Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-06-01
Churchill Answered
by Premier Asquith
on Strength at Home
Colonel's Figures Doubted Chancellor McKen.
ma and Under-Secretary Tenant De-
fend COnduc ct of War

London. May 31-The vote for the sal
AIRY of Earl Kitchener as secretary of war
being before the House of Commons to-
day. the members had an opportunity to
discuss the general conduct of the war In
introducing the vote Harold J. Tenant
parliamentary under-secretary for war,
Winston Spencer Churchill in which he
said the position of the British lines at
several points was Instantaneous and
that there were large numbers of men
on duty as grooms and officers servants
who might be used to augment the fight
ing forces. Mr. Tenant pointed out that
a large number of men was required be-
hind the lines to move up necessary sup
plies. The war Office, he said, already
had adopted the plan of replacing young
er soldiers with older ones. although this
could not be done in every case.
AS to Colonel Churchill's complaint in
regard to the large number of officers
servants, Mr.. Tenant said these men,
like all others, had to take their places
In the firing line. With regard to the crit
fcism respecting the great force of men
kept at home, he explained they were be-
ing trained with a view to being sent
abroad
eff Colonel Churchill were to investi-
gate this natter he said, "he would see
that large reinforcements are about to be
sent OUT
Mr. Tenant then referred to Colonel
Churchill's recommendation that large
bodies of troops be drawn from Asia and
Africa. saying 1t was an Illusion to think
such thing possible. In the first place.
there was not a large number Of men in
those regions suitable for service as SOL
ders in the European war, and even If
there were it would be impossible to pro-
cure officers who knew the languages and
were able to command them. Moreover
the value of black troops was a very I'M
certain quantity.
In reply Colonel Churchill said that
when he made his speech, he contem-
plated having these armies ready by
1917. He believed officers could learn
the languages by that time
Fresh Men At Home
Colonel Churchill further complained
that while the fighting men we're so
comparatively few and soldiers worn
with service were burdened and severe
ly tried by being sent back to the front
month after month. multitudes of fresh
men were kept at home and prevented.
either by bad management or defective
organization from being usefully en-
ployed either in industry or in the field
AS an instance, he said, his own bat
talon had received a draft Of IS men
out of whom 26 had been previously
wounded. and this at time when thew
could see that there were probably more
than 100000 men at home and else
where who had not heard the whistl,,
of a bullet.
Agreed upon by Churchill
Reginald Mckenna. chancellor of the
exchequer, in general reply to Col.
Churchills criticisms said the only i'm
portant point raised was regarding the
number OF men kept for home defense.
He had consulted the adjutant general
on the subject, he added, and believed
he was right in saying that 1t was
the same number as was agreed upon
betw cen the admiralty and the war Of
flee when Mr.. Churchill himself was
at the head of the admiralty
Asquith's Reply
Premier Asquith in replying to Col.
Churchilrs criticisms. argued that the
possibility Of an invasion must be TAX
en- into consideration. Though person.
ally he thought an invasion unlikely.
Mr.. Asquith said. 1T is risk that can
not be left out of account. and we must
always effectively provide for it and
must be guided by the opinion of those
who can decide what number Of men
are absolutely necessary to render the
country secure against invasion"
The Premier added that he much
doubted whether the disproportion be-
tween man and the rife strength was
30 great as Col. Churchill had repre-
Continued on Pess Ece!umn s. !