New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-29
Premier to Outline
Measure to House
Next Week.
RESERVATIONS
MAY BE RESULT
Strong Influences To Be
EXerted to Prevent
Fall of Cabinet.

London. Dec. 29.-Yesterday's
Cabinet meeting, although it failed
to secure an agreement of all the
ministers on the vexed question of
the voluntary system versus con-
scription, was of very critical and
decisive character, and virtually
reached the decision that the appli-
cation of force may become neces-
sary before all eligible single men
are brought to the colors.
1t was resolved, therefore, that at
the earliest opportunity bill should
be introduced in Parliament that the
government might have the neces-
sary power, should it be found that
no other course was effective to this
end.
Premier Asquith is expected to
make a statement on the whole ques-
ton i'm the House or Commons on
Wednesday or Thursday of next
week and announce the speedy intro
udction of a bill of a permissive
character, making service in the
army obligatory Oh unmarried men
who have failed to attest under the
Derby scheme.
The anti-conscriptionist ministers
offered strong opposition, and 1t is
still unknown whether any resigna-
tions will follow.
Line of Policy Adopted.
The line Of policy on which a major
itv of the ministers agree-indicating
that some, at least, of the anti-eon-
scriptionist section OF the Cabinet so
far waived their principle as to consent
10 a modified application of Iorce-is
as follows:
First. that the Premier's pledge 20
married men is binding on the whole
government.
Second, that the pledge should be
redeemed forthwith.
Third. that the principle Of com
pulsion should be accepted.
Fourth, that the Premier should
announce this policy at the earliest
opportunity after the reassembling
of Parliament.
II is believed that the actual formal
resolution on the new policy has been
postponed until another meeting Of the
Cabinet, on Thursday, and that in the
short interval Mr.. Asquith will be en-
ployed in asserting the strongest in
huences to avert disruption of his Cabi-
net. It is still quite possible that a
crisis may be avoided.
Reginald McKenna, Chancellor Of the
Excheauer; Walter Runciman, Presi-
dent of the Board OF Trade, and the
Labor Minister, Arthur Henderson, are
regarded as the most likely to resign.
Other known opponents Of compuisIon
are Louis Harcourt, Sir John A. Simon,
Thomas McKinnon Wood and Sir Stan
lev 0. Buckmaster. The fact that Pre-
mier Asquith has been able to make
the momentous announcement that, Ill
/ his opinion, the time had arrived Wnen
steps should be taken 10 prepare TO-
conscription. however. must have nad
! such a great effect on the most de-
/ termined Of the supporters OF the VOL
untary plan that it is believed there
will be, at the most, only Few reslg-
/ nations. -,
In the House OF Commons the bill
is almost certain 20 meet declded
opposition from the Irish and Labor
members. The Irish opposition Is so
passionate that there are even rumors
! that ireland will be deliberately ex-
/ cluded from the operations OF the con-
templated bill. The Labor party, while
distinctly anti ti-conscriptionist, so Tar
/ has not actually bound its representa-
tiyes in Parliament and IN the Cabinet
on the question, and, although Arthur
Henderson and two other Labor min-
/ ieters-William Brace and George koD,
erts-regard themselves as committed
definitely TO the voluntary policy, the
attitude of the party may undergo
modification in view OF the opinion
that the Premier is supporting the
military authorities and that the cir
cumstances make compulsion urgent. -.
Much will depend on the effect or
the Premier's exposition of the situa-
ton and the revelation of Lord Derby'.s
recruiting figures next week, until
when no designations are likely to be
presented.
II is understood that all proposals to
give the Derby scheme another trial
for a fortnight were firmly opposed By
! Lord Derby on the ground that il would
only postpone, not solve, the problem.
I'm this view Lord Derby was supported
{ by the Premier. Moreover, information
has been given TO the Cabinet at It's
/ last two meetings that single men fail
I ing TO respond in sufficient numbers had
much 10 do with what must be regarded
as the conversion Of the Cabinet to the
compulsory policy.
The same reasons induced the acqui-
! Csntintsd on page 7. column