New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-03-27

ment' will dwarf all other issues at the
election. come when it may.
1t is expected that the government
will take advantage of the occasion to
develop its plans for the democratiza-
ton Of the army. The Liberal party
has taken far too little interest in the
army in the past. and * it chooses can
now win the country to a scheme for
genuinely democratic army. in which
the commissioned ranks would be
thrown freely open to talent.
Sir Edward Grey may have been pro
phetic when he said In the House that
General Cough could not have realized
the fire he was kindling.
To Appeal to the Country.
The Unionist view is that the Cabi-
net has decided 70 take the verdict OF
the country with the least possible de
Law. which would mean late in May or
early in June. The Liberal wirepullers
have assured the chief Liberal whip
that the cry Of the army against the
people" will prove a winning card and
the main difficulty will be to take the
views Of the voters While the question
is even comparatively warm.
As matters stand, however. the Cabi-
net is we'll forward with the national
finance programme. and after the close
OF this month II Win virtually be free
to devote Itself in Parliament 20 speed
ing up business with an eye on quick
general election. No attempt would be
made TO proceed with the Plural Vot-
ing bill. but the Home Rule and the
Welsh Disestablishment measures will
he forced through the Commons under
q strict time schedule.
II is understood that the Cabinet will
also send 70 the Lords its suggestions
for a limited county option in Ulster,
with the hope that this Will prove an
embarrassment
WhirIwnd Campaign Foreshadowed.
In any case. the entire energies Of the
government after the close Of the FIN
ancial year will he devoted 10 thrust
ing the two available Parliament Act
bills al The lords and initiating in the
country a Uhirlwind campaign based
upon the assertion that the army. like
the House Of Lords. is a tool in Union
list hands for the destruction and con
fusion Of the aims of the general popu-
lation.
Both the Nationalist and Labor
leaders have assented to this step Mr.
Redmond is 10 get his bill and Mr.
Ramsay Macdonald will be provided
with his election cry, a cry which will
undoubtedly rally the disaffected forces
OF socialism in the country to his com
mand. Indeed. there is good ground for
saving that the meeting between the
Chancellor OF the Exchequer and the
leader OF the Labor party at breakfast
Yesterday was concerned with the set
Ting Of the details of this new move
ment. Every effort will be made tt
avoid three cOrnered contests in shaky
seats. and there may even be a com
plete compact. between Liberalism ant
Labor as 10 candidates and constitu-
encies.
In any event the election. when Il
does come. Will he Of worldly wide inter
est. II viii not only decide the fate
OF Ireland and the future organization
and control OF the British army, but 4
is bound TO have considerable influence
on the position Of the English throne
The two front benches-Liberal anC
Vnionist-wir no doubt tacitly agree e
make no reference in the campaign e
the action Of his majesty. but the La
horites. with such cards In their hands
may be relied upon 10 play the King
They. Of course. consider il thei
strongest trump.
Situation Extremely Grave.
This is the situation Premier Asquitt
has 10 face, and Il is one OF far mor'
importance than any mere desire u
retain power for the Liberals or ever
10 pass the Home Rule bill. In fac
the Opposition. while playing for tn
defeat of the governments Home Rui'
scheme. has brought about situation
which II is quite possible will result il
the total destruction OF all Of their mos
cherished ideals
I'm the present state Of affairs any
thing Is possible. and though the Op
position believes or processes 10 be
lieyc that the safety Of the country lie
only in the overthrow Of the govern
ment. In truth. everything depends OF
how Premier Asquith handles the crisis
for whether the government falls o.
retains power II is the temper OF tn
people which will count I'm the end. Th'
outcome depends largely almost wholly
on Mr. Asquith.
Sir John French Demands
That Colonel Seely Resign
London. March 20. According To thu
80, tn-davfs conference "a