The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-11-03
Statesman Is Given Ovation When He Rises to Speak. Reviews England's Part in the War
SERIOUS FINANCIAL SITUATION EXISTS
 IN BRITISH EMPIRE
Accepts Full Blame for Un- successful Campaign at
 Dardanelles, But Claims
 Experts Supported Move

London. November 2.-Premier As- quith made his long-expected address on the war in the House of Commons today, his survey, which was both retrospective and prospective, being as full as military exigencies seemed to permit. The notable interest in his statement was shown by the crowded house. all the diplomatic, peers and visitors galleries being filled to over- flowing.
 The premier was given a warm ova- ton when he rose to speak, this being his first appearance in the House of Commons since his recent illness.
 He opened with an expression of re- gret at the mishap to King George and assured the house that the King was progressing as we'll as could be eu- pected and that his injuries were not serious.
 MT. Asquith said the total casualties in France and Flanders amounted to 3y.,0e3.
 He asserted the Germans had not made net gain of a foot of ground since April.
 Accepts Responsibility fEThe premier accepted his full share of the responsibility for the attack on the DardanelIes which resulted in fail- ure, with the loss of several capital ships. He said this attack was made after full investigation and consulta- i<s.S 1 IA was sanctioned by the government fol- lowing some doubts in the mind of the goyernment's pripcipaI raval advisor.
 ReviAwing the work of British sub- diiarinss in the Turkish campaign, the premier said that in the Sea of Mar mora they had sunk or damaged two battleships, five gunboats. one torpedo boat, eight transports and 197 supply ships.
 MT. Asquith said there was full agreement between Great Britain and France to maintain the independence of Servia "and not let her become the prey of the sinister and nefarious con- bination of Germany, Austria and Bull garia."
 The premier asserted the financial situation of Great Britain was serious and that the nation must be prepared to make far greater sacrifices than it had yet done to enable it to sustain the burden imposed by the war.
 Premier Asquith said he strongly be- lieved the recruiting plan of the Earl of Derby would succeed and that com pulsory enlistment would be unneces- sary.
 Speech Delayed
 Premier Asquith prefaced his re- marks concerning the war by saying his statement had been delayed by circumstances over which he had no control, but the delay had the ad- vantage of enabling him to receive warnings and counsels from every quarter.
 He would disappoint many expecta- tions, he continued, not the least the expectation of those who thought he ought to appear as a criminal, or a penitent in a white sheet. However, he did not propose to adopt either atti- tude. He intended to describe as far as possible the actual prospective po- sition to the nation, which Is as de- termined today as 1t has ever been to prosecute the war to a successful con clusion, and which trusts the govern use every means to the attainment of that purpose" he continued
 Tt is true today that some parts of the horizon are overcast" he con tinued. 'It has been like other wars. fruitful of surprises and fraught with disappointments. The moment calls for three things: A proper sense of perspective. an increased stock of pa tience. and oyerflowing reservoirs of limitless courage, both active and pass ive.'
 MT Asquith referred to 'the small coterie of professional whimpersnap. pets,pq which Kept our enemies sup piled daily with diet of falsehoods.
 Had Nothing to Conceal
 The government, he said, had no inter- est in concealing anything subject to the one overpowering consideration that it's disclosure would not assist Great Brit aims enemies.
 "So, how do we stan dtoday?" asked the premier. "In August of last year we were prepared to send abroad six infan- try and two cavalry divisions Tn the operations described by Field Marshall French in his last dispatch he had un- der his command not far short of 1,0O0,- co men. To these must be added the troops at the Dardanelles, in Egypt. and in ither theatres of war. as we'll as our garrisohs and troops in reserve.
 How has this gigantic force been got together, by a power which has never as- pired to be military power? First. by the manhood of the United Kingdom. Tn the last 16 months we rhave recruited MT. Asqlith hesitated then remarked:
 I don't like to give tho exact figure of men"
 The contribution of India was splen- did," he continued. sCanada contributed s60Oo officers and men: Australia 92.OOO, New Zealand 25OO0, South Africa after a brilliant campaign subduing the Germans, sent 6600 and Newfoundland 16lO Ceylon. Fill and other parts of the empire all sent contingents.
 unitb in the field"
 Turning to the work of tue navy in transporting troops. the premier aaid z,5o0ooo Of officers and mon had been easried in addition to s0s@o sick and
 SCsataassa .. reg N,1s,