The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-01
KING BLAMES DRINK FOR INABILITY TOGET MATERIAL FOR ARMY
English Ruler Expresses Views on Subject In Letter to Lloyd-George-Dras-
 tic Measures Needed

London, March 31.-tS:52 D. ni.)-IJrfik is blamed to large extent by King George for England's inability to obtain neces- sary war materials for the army in the field in a letter sent by the Kings private secretary, Lord Stamfordham, to Chan cellor of the Exchequer Lloyd d-George.
 His majesty feels that nothing but the most vigorous measures will successfully cope with the grave situation now exist ing in our armament factories" the let ter says, and ''if it is deemed advisable, will be prepared to set an example by giving up all alcoholic liquor himself and by issuing orders against it's consump- ton in the, royal households
 The letter says:
 The King thanks you for so promptly letting him have full report of the pro- ceedings at yesterdays meeting of the deputation of employers. His majesty has read it with intense interest, but also with the deep ese concern He feels that nothing but the most vigorous measures will suc- cessfuly cope with the grave situation now existing in our armament factories
 We have before us the statements not merely for the employers. but of the ad- miralty and the war office. which are responsible for munitions of war and for the transport of troops and their food and ammunition. From this evidence it is without doubt largely due to drink that we are unable to secure the output of war material indispensable to meet the requirements of the army in the field and that there has been such serious delay, in consequence, of the necessary endorsements of supplies to aid our gall lant troops at the front
 "A continuance of such state of things must inevitably result in the prolonga- tion of the horrors and burdens of this terrible war.
 T am Instructed to add that. if it be deemed advisable. the King will be pre- pared to set an. example by giving up all alcoholic liquor himself and by issu- ing orders against it's consumption In the royal households so that no difference shall be made so far as his majesty is concerned between the treatment ol the rich and the poor in this question.
 'LORD STAMFORDHAN,
 "The Kings Private Secretary
 The question of drink and it's effect on work considered necessary for the suc- cessful prosecution of the war. over shadows everything else in public interest. The press and the pubic faNor drastic measures most of the newspapers ex- pressing the belief that total prohibit ton is necessary. The government, how ever, has reached no decision, although if MT. Lloyd-George and Lord Kitchener have their way it is believed there will be total prohibition To bring this about the government must have an act of Par liament passed.
 It Is pointed out that to prohibit the sale of liquor only in the localities where men are engaged in the manufacture of munitions would cause a great outcry and that aside from total prohibition appar- ently the only way of dealing with the matter is a further curtailment in the hours of sale
 Some would prohibit the sale of spirits but allow the sale of beer and wine IL Is understood. however. that leaders would not be satisfied except with the most stringent restrictions.
 The matter will require long consider ation to determine questions of compefi- sation and employment for thousands who would be thrown out of work.
 Glasgow liquor dealers have decided to ask MT Lloyd-George to receive depu- tation which will suggest a drastic re- duction in the hours for the sale of liquors The same deputatfon will confer with labor leaders.