New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-25
THE SHAM
The British Ministry Defended from
the Charge of Slackness.
Ia Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: II appears to be correct form for
correspondents to introduce themselves with
a confession Of faith | might say that when
first arrived in America. some twenty-five
wears ago. made a study Of the New York
daily papers ard selected The Tribune. /
have never changed. and I have never re-
GREETED my selection. II is inevitable that
tho views Of readers cannot always fall IN
with any one paper. Any man who cannot
occasionally fail out with his newspaper and
20 on reading II must be very narrow.
did not agree with your conclusions "a to
the motives Of the President in his dealings
with Germany, and | DO not agree with the
manner in which you make use Of conditions
in Great Britain and of the inevitable short
comings of its democratic government for
he purpose Of stirring up this nation.
Your editorial, "The SHAM" is certainly
masterpiece-a masterpiece in the way OF
twisting evidence for presentation TO the
Jury Recent articles OF yours have claimed.
or shall we say proved, that the President
was influenced by political considerations IN
his dealings with Germany. Are We to be
ieve that editors are equally human, and
that they. likewise, are Influenced by polit-
cal considerations in dealing editorially with
current conditions?
To any newspaper reader. aware Of the
main facts, your article, from first to last.
discloses its intent and purpose. BY a strain
ing Of facts you endeavor to point moral
for the benefit Of this country and 10 pro
mote attack on the policy Of its government.
Surely you have grounds enough for the de-
sired attack and for criticisms Of the British
Ministry without discounting the value Of
your arguments by your manner Of referring
TO the facts and conditions. without going
item by item through your points, we may
AXE the main question of the preparedness
Of Great Britain. This has been worn thread
bare. and am surprised at your taking the
stand you now do. For such share in de-
fence, in the event Of a European conhagra-
ton, as was foreseen when the two great
military nations, France and Russia, entered
into the understanding with the naval power.
Great Britain, the government Of Great
Britain was fully prepared to the last detail.
think that | could refute from your own
led to the mobilization of the British feet.
That fleet has accomplished its full purpose
to a degree almost unbelievable and, GER
tanly, not foreseen. Mistakes have been
made in some respects, but the fact remains
that the German flag has been swept from
the waters. and all Of the Allies are at pres
cnt reapine the full benefits from this.
As to the army. is there any evidence in
view indicating that the Allies. France and
Russia, ever suggested or expected the ere
alton of a large army in England? | hold
no brief for the present and recent British
ministries SO far as | have retained any
political feelings in regard TO politics in the
old country. they are distinctly against the
party represented by the government in
power at the outbreak Of the war. Nobody
can feel greater respect for the late Lord
Roberts than those Of British birth who have
settled under other flags, but one must not
forget that he was. professionally, military
man. and his teachings. leading England
away from absolute and final reliance on her
first line Of defence were teachings Of weak
ness. Events have proved that her first line
Of defence was all it should have been, and
events have proved that the territorial army,
of which Lord Roberts once spoke very
slghtngly IN the House OF Lords, - ana
has been of great value in building up the
new armies Whatever criticisms may be
made Of Lord Haldane, one must always re-
member. to his credit, that this territorial
army existed as a result of his labors. Ny
contention is that, so far as Great Britain
vas expected to contribute TO the defence
of Europe. she was prepared, and measured
up to all fair and reasonable expectations.
BRITISH BIRTH.
New York, Oct %, 1915.