New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-30
Kitchener, Henderson
and BalfOur Favor
COnsCriptiOn.
EXEMPT IRISH,
IS DRAFT PLAN
Smooth Passage of Bill
Would Be Insured-Cab-
met Crisis Past.

london, Dee. 1910 give time for a
possible reconciliation OF conflicting
opinions on the recruiting question, r
Cabinet council called for to-day has
been postponed until Friday. There is
very great hope that the Cabinet then
will be in practical agreement on the
acceptance OF Premier Asquith's pro-
posals.
The Prime Minister found much
greater support than had been sup
posed, some Of the anti-eonscriptionist
ministers having realized that a pecul-
lar situation called for exceptional
treatment. Among these are A. ]. Bal
four, First Lord Of the Admiralty,
whose influence is very great, and Ar
thur Henderson, who. however, will be
guided by the views Of the Labor party.
Earl Kitchener, the War Minister,
also has at last defended his opinion
that the time is ripe for compulsion.
Much depends now on the attitude Of
Reginald McKenns, Chancellor of the
Excheouer, and Walter Runciman.
President of the Board of Trade, both
important members of the Cabinet. But
there is hopeful feeling that they
may yet be induced TO support the
Premier in the interests Of Ministerial
unity.
Grey Works for Harmony.
Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Seere-
try, looks with great apprehension on
any signs Of disagreement as having a
bad effect on the Allies, and is working
hard on the path Of eoncilistion. II it
turns out that the line the government
has chosen is not for compulsory direct
enlistment, but for compulsory sttests-
tion along the lines Of the Derby
scheme, it is very probable that most Of
the doubtful ministers may be found
supporting the Premier, and that the
designations will be confined TO Two or
three ministers of lesser Importance,
such as Lewis Harcourt, First Commits
sioner Of Works, and Sir John Simon,
Home Secretary, whose departure
would not involve q serious crisis.
A strong point making for unity on
the new government policy Is that II
has met with much less opposition from
the Liberal press than might have been
expected The royal influence is also
being eXerted, the King having pub
licly intimated his desire that all the
men who attested under Earl Derby
should wear the symbolic armlet IS
sued in connection with the scheme.
Labor Vote a Factor.
Much will depend on The attitude OF
the Labor party, which, although
strongly opposed 20 compulsion, may
possibly be swsyed by Mr.. Henderson 5
view that the exceptional circumstances
Justify exceptional means.
According 10 the Daily Chronicle"
the new bill will be short measure,
calling on unmarried men between the
ages of nineteen and forty years 10 at
test in their age groups within a speci-
fed period of time and under the same
privileges as the Derby recruits. with
serious penalties for noncompliance.
According to The Times" Mr.. Nc
Kenna bases his opposition 10 the
scheme partly OF personal doubt re-
garding the size Of the military forces
required Of Great Britain 70 win the
war and partly on Great Britain's fin
ancial commitments, both at home and
by way Of loans 10 her Allies. Mr..
Runciman. the newspaper adds. is con-
cerned to maintain the volume Of trade.
which he regards as An indispensable
factor in the British war equipment.
"The Times" argues mat had the
Earl Of Derby's enlistment scheme been
completely successful its results would
have been the same as will be obtained
by compulsiOn. and that the question
how the men are obtained cannot af-
feet the economic problem.
Various opinions are advanced con
cerning Mr.. McKenna and Mr.. Runci-
man. While The Times" appears to
think their opposition is irreconcilabi..
"The Morning Post" believes that they
Will be won over. The Times says
that il thinks the Labor party Will
come into line.
Expect smooth Passage.
Both The Times" and The Daily
Mail" predict that when the matter
comes before Parliament much Of the
opposition will be found TO have evsp-
GRATED in Difference to the strong pub
Continued on page 3. column