New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-19
KITCHENER ASKS
FOR NEW ARMY
OF 100000 MEN
Those Producing War
Material, He Says, Are
Not Appealed To.
LOYAL RESPONSE
IS FORESHADOWED
Secretary for War Announces
Reprisals in Kind for Use of
AsphyXiating Gases.

London. May Is. In the House OF
Lords to-day Earl Kitchener. Secretary
Of State for Var. said he wanted 30O,-
900 more men. He expressed his conf
dence tina. in the very near future the
country would be in a satisfactory posi-
ton with regard to the supply OF am
munition.
IL said would let the country know, -
nc said. when more men were wanted
for the war. The time has come. and I
nov call for 100000 men TO form new
armies. Those who are engaged in the
production Of war material Of any kind
should not leave their work. It is 10
men who are not performing this duty
that appeal. and am convinced the
manhood OF England still available will
Loyalty respond.
"In my first speech as minister in
your lordships' House pointed on; that
this war would be a long one and would
demand great sacrifices. Those sacri-
fees have been cheerfully made by the
people Of this country, who not only re-
sponded in vast numbers to the sum
mons to create the new armies re-
ouired, but who have since continuously
supplied "a constant stream Of recruits
which has enabled us TO maintain the
forces in the field and in training at
their full strength and with effective
men"
The War Secretary then gave a gen
eral review of the situation in the war
zone before the House of Lords ad-
journed for the Whitsuntide holidays.
Speaking Of the British offensive. he
laid the action at Neuve Chapelle was
fought with great gallantry, which en-
abled us 20 occupy positions Of con-
siderable military importance pre-
viously held by the enemy"
Speaking of the German attack on the
allied front near Ypres, Lord Kitchener
said:
I'm this attack the enemy employed
vast quantities OF poisonous gases. and
our soldiers and our French allies were
utterly unprepared for this diabolcal
method Of attack. which undoubtedly
had been long and carefully prepared.
The Germans have persisted in the use
of these asphyxiating gases whenever
wind favored or other opportunlt" oc-
CURED, srd his maiesty's government.
no less ihan the French government. feel
that our troops must be adequately
protected by the employment Of similar
methods so as 10 remove the enormous
and Lniustihable disadvantage which
must exist FOR them II we take no Steps
10 NEE, on his own ground the enemy
who is responsible for the introduc-
tion of This pcrnicious practice"
The Secretary spoke Of the gallantry
OF the Canadian division, which de-
Tended its podi:ions .enaciously. not
withstanding the poisonous fumes.
This was an ordeal 10 try the quail
ties Of the finest army in the world
he said. "and all the more credit is due
the soldiers OF Canada. who. unpre-
pared for such an attack and exposed
10 a whitening fire, reluctantly and with
perfect steadineSs withdrew their left
flank 70 confirm 20 the newer align
ment OF the Allies position"
Referring 10 the offensive movements
nov in progress in La BGss6e and the
Arras region. Lord Kitchener said:
"The attacks delivered By our forces
AT first were not attended with immedi
ate success, owing 10 the elaborate ar
made By the Germans 10
defend their lines after heir expert
enc, AZ Ncuye Chspelle. but on the night
Of May Is by renewed effort the
British forces drove back the enemy on
q front OF approximately two miles 70:
a cons. dersblc distance. and captured
from 800 20 500 prisoners. This action
also is proceeding. and we hope that
in conformity With the French oper-
atoms II will achieve important results.
These offensive operations aguIns,
the trenches of the enemy have de
handed enormous expenditures in am
both OF our usual type and
also % the highest explosive pattern
hich wc arc now making.
Referring 10 the delay in production
Of ammunition. ne remarked:
~ am confident that in the rery near
future We snail be IN q satisfactory po- .
sition in regard 20 the supply OF these !
shells. ..
an these recent offensive operations. '
he continued. "our losses and those O.
the French have been heary. but the
task armies have accomplished mas
recessitsted great sacrifices. and me
spirit and morale OF our troops nave
rerer beer highc- than at the present