The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1915-09-21
ENGLAND FACES
GRAVE QUESTION
LLOYD.GEORGE ASKS CHANCE FOR
COUNTRY.
Compulsory COnscriptiOn Should Be
Carefully Considered Before
Final Action Is Taken.

London, Sept. 19.-David Lloyd
George, minister of munitions, in let
ter to one of his constituents, issued
by the official press bureau tonight,
appeals to the public to give the gov
ernment a fair chance to decide the
question of compulsory eonscription
and reiterates his view that it is a
serious one that confronts the country.
Mr.. Lloyd-George says:
"You say and say rightly, that the
government ought to give the nation a
lead on the question whether the moral
obligation of every able-Dodied man
to defend his country should be con-
verted during this war into legal OBJ
legation.
s'The government, can assure you
are fully alive to the necessity for CIV
ing a definite lead. They are engaged
in examining the subject with view
to coming to the right decision. Undue
delay might be disastrous, but undue
precipitation might be equally disas-
trous. Let US avoid both. The issue
is one of facts, not one of principle.
''If the figures demonstrate that we
can win through and with the volun-
tary system, it would be folly to pro-
woke a controversy in the middle of a
world war by attempts to substitute a
totally different method. On the other
hand, if these figures demonstrate to
every unprejudiced person that the
voluntary system has exhausted its
utility, and nothing but legal pressure
can give US the army necessary to de-
fend the honor of Great Britain and
save Europe from the triumph of mil
itary despotism, have not yet heard
of the man who would resist some CON-
pulsion.
"Under these circumstances, the men
who say they would offer resistance to
this expedient, even if proven to be
necessary to save their country and
their freedom of the worl6, have not
yet appeared in the arena, and if they
do I predict that their protectors will
not be found amongst the working
classes.
'It is all a question of ascertainable
facts. Why then all this premature
anger? The determining facts have not
yet been published. Let the
government have fair chance to de-
eide.
'The opinions 1 have formed as to
the essential action are prompted by
the exertion of our whole strength will
enable US to obtain victory. Having
come to that conclusion, am bound
to do my best to secure that effort
without the Least regard to the effect
my appeals may have upon my own
political fortunes.
"The issue is the gravest any coun-
try has every been called upon to de-
eide. Let it decide in spirit worthy
of its gravity
81 withdraw nothing 1 have said
as to the seriousness of the position.
Naturally l take a hopeful view of the
prospects of the cause 1 am, concerned
in, but know too we'll that to ignore
dangers which you can see with the
naked eye, if you look around, is the
most fruitful source of disasters in
all affairs. I, for months, have called
attention to the dangers in the present
war. Events alone will prove whether
I have been unduly alarmed. So far
I regret, they have justified my appre-
hension.
''I should indeed be traitor if
did not hope fervently that the course
of the war would prove that have
overestimated the worst evils, but I
have not written without warrant in
facts known to the enemy as well as to
us; facts which should have thought
would already have sobered the most
fatuous optimist.
81 have, therefore, felt driven by the
Jeopardy OF my native land, to sound
a note of alarm. l have done so con-
6dent in the belief that if It succeeds
in arousing us in time to put forth all
hour strength We shall win. If for any
reason 1 fail, it will be sorry COM
ort to be able later on to taunt with
their mistakes those who now abuse
@me for daring to call attention to the
eoming storm before it overwhelms the
and, an6because I strive to induce my
fellow countrymen to prepare in time
for its onslaught"