New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-29


sion policy, so the alien English ideas
may be expected TO have a similar ef-
feet on Parliament and the nation.
Hence, little is now heard of the like
lihood of an appeal to the country by
q general election, which could only
come about by successful obstructive
tactics in the House Of Commons.
Sensational reports Of the Cabinet
situation aroused such an unusual pub
lie interest in yesterdays meeting that
the police were forced repeatedly 20
clear Downing Street OF the crowds.
The meeting lasted Two and half
hours.
Press Again Divided.
The press has again divided into two
groups, for" and against" the gov
eminent The latter group insists that
the Cabinet is hopelessly divided and
must surely split on the situation ere
ated by the results OF the Derby
scheme, while the former group de-
cares that the alleged crisis is largely
the product Of excited agitation led by
the Northcliffe press, and that such
differences as exist ia the Cabinet are
still capable Of being merged INTO a
common policy, if the task is not made
impossible by outside agltators.
The truth probably lies somewhere
In the middle ground between thes.
two views. Il is admitted that DIM
culties have arisen in connection with
the Derby figures that in certain
tarts Of the country single men have
not enrolled in such numbers al would
warrant an impartial tribunal ~ de-
claring that only a negligible percent
age remain outside. The Cabinet as a
whole accepts this fact.
Premier Asduith's pledge as stated
specifically in an open letter 20 Earl
Derby, stands good, and the Cabinet is
agreed that IL must be fulfilled IN
letter and spirit, for the government
knows full we'll that N" Premier's un-
eouivocal pledge TO the married men
was the sole reason for the wholesale
response of the married men.
There is considerable body Of
opinion which believes that the time
has not yet arrived 70 go 10 the OK
IRENE length Of putting wholesale
compulsion into effect. This opinion
feels that some Intermediate step is
yet possible, that the Derby scheme
has only fallen slightly short and that
perhaps a recanyass or another appeal
might bring in a considerable part of
the unmarried slackers.
The Manchester Guardian" asserts
that Lord Derby's canvass was done so
hurriedly that at least 100000 unmar-
ried men were never invited 10 enroll.
Moreover, il is maintained that there
is necessarily enormous difficulty in
analyzing the Derby figures, and a
considerable portion Of the slow-moy-
ing English public opinion revolts at
jumping hastily al conclusions which
would mean change IN the organic
law of the country.
Supporters Of the voluntary system
are emphatic in declining 10 abandon
il until some means have been taken
to insure that the Derby scheme can
not be made success.
in view Of Premier Asouith's recent
announcement that a general election
in the present circumstances would be
a national calamity, no one except
those battling expressly for or against
compulsory service with any weapon
that comes handy gives credence TO the
suggestion that any reponderating
section Of the Cabinet will support
such a solution while fully one-third
of the voters Of the country are in the
fighting line.
The appointment Of successor TO
Baron Hsrdinge, Niceroy of India, is
expected at an early date, and IL the
rumors that a member of the Cabinet
will be selected TO ill the post be
correct. that would lead 10 a resrrange-
ment of the existing Offices.