New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-11
IRISH CHIEF PERIL
OFLLOYD GEORGE
T. p. O'Connor Says Set
Element Is New Premier's
Greatest Task
Bv I. p. O'CONNOR
rBy Cable 70 The rY1bune.l

London, Dec 10.-At first IL seemed
impossible, and as IL Il was meant 70
be impossible, for Lloyd George TO
create a ministry. There was still VIC
lent resentment over his alleged Ill
treatment of Asquith among the rank
and file of the Radicals. Then the Lib
eral members Of the old Cabinet, none
Of whom loved Lloyd George, refused
to Join him unanimously.
Thus his fate trembled in the bal
ance, and finally became dependent upon
the acceptance OF his offers by the La
bor party. Their vote to support him,
strongly contested and carried only by
a small majority, kicked the balance
in his favor and then began the big
Lloyd George boom.
II Immediately became clear that his
appointment created enthusiasm among
the men in the street, among the Allies
on the Continent and dismay in Ger
many. Then former Premier Asqulth,
as everybody expected. insisted that his
successor get fair play.
Lions in Premier's Path
For the moment everybody was
happy. but there are lions in Lloyd
Georges path. Most OF his colleagues
are undistinguished, and opposite him
In the House sit Asquith and the finest
minds Of the Liberal party.
For the first time since the coalition
there il real, responsible and formi-
dable opposition, but these leaders do
not by any means carry all the biber-
ais. There are several. especially the
Ginger groups, who are resolved TO
remain on the same side Of the House
as Lloyd George, TO indicate their whole
hearted support. OF course, the war
fronts will dictate the destlnles OF
Lloyd George, as is the case with all
The first lion in his path viii be the
difficult months Of the winter. when the
military advance cannot make much
progress, but the greatest OF all lions
will be Ireland.
With such strong faith in him and
amid such universal sense OF danger
he can take almost dictstorial powers
in England. but this omnipotence must
stop short of Ireland.
Irish Conscription Impossible
CONSUMPTION, though advocated by
scme lingo lunatics and Sir Edward
Carson, IL known TO be quite impossible
in ireland, and any rumors that sug-
gest an inclination or even contempla-
ton on the part Of Irish leaders 70 give
CONSUMPTION for Home Rule may be
dismissed as absolutely bsseless. Such
a policy on their part would mean ex-
tirpation Of any settlement and OF
themselves.
The full realization Of the immense
necessity Of an Irish settlement, OF a
vigorous conduct OF the war. OF main
tanning the sympathy OF the United
States and the British dominions has
been ayowed by Lloyd George over and
over again in public and private. He
means 10 settle the Irish question, II
possible, but Sir Edward Carson may
be an insurmountable difficulty.
Another obstacle is the disrepute
which fell on his old plan, which is now
dead beyond resurrection. The Irish
leaders have pledged themselves against
further negotiations along the old lines
and await a firm offer which they can
recommend TO the Irish convention.
That offer has not yet come and may
not come for some days. but the orin-
ion is universal that Ireland must get
something out Of this devastating po-
litical earthquake and wars grim ne
cessities.