New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-24
MANY QUESTIONS
CAUSE CRITICISM
Division Among Foes
Gives Premier Advan-
tage in Fight
BY ARTHUR S. DRAPER
lBy Gable 10 Tns Tribune ]

London, Nov. 24.-An attempt ap-
parently is about to be made to
shelve Premier Asquith and place
Lloyd George at the head of the Cab
met. All signs point that way, but
it is impossible to estimate the
chances of the opponents of the Pre-
mier, who has faced the same situa-
tion successfully several times since
the coalition was formed.
New seriousness is given to the
situation by developments Of the last
few days, emphasizing three issues.
"The Daily Mail" declares that a
critical situation has arisen in con-
sequence of the governments re-
peated postponement Of considers-
tion of the British Air Boards de-
mand for greater powers and the
Admiralty's refusal to grant them.
1t intimates that if the question is
not taken up at the War Council to-
day important designations are prob
able.
Greater Energy Asked
All the morning papers display
prominently an appeal by Sir Will
lam Robertson, chief of the Imperial
Staff, for greater energy in the war.
There is no doubt whatever Of our
ability to win the war II only we really
put our backs into it, he says. "Ws
have not yet done this. We still do
not recognize the issues at stake nor
the efforts we ought to make and can
make If we will but try.
81 have every confidence in my
countrymen, but they are not yet fully
awake"
"The Times" referring to recent
criticisms of the Admiralty. says that
the government now recognizes the
necessity of strengthening the board.
Certain changes are impending, the
paper says. and are likely to be pub
lished within the next few days"
The Conservative Morning POST
refers to Lloyd George as "the power
that makes for victory; he is a force
to which the nation may adhere, and
which the nation may follow
"The Evening Standard" chimes in
with:
There is natural reluctance TO
show any disloyalty to the Prime Min
ister, but it is strongly felt that new
blood and new ideas are wanted. and
Unionists are beginning to look on
Lloyd George as the only possible
natural leader to carry on the war and
attack the work Of reconstruction az
ter the war"
Advocates New Party
II continues with advocacy OF the
formation Of a new party, to be headed
by Lloyd George and composed Of Lib
erals who have abjured free trade and
Unionists who want to get rid Of the
Irish difficulty and cut adrift from the
traditional policy on land, Church.
House Of Lords. labor and other ques-
tions.
Many things may happen this winter,
including a change in the Cabinet, but
it is certain that Asquith has a power
full hold. There are so many conflict
ing forces and so great a confusion OF
interests that il is difficult TO form and
hold together any considerable opposi-
ton.
There are two factions in the nation,
both equally desirous OF winning the
war, but differing as TO methods. One
believes in strong action; the other
prefers TO move slowly and cautiously.
The first faction considers Britsin's
methods in Greece weak; the other IS
satisfied with those methods.
But in both factions are some men
who are not agreed over the vital
issues. The Irish Nationals. for in
stance. unite with the Unionists on
one proposition, with the Liberals on
another. Unless the opposition can
unite on some single vital issue. 10
will have little power. So far It has
failed TO unite.
There are several issues which are
causing Observation-Disclosures Irish
question, Greece, the food situation,
the Admiralty management and the
South Wales difficulties.
Want War Pushed Faster
The Tribune's recent editorial re-
garding the British and French objects
Of the war expresses exactly the feel-
ing of members of the growing opposi-
tion. They do not want peace until
Germany admits she is wrong and un-
til they have a guarantee that there
will be no repetition Of this war. They
want to fight hard-they don't want 10
prolong the war, and they want clean
cut victory. Briefly. their motto Is the
antithesis OF "to wait and see."
But Asquith's wonderful Parlia-
mentary ability, his cleverness in de-
bate and his position give him q big
advantage, no matter who heads the op-
position. Lloyd George has many
friends, but he also has enemies among
men who once were his friends and
supporters.
The lull in the lighting is bound to
turn peoples minds moe and more to
nome a6aiYa