 12) or a scutage.[1] 15, 16.  Guarantee of feudal rights to tenants. 17-19.  Provisions respecting holding certain courts. 20, 21.  Of amercements.  They are to be proportionate to the offence, and imposed according to the oath of honest men in the neighborhood.  No amercement to touch the necessary means of subsistence of a free man, the merchandise of a merchant, or the agricultural tools of a villein; earls and barons to be amerced by their equals. 23-34.  Miscellaneous, minor articles. 35.  Weights and measures to be uniform. 36.  Nothing shall be given or taken, for the future, for the Writ of Inquisition of life or limb, but it shall be freely granted, and not denied.[2] 37, 38.  Provisions respecting land-tenure and trials at law. 39.  “NO FREEMAN SHALL BE TAKEN OR IMPRISONED, OR DISSEIZED, OR OUTLAWED, OR BANISHED, OR ANY WAYS DESTROYED, NOR WILL WE PASS UPON HIM, NOR WILL WE SEND UPON HIM, UNLESS BY THE LAWFUL JUDGMENT OF HIS PEERS, OR BY THE LAW OF THE LAND.” 40.  “WE WILL SELL TO NO MAN, WE WILL NOT DENY TO ANY MAN, EITHER JUSTICE OR RIGHT.” 41,