Evening journal., 1916-02-29
BY WILBUR 5. FORREST.
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CHAANN 100 stan AOAANnHNAAH>AANf
LONDON. Feb. 16.-(By MaiD-
There's a brand new germ in the
British air. Atmospheric atoms that
had the general effect Of something
akin to gloom several months ago and
which prompted British statesmen
and public alike to speak less conf
IDENTIFY about the final outcome of the
war; have disappeared. These atoms
have been replaced by brighter col
cred atoms; poppy, optimistic little
tilSes
From the big government buildings
in Whitehall to the smallest London
shop there is a marked change in the
conversation. Every man in the
street knows that British is getting
ready for the big show The average
Drtsher still throws out his chest if
tho navy is mentioned. but today he
will show a broader eXpanse OF shirt
front when it comes to talk about the
army. The predominant topic of in
forest has become the Tommies
with about 4.O00000 men i'm khaki
England is preparing TO do things in
the spring, on land. That is common
talks No Britisher has lost any OF
his confidence in the navy. but he has
given up hope that the German fleet
viii come out and fight so he is leav-
ing the navy 10 control the seas and
taking for granted that it viii
Cabinet members, peers and pleb-
ilns alike look forward to the spring
campaign. The government leaders
who six months ago modified their
earlier announcements that Ger
many must be crushed" to the gentler
assertion that the war cannot cease
until the enemy has evacuated France
and Belgium and restored the rights
of smaller nations are TODAY reas-
scrting the former statement with un-
equalled vigOr The reason is said
to he new confidence i'm the army.
Proof that the present talk does not
originate in ordinary rumor comes
from the highest sources. Lord Derby,
who has raised new millions for
Fngland's land forces. is authority
for the statement that England's
military forces now are superior
to those Of her enemies i'm re-
serves and fighting ability; that
the nation has reached the high
hrf ilANAM ~ luNlOnnA NatA luAlnAl anu
that this is evidenced by the fact that
the men who will be. forced to fight
under the newly enacted cOnscription
lii will number less than seven per
cent of the fighting eligibles as
'ganst over 93 per cent who Joined
Voluntarily Here is one Of the latest
utterances of Lloyd George, Minister
of Munitions:
England is preparing to put her
whole weight into the war. and Ger
many viii feel it in a very short time
7 is an effort such as England has
rever made before" Those who have
closely analvzed the minister's state
laent say it can only mean that there
will be no shortage Of shells in the
spring.
In their latest speeches Lord Kitch.
ener, Premier Asquith and others higl
In the government have reflected the
now optimism. In his message at the
opcning Of the new parliamentary ses
sion King George speaking througl
his premier declared:
with a proud and grateful conf
dence ] look TO the courage, tenacitl
and resource Of my navy and army
cn whom we depend worthily to per
form our part in the attainment o
this goal.
Gentlemen Of the House Of Com
mons YOU will be asked to make du,
financial provision for the conduct o
she war.
"My Lords and eentlemen Tn,
only measures which will be submit
ted TO you are such as. in the opinion
OF my advisers. tend to the attain
ment of our common object | conf
GENTLY commead them to cur patriot
ism and loyalty and I pray that th'
Almight will give His blessings t,
vour cOunsels."
Lord ROseberry, among others. al
ready is anticipating the results o
initial victories Speaking at Edin
hursh he declared that his only fea
was that when Allied successes began
weak minds i'm the nation might crl
for a premature peace This" III
lded. "wculd mean short peace an,
p worse war 20 follow Germany mus
bc absolutely crushed
With thousands OF recruits. enlisted
under the Derby group system dis
tributing themselves throughout TIN
country: veteran regiments that hav