The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-08-17
Manoeuvres Recently
Show England Is Far
From Invulnerable.
COULD BE INVADED
BY HOSTILE AR M Y
Unbiased Comments by French
and German Experts Create
Very Strong Impression, and
Churchill Is Expected to
Make Early Announcement
to Allay Uneasiness.
ny PHILLIP EVERETT.

London, August ls-Ever since the
II has been rumored that to the cx-
pert the events OF the mimic showed
beyond any doubt that this country
was most sure TO be defeated and IN
vaded by hostile army should 1t
happen to get involved In a war with
1t wae asserted that the manoeuvres
were suddenly and permanently stopped
by Mr.. Churchill. because he feared their
continuation would supply the op-
position with two powerful arguments
IN favor OF a stronger navy than LLOYD
George is able or willing to raise the
money for.
At arst II was thought however,
that these assertions were of the usual
kind. made simply 10 create political
capital for the opposition. bdt the un-
biased comments made by French and
German naval experts left no doubt
that the manoeuvres had really con-
veyod the impression that this coun-
try Is very far from being invulner-
able. and that an attack By A suflci-
entity strong and daring feet would
have quite a chance OF being success
full.
These foreign articles have created
a very strong impression in England.
and it is expected that Mr.. Churchill
will be forced to make some early an
nouncemen, to allay the general feel
ings Of uneas!ness.
AT a time when the faith OF the peo-
pie OF England In the efficiency Of their
navy TO protect the country has been
shaken Il is source of some conso-
lation TO know that Germany also is
counting on the possibility Of defeat
at the hands of the British navy.
The proof that ouch possibility is
taken into consideration is TO be found
in the fact that there has just been
formed with headquarters At Regen-
burg. In Bavaria. steamship com
pany the object of which is to estab-
lish means OF communication By wa
ter between Germany and the Black
T, Sea TO enable Germany 10 tap the Rus
sian and Roumanian grain and oil
iieids in case OF a war. when the Med :
iterranean traffic will be under British
control.
Since the cession in 1911 Of the South
German Company 10 the Austrian gov
eminent, Germany has lost all interest
in the development OF the traffic on
the Danube. and in view of the great
Importance Germany attaches to the
Balkan states and southern Russia. the
establishment of the new company has
caused general satisfaction
The company has a capital OF $780,
600. OF which a large portion has been
taken by a leading German petroleum
group.
The question OF how to meet the
clamor of people made nervous by
political agitators dreadful pictures OF
war and inevitable defeat. for increased
ornaments may prove TO be a rock on
which the present Liberal government
may be wrecked.
very prominent Liberal politician.
who is q friend and warm admirer of
Mr.. Asqaith. wrote the other day:
The future. OF course. is doubtful.
Armaments and the dislocation OF our
| finance which they involve may still
wreck English Liberalism. but in for
eign policy there has been change
for the better which has been reached
not one moment too SOON
As regards other political questions.
he says:
The Liberal party shrinks with in
reform of the House. OF Lords and il
! Is beginning to be aware of the i'm :
inense Importance OF the problem of
devolution, and OF its bearing on Irish
home rule and IN the question OF the
House OF Lords. But il is content TO
!, have at the head of affairs a man OF
cool Judgment; just as the Cabinet has
1 . ~AN'' - 'i'' ios avg Soou
| temper, easy and shrewd tolerance. and
ready grasp of the immense complica-
ton of modern political business. which
are Mr. Asquith's distinctive and most
useful qualities. Toryism makes a
tremendous splash. and its efforts to
get back 10 power on any terms. and
with any or no policy, are not wanting
in vigor. In direction they have good
deal TO seek, and the intellectual quality
or the leadership in the Commons has
I hardly improved since Mr. Balfour re-
/ linqutshed 1t and withdrew from Its
councils. Thus far the party remains
united, and inside the House at leas,
the coalition seems to tighten it's bonds
whereas many observers predicted a
| looseninS, or even a dissolution OF
| them"