New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-15
New Chancellor Voices
National Sentiment
i'm the Commons
CHEERED AS HE
QUOTES ASQUITH
Voting of Additional War
Credit Shows Deter
minatiOn to Win
BY ARTHUR s. DRAPER
tBy Cabs q Tie rribune.l


doubt now what Britain's reply to
Germany's peace offer will be. To-
days session of Parliament, which
was memorable for many reasons,
has removed the last trace of uncer-
tainty on this subject.
In moving for a vote for a further
extension Of credit which will bring
lhe country's total war expenditure
by February "a up TO the colossal.
amount Of $19,169,0 100000, Bonar
Law, Chancellor of the Exchequer,
referred to the appeal TO the neutral
nations, the terms of which have not
yet been received here.
He repeated Asquith's statement
that there would be no peace until
Germany had made reparation for
her past wrongdoing, and had been
forced to insure the safety of Europe
in time to come. He then pointed out
that Britain was still of the same
frame of mind.
British Financial Situation
Britain's daily war expenditure
was increasing, he said. Her loans
to the Allies were growing so large
that she could not continue her pres
ent open-handedness indefinitely.
Nevertheless, Mr.. Law remarked,
Britain would never lay herself open
70 the accusation of not using her
wealth TO defeat the enemy, and he
was sanguine that her money would
last until that victory was won.
If the temper Of Parliament was
indicative of the feeling of the coun-
try, then there is only one answer
possible for Germany.
McKenna, from the Opposition bench,
paid his successor a high compliments
and pledged him his support. Wardlc.
the leader of the Labor party, also
added his. Although the two great
leaders, Lloyd George and Asquith.
we're absent through illness, most OF
the members OF the new government
and the old met for the first time.
Several times Irish Nationalists
asked questions OF the government, bus
in each instance they received favor
able replies. There were no fireworks
OF oratory and no disturbances. Soms
signs of restlessness were apparent.
but on the surface everything seemed
calm and in perfect unity.
Laws Statement Limited
Every member waited eagerly for tho
official statement Of the governments
attitude toward the German offer. Law
reserved his comment, however, 70 the
final few sentences Of his motion to
extend the governments credit. I'm
fortunately his statement was con-
fined to generalities, for the terms OF
tho offer had not been received.
Something has happened of which
| think It necessary that / should say
a word" Mr.. Law said at the close Of
his address. Naturally the papers are
full OF the peace proposals from Ber-
lin. Until now. no proposal has reached
his majesty's government. 1t is obvious
that under these circumstances, no
member o. the government can make
any statement on the subject, and ia
my view IL would be better that very
little should be said In the House OF
Commons.
There is one thing which even as
this stage think necessary 70 say. In
moving the last vote of credit, the late
Premier, in a peroration which moved
the House and the nation, used these
words: They (the Allies require that
there should be adequate reparstion
for the past and adequate security for
the future
Policy Stands Unchanged
"This IS still the policy; still the
determination Of His Majesty's gov
erument."
Hear, Heart" was heard on all
sides as the Chancellor repeated As
quith's words.
Laws first speech as leader OF the
Commons was remarkable for many
references 70 the ex-Premier, all OF
which was hattering TO the Liberals,
many of whom were bitter in defeat.
Later d. VI. Mcmahon. who is some
thing OF a pacihst. talked at con
siderable length 20 comparatively
empty house. urging the government
20 consider carefully the present sit
uation. lie said that for Britain the
war was already won, for she had at
tanned her object liberation %
Belgium. He received respectful
hearing from the few members pres
ent. but he made no impression.
To-day was 10 day for a pacifst In
the gallery there were many officers
in khaki and many women. all anX.
ious TO hear the governments stti-
tude toward the peace move. when
Law announced the figures OF ex-
penditure many of the members %
the House grosned, Stimulating pain.
but there was not the slightest indi-
cation OF Dissatisfaction.
Once Law made an error of million
pounds in stating the dpily loan. -
y