New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-09
Criticism of British Failure.

A week ago The Tribune commented al
length upon British affairs in an edtorla
article which has called forth vigorous
and even violent protest both in this coun
try and in England. In this article The
Tribune expressed what it believed, and
believes. was the view of majority of
Americans. including those most friendly
TO the Allied cause in general, and to the
British in particular.
BY way of supporting this view IT now
submits the following extract from the
latest article of the military critic of "The
New York Times" published last Sun.
day;
In this war. however, the greatest war OF
history for the greatest stake in history
England has outdone herself II is not the
English soldier All things considered, he is
probably the best soldier in Europe II j.,
always with the higher command. Up to q
few months ago the assertion was frequently
made that England was not yet awake. 1t IS
as if one were speaking of Russia. England
is awake at least to the point of feeling the
shame Of her consistent failures. But Eng
belittling her opponents, thoroughly self-sat
isfed and self-righteous, and what she does
not appreciate is the fact that of all the ma
tons in the world war England and Eng
land alone has not met the crisis.
England has done much, il is true; more
probably than at the outset she was expected
to do. But so have her allies, immeasurably
more. But even so, she has not played her
part. Her navy has enabled the Entente TO
control the markets of the world. Her money
has bolstered up both Russia and France
But her omnipotent navy has not prevented
the Germans from raid.ns her own coasts
nor has il been able TO best the German sub
marines. Since the war began the British
Army has not single glorious achievement
behind il. England's military leaders have
failed, and in their failure they have para
lyzed the genius Of the leaders of her allies
There is a tendency to overestimate the ex-
tent of the Kut surrender. Needless TO say,
it has no military meaning What do ten
thousand men mean in this war? The only
thing TO consider at all is the possible pollti-
cal effect. Even this may be largely Offset
by the Russian drive through Mesopotamia.
which promises to sweep through and over
Bagdad well into Asia Minor. But kut may
be an indication OF the future. Every little
or far, means so much crumbling Of the tradi-
tional English greatness. England cannot
live forever on Waterloo. nor on any other
success OF the past. If she wants to come out
Of this war with her traditions preserved and
her prestige untarnished. London muT do
less talking and more intelligent planning.
In times like these the people need for their
peace Of mind occasional brilliant strokes, on
which TO feed their loyalty and strengthen
their patriotism. They will not always be
willing to go to the slaughter because OF the
laundering Of those in authority. France has
many bright pages in this and other wars;
Russia in this war has her victories to think
about when temporary adversely comes.
Great Britain has only laundering failures.
This is realized in France and Russia, If not
in England. And if England hopes to get
from the war in case Of victory that which
has been her usual share. she must cease TO
believe that some avenging angel will sweep
over the Germans because OF their iniquities
and do some Of the fighting herself.
The Tribune does not purpose TO argue
with Englishmen, either in America or
in London, over the accuracy Of It's own
views upon the present situation. But it
ventures to suggest that there is at least
'ood for reflection for the British in the
opinion held in this country and among
those most friendly to England Of the
present posture of British fortunes as the
world sees them.