New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-13


suppose that even the critics ana
opponents of this Ministry would ADMIT
that its position has lately been
strengthened. They admit that 1t has
got firmer grip on the policy and
conduct of the war; and that IN
various ways II Is making up for the
DELAYS and indecision and inefhciency
Of which critics and friends have hith-
erto complained. Perhaps no one In
cident has helped them so much as
the close connection established with
France and the visit of the Prime Min
ist.r with some of his colleagues 70
Paris. On the surface this might be
called a visit Of ceremony. They were
returning the recent visit OF the late
French Prime Minister and General
Joffre. But in fact they went TO PARIS
TO lay the foundation OF coordinate
action. both in diplomacy and IN the
field. between France and England.
The New Agreement with France.
That convinces people that this war
Is herceforth to be dealt with, not as
several distinct or unrelated wars, but
as one war. II is admitted that 1t has
not always been so dealt with, and
that some of the failures which have
marked its course have been due to the
want Of a cl lear understanding between
the Allies-clear, that is, in respect OF
military effort on its various fronts
II is hoped that Russia, and perhaps
Italy. may come into this new agree
ment.
About Russia there is no question.
Between Russia and England the har-
mony seems always TO have been com
plete. II there has been a doubt, 1t Is
only with reference to methods. ! Will
give a single illustration. The friend
ship OF Russia, the solidarity between
the two Government of Russia and
England. covers mt merely principles
bpt persons. This existing English
Ministry has no more convinced and
Jealous defender than tinguished
Russian represent i've now in London.
Uo nuts aside all criticism Of the Min
istrv. He regards the Ministry as the
Ministry of all England, almost as Eng
land itself; at any rate as tne ohIy
aas;bIe Ministry; and champions II as
such. And now, since thelr VIE" W
France. a similar loyalty exists, no
doubt. in Paris.
The War Council.
Tho War Council with its daily sit
lines has also done something TO pro
20 confidence, and to bring the MIN
-, ond the country into closer rela-
tions That was not Urinary OBJECT
49,, that has been one OF the results.
~ 7, IL a result quite independent OF the
.o,',nosition Of the Council or OF the
I;n,itations upon its authority by the
ALLEGATION 10 refer its most important
Iocieions TO the Cabinet as whole:
,rLase are defects which, with time and
nractice. may disappear. what the
rountry feels is that, by setting up
such a Council, sincere Irt mas
been made to conduct the ar on more
busin ,sslike principles. ,,,.,,.
a third reason is Lord Kitcheners
,oission 20 the Near East. The ulu-
,nate nurpose Of that mission is stlll
let updeclared. Hardly any news about
- except Of the most general KIND, Is
allowed 10 find its way into PRINT. but
in that the public acquiesces "a ne
ccssitv Of war. II does not AFFECT the
general opinion that Lord Kitchener IS
the right man in the right place wheth-
or as soldier or envoy. Ihe ministry
have done the right thing, says the
man in the street. People behind closed
doors saw the same. And when they are
told of Lord Kitchener as IN audience
of the King Of Greece-more common
ly krown as "Tino"-they remember
that in the Fashoda incident, when so
stirred French passions, he proved him
self a diplomatist and brought about
friendly agreement with France when
with less delicate handling would have
been impossible. They believe with
equal reason that the immeasurable I'M
perial interests now menaced IN the
East are TO be safeguarded
Probably no Englishman Is so com
petent as Lord Kitchener TO look after
these interests. The German inyen-
tions about risings and revolutions In
India scattered broadcast IN America
are here known 10 be inventions; just