Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-05-21
The Triumph of Democracy

"
the Cabinet crisis in England that cannot
escape attention. 1t is represented in the
criticism that is eveled at Kitchener the
autocrat, and the universal turning to Lloyd
George the democrat and radical. 1t is the
failure Of autocracy, the triumph Of the demo-
cratic ideal.
However autocracy may succeed in other
environments, England obviously has passed
beyond that stage of development. However
perfect in war theory, however promising in
assuring efficiency. autocracy, when put to
the test. simply did not work 1t fits we'll
seemingly, the German genius and 1t is all
the Russian has known. but the Englishman
is temperamentally and historically inca pabe
Of its patient endurance.
In the British War Office it has had a fair
trial. Kitchener, before he accepted the
post demanded and received an absolutely
free hand He was to take what measures he
would. at home well as in the field to
prosecute the war to successful conclusion
The great minds OF the Liberal ministry
AsQuith Lloyd George. Grey-bent them
selves 10 his decision and supported his
policy.
The nation, too. accepted the situation. 1t
Srowlcd and was restless under the iron
domination Of the military martinez, that de-
handed unquestoning confidence as we'll as
unqucstioning obedience but as well as
character permitted, il gave what was asked
The uncomfortable folly of the censorship
was constant irritation, but il was endured
The trouble with workmen sprang largely
from the fact that they werc not taken into
the governments confidence. The pail Of
secrecy brooded over everything.
Quite evidently Ntchcner's star has set
The problem now is TO end way of shelving
him i'll keeping with his high character, great
attainments and DISTINGUISHED services to the
empire. Shelved, however, he will be- If
lie is retained at the head of the War Office.
no
thority save over tho troops in the field.
Perhaps he will be sent to India as Viceroy
or become cOmmander-in-ch Of the forces.
In either case, II seems reasonably assured
that Lloyd George will be made the actual
administrator Of the War Offices civil func-
tons. lie will provide the enormous stores
OF munitions which spell victory and the lack
Of which spells defeat. His popularity with
the masses of the people will be Ca pita lized
his capacity for organization, grasp OF large
questions and tremendous force and energy
will he devoted to the solution OF that eyigent
problem Of supplies with which Britains very
safety is cntwined.
In Tory households before the war began
Lloyd George the modern substitute for
Satan. He was the partys Official bugaboo
used to brighten rebollious children off TO
bed. The Tory press could not think of him
without shlYer OF revulson, nor name him
without prefix Of uncomplimentary adiec-
uvcs. The war has changed all that. The
Pail Mall Gazette halls him now as the ono
man who can do the work on which victory
depends" 1t declares he "has shown consid-
crateness loyalty, ma Suanimity-e everything
that makes him splendid as comrade and
lovabc as n man. These be strange words
60 come from the Pail Mall Gazette At
other seasons they would have all the char
actcristics of miracle.
The sum Of it all is that England must
light. if She is TO fight her best in her own
way. That is the democratic way. Oligar-
chy and oligal chy's ways chill the fine pas
sion Of patriotism in the breasts of her sons
They arc burden on her shoulders. a stumb-
ling block before her feet. a bandage over her
eyes Now she is to be set free