New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-18

H.
Of allied efforts in the BGlkdns, Lon
don has been asking, "Whdt IS
AROMA toith orr diplomacy" The
foHoicing article is an attempt to
answer the question. The ioriter,
Joseph King, is one Of the most IN
fluential members Of the House Of
Commons.
BY JOSEPH KING. NJ. p.
The popular opinion about the war IN
England has run through several
phases. First, it was men that were
wanted. and the rush OF voluntary re-
cruits to the colors led people to
saw. When these fellows are trained
then we shall begin to win" Next
there was a great cry for munitions:
"If we only had an unlimited supply OF
shells, then our victory would be near.
Third stage, q cry for money: IF we
can only submit to undreamt of taxes,
raise record loans, supply our allies
with millions weekly, then victory il
sure" Men. munitions, money are
really incapable of attaining victory
without mind. This is the thought
, about the war, which is just beginning.
This is a great world-war between
two great combinations of states. 1t
cannot be speedily concluded by a
single victory or campaign either on
land or sea. The forces employed are
too widespread, varied and compli-
Gated To make the war march stead
lily forward toward . great decision
requires not only great generalship for
each army in the field, but real states
manship also. with grasp and control
on the part Of some central directing
mind or minds. This is only the state
ment Of the accepted axiom of the
science of war. that war and policy 90
together. In events like those Of this
great war no policy Is sound that Is
lot N harmony with the military
events. and no military campaign can
be successful that does not accord with
the political facts.
War and policy march together
The openings Of the war saw the best
illustration Of this truth; Germany's
violation Of Belgian neutrality was
worse than a crime; II was a huge
blunder BY that mistaken act OF pol
lev Germany at once ranged Great
britain actively against her. raised the
suspicion and distrust OF the smaller
nationalities, made the United States
OF America overwhelmingly against
her at least in sentiment; and after
all Germany did not gain the end Of
that policy. the investment OF Paris
and he capture of the ports of North
ern France.
English Statesmen Supreme.
il is important to remember that
when the war began Great Britain was
ruled By a Liberal Cabinet. which con-
tanned three men Of commanding repu-
tation. Mr.. Asquith, Sir Edward Grey
and Mr.. Lloyd George had been in
Office together for nearly nine years;
their influence and authority were ex-
ceptional. In France governments
were coming and going. and, though
the brothers Cambon were the fore
most diplomatists in Europe, yet what
/ statesman could France bring 20 com
pare, from among all her orators.
writer's and pariiamentarians, with the
British triumvirate of Asquith. Grey
and Lloyd George?
Compare British craftsmanship with
the Russian leaders. and the contrast
is still more striking. One recalls the
names Of Pleave and Stolypin. who
have passed away, but the Russian
officials have been bureaucratic Off
cials, and the grasp, wide outlook
and reputation for large ideas. which
such a crisis demanded, were lacking.
The story Of the Grand Duke Nicho-
las strongly illustrates this fact. At
the wars outset this uncle of the Gar
was made -eneTalissimo of the huge
Russian forces. For months he was
maintained by circumstances and the
laudatious of an ill-informed press in
the reputation OF being a great gem
eral. And vet. because he embodied
antagonism 20 the policy for which
the Russian nation stood, the grand
duke was withdrawn from his high
command at the critical moment Of his
countrv's fortunes and relegated 20 the
command OF the frosty Caucasus. A
good soldier IL not necessarily a great
general. and to-day policy must march
hand IN hand with military power.
This leads TO the question whether
the Allies. with their commanding
statesmen in Great Britain. and the
great intellectual forces which France
in politics. as in other spheres. can al
ways show. have yet brought 10 bear on
the war that strong, clear and conscious
policy which is absolutely necessa: y
for success.
Britain Has Not Taken Lead.