New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-13
Berlin and London See
Hope in Modified Stand
on military Caste"
OPPOSITION ROUSED
IN BRITISH CIRCLES
Cabinet Crisis and Dissolution of
Parliament Within Few Weeks
Freely Predicted.
BY ARTHUR s. DRAPER.
fBy Cabs 20 The rribunsl

Lon ION, April l2.-Despite official de-
malls in oil capitals there are signs
that peace Is much nearer than Is gen
orally supposed. For weeks these in
dications have been seen in well in
formed quarters. As the significance
Of Premier Asqulth's definition OF
"Prussian militarism' Is understood,
they are given additional confirmation.
In London there is an increasing feel
ing that the beginning of its end has
come.
Dispatches from Berlin also indicate
n different frame OF mind as a result
of the British Premier's speech. In
Mr. Asquith's substitution Of Prussian
military caste" for military power
Germans profess to see great modifi-
cation OF the terms of the now famous
Guldhall speech.
II England will consider terms on
such basis. SO run the Berlin reports,
Germany can listen. All Germans
know, il is said, that the military
caste" which Premier Asquith con-
dennis has never, either before the war
or now. been in the ascendant. Hence
to propose its destruction Is to Rssail
something that never had an existence.
Hysteria Believed Subsiding.
To the peace prophets here, how
ever. these events have a different sig
nificance In the speeches Of the Ger
man Chancellor and Premier Asquith
they see not 20 much concessions IN
terms as the marked growth of more
"concliatory" frame OF mind
In financial circles, as well as among
the so-called paciiicists, Premier As
quith's speech is hailed with evident
JOY. To the bulk of the country, how
ever. confident in the belief that the
Allies were bent on Germany's conquest
and occupation. it was a considerable
surprise. In many quarters stock
taking is going on, and events Of great
Importance are likely 60 result before
the end Of the month.
An equally great reaction has been
ret up in the extreme war party by the
Premier's conciliatory tone. Sir Ed
ward Carson, the leader of this group,
is doing some very skilful manpuvring
in and out Of the House of Commons
with a view TO more vigorous prose
cution Of the war. Mr.. Asquiths
speech has furnished him with addi-
tional material.
Cabinet Crisis Near.
One OF the most formidable debaters
in the House Of Lords told me to-day
that he believed the country was on the
eve Of q serious political crisis. He
doubted, however, the predictions
freely made among the Irish National
lists that there would be a dissolution
of Parliament within the next few
weeks and an immediate general cleo
ton.
IL is understood that the opposition
now forming to the coalition ministry
will make its fight on the question OF
the progress OF the war and the con-
scription muddle. Victory can only be
reached. they say, by much greater
effort than is now being put forth
Party considerations have been en-
tirely put aside. While the bulk of the
opposition is largely Unionist. il has
also drawn support from the radical
wing of the Liberal party and the fol-
lowers of Lloyd George. Even should
the coalition ministry hold together.
other important events are likely TO oc-
cur soon to test the strength of the
government. The Allied drive on the
west front is not the only offensive
schedule to open between this and the
end of May.