The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-12-30
ASQUITH SURE
CONSUMPTION
BILLWILLPASS
Ireland Will Be Excluded
to Avert Opposition of
NatiOnalists.
EVEN BALFOUR AND
KITCHENER YIELDED
Special Cabie Despatch TO Tar srs.


| LONDON, Dec. 29.--The Cabinet at
yesterdays meeting definitely decided on
the principle of compulsory service for
single and married men who have not
been attested under Lord Derby's group
| system. according to excellent informa-
dent to-day.
The following explanation OF the Cab
inet situation will appear in the news
papers of London tomorrow morning:
1T had been generally expected that
Premier Asquith's pledge to married men
would be carried out in letter and
spirit. but the view was held In some
quarters thnt a further chance for sing,
men to enroll would not he inconsistent
with the fulflment OF that pledge.
THE Premier himself rejected this
Interpretation Of his words and Informed
the Cabinet that resor' TO compulsion
was called for. in his opinion. not only
TO carry through an honorable obilga-
ton. but ako II was needed In the
present STATE Of the war TO provide "A
steady flow OF re.nforcemcnts for the
various battle fronts.
''On the question Of compulsory ser-
vice Tor single men, with delegations to
later groups of mcU engaged Ia reserved
occupl sons. there is no difference In
principle within the Cabinet. Until the
details ot the procedure are definitely
settled there Is no expectation os per
sonal changes IN the administration.
1T H. recognized, however, that TO
pass at the present stage from the we'll
defined case of single men and 20 set up
"A Nt,I IN
on the part Of the adult population
would Introduce difficulties
In Il matter which touches so many
ingrained preJuuices. the Governmen:
may be expected to move wsrily. The
Minister'S must te prepared for some op-
position Ia their proposals, however hm-
tied In form
Sure of Majority.
1T Is undoubted that the Govern
msnt will carry majority Of the
House OF Commons with them for auv
reasonable scheme. and anything Ike
organized obstruction e unthnka Bile.
For the smooth passage OF the bill It liz
possible the measure will not Apply to
ireland.
THE case of Ireland Is exceptional,
since registration there has only been
carried out IN partial manner and
there has been no attestatlon there un-
der the Derby group system
The Cabinet will do its utmost to
meet all objections and secure "A measure
OF general agreement. which the Premier
declares essential"
The Government is certain TO carry
the bill IN Parliament by n coalition OF
Cnionists and n majority of the Liberals
The Labor party will be split, with
majority against compulsion but tho
number Will be insufficient TO endangcr
the success NJ the bill.
II Is believed the opposition cannot
muster more than iio votes out OF full
house of go members.
TIL" Cabinet meeting originally ar
ranged for tO-morroy has been post
poned until Friday. Meanwhile a small
committee has been depu;ed to complete
on behalf OF the Cabinet a full analysis
OF Lord Derhys report, which must be
presented TO Parliament next week.
II should be clearly understood that
the majority OF the Cabinet which sup
ported Premier Asquith included a far
stronger proportion OF the total men,
bei ship than was included in tho con-
scriptlon'sts, II was not limited to men
like Lloyd George Lord Curzon. Lord
Seihorne and Austen Chamber rlain, who
have long favored compulsion, but in
cluded. for instance. Arthur Balfour.
whose prediction for the voluntary
system is well known.
The group which supported Premier
Asquth also included Earl Kitchener
whose views on the subject had never
been defined In public and Arthur Hen.
derson. who must not only he reckoned
whole hearted supporter OF the vol
untary system. but has special difficult
ties as representative in the Cabinet
OF the Labor Party.
MckenUn SIM Opposed.
The future action Of Reginald Me-
kenna. Chancellor of the Exchequ,r and
Walter Runciman. president of the board .
or trade. who objected 10 conpulsion on I
various grounds is still unde;er- /
mined between perfectly sincere de- |
sire to support the Premier and an |
equally sincere belief In their own views |
Mr.. Mckenna, II Is understood bases |,
his opposition partly on a personal |
doubt as 20 the size Of military forces |
required of Great Britain IN order to !
win the war, and partly on financial |
commitments both tn this country and |
loans 10 the Allies
Mr. Runciman Is concerned over main. |
tanning the volume OF trade which he re-. /
CARDS ms an Indispensable factor in war
equipment. Those who think with Mr.. /
Runcinnn and Mr.. Mckenna believe !
'ltN pppoSltlon 10 he iFFes)ncll3Dle and :
that II will result In resignation.
Must join or Hear stigma.
The method by which comrulslon Is To
be applied has not been decided. hut
the following scheme Is under considera-
ton. Directly the Government decides
to embody the attested men in any
group day will be fixed for those men
to present themselves at military
depot Until that day every unattested
bachelor Of &c may volunteer for the
army II he does and is accepted as
such he will avoid the stigma of opn-
pulsOn. II he does not volunteer the
day after the group Is embodied he viii!
be- forced into the army.
II Is not intended that there shall
be any exceptions among members of
Parliament or public officials in the inner
circle who are of military age All will
have to he volunteers or they will be
compelled to enter the service. Mar
riagcs contracted since August If will
no enable the contracting males to avoid
military service.
Labor Party 10 Meet.
Representatives OF the Labor party
will meet soon In conference to consider
the decision of the Cabinet In regard TO
service. The question IL BE-