New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-30
Bonar Raw Tells Parliament
Nation Now Cannot Spare
Workers for Fighting
VIII Re-examine Men
Previously Rejected
Lack of Recruits Serious !;
Press Demands Facts
on Sinkings
r., cablo N The Tribune, j


London. March %. Chancellor bohar
Law told Parliament to-day that re-
cruits since the first Of the year mad
fallen short by hundred thousand
and that tho needs at home we're so
messing because OF the submarine
menace that the requirements oil inc
army in the field must be met from
some other source than the able-ood-
led men now employed in agriculture
and shpyards.
The Chancellor's resume Of the SIT
uation was given in connection win
hill empowering the military authorl-
ties 10 reexamine men previously re-
iected for military service and men
who have already served and been dis
charged because of wounds or Illness
On Bonar Laws statement that the Dill
was an absolute necessity it was passed
through second reading by l1S to Is.
Demand Facts on Losses
Several of to-day's papers clamor cd
itorially for fuller information regard
ing the recent shipping losses, express
ing dissatisfaction with the Admiraltys
tables. They argue that with fuller
information the public might be IN
duced to greater economy IN food
Even if their demand is not met, Bonar
Laws statement is calculated to I'M
press the people with the gravity OF
the economic situation
The Chancellor explained that ar
rsngements were made last August oy
which it was hoped to give the mill
tary authorities the men required but
owing to the submarine menace 1t had
moved impossible to obtain the men
expected from agriculture or from the
Admiralty and the shipbuilding yards.
The recruits obtained, he said had
fallen short of the number estimated
BY not less than 100000
In view of the definite arrangements
made not only by the British com
mander in chief, but in conjunction
with the French, the Chancellor cen
tinued. such a falling off was most
serious. To a considerable degree the
shortage had been made good by
change in the employment of men IN
the army itself and by using behind
the lines women. and, to a greater ex-
tent than ever before. men unit TO go
on the firing line.
The Chancellor said the bill would
enable the military authorities 10 deal
with one million men, and they esti-
mated that at least 100000 would be
available within the next three months.
They were proceeding on the prirci-
pie that every fit man should go on
the firing line.
MAY Prevent Decisive Victory
The Chancellor added that he was
thankful TO say one of the reasons
why the falling off in recruits had not
had as disastrous results as 1t might
have had was that the casualties thus
far this year had been less than eX-
pected. He continued:
I've all know. however, that at the
time of great fighting, with terrible
casualties, which is in front of US. il
might we'll happen that the whole
value Of this years campaign might
depend on our being able TO drive
home any success we were fortunate
enough TO achieve. II might well be
that a falling of IN recruits might
make difference between really and
almost decisive results. and victory
which would have nothing like the
same effect
at this moment the morale Of our
troops in France is splendid. They
have more confidence than ever. They
are more than a match for their enc
mics. II is the duty of the country
90 let them see their numbers are go
ing 70 be kept up TO the fullest ex-
tent"
Churchill Attacks Plan
A member of the House suggested
that an appeal for recruits be made "a
ireland. John Dillon interjected: III
II had been left in our hands we would
have given you another hundred thou
sand men,"
During a debate, in which the gov
eminent proposals came in for con-
siderable amount OF criticism, Winston
Spencer Churchill urged that married
men Of forty-two or forty-three years
OF age in their full vigor should be
taken rather than convslescents, which
he characterized as a cowardly thing
20 do. He accused the government OF
tinkering with the question OF man
power, and advocated secret session
10 discuss the questions Of man power
and tonnage.
Bonar Law agreed with Mr.. Churchill
that this was a case for secret ses-
sion. although IL was doubtful If even
IN such way the government should
be justified IN giving all facts and fig
ureS. After Easter. however the gov
eminent, he said would consider the