The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-12-15
Lloyd George Declares En-
tente Are Making Prog
ress Toward Goal.
SAYS DANGER LURKS
RUSSIAN ARMISTICE
Critical Time Comes With
Release of German Troops
From the North.

London. Dec. 14.--That steady prog
ress toward the desired goal is being
made by the allies, despite some un-
toward occurrences, is the firm con-
viction of Premier Lloyd George, he
declared today.
1t is because of this fact, the pre-
mier said, that he would regard peace
overtures to Prussia at the moment
when her military spirit was druEk
with boastfulness as a betrayal of the
trust of himself and his colleagues.
The premier's words were:
1T is because | am firmly con-
vinced that despite some untoWard
events. despite discouraging ap-
pearances. we are making steady
progress toward the goal that I
would regard peace overtures to
Prussia at the very moment the
Prussian military spirit is drunk
with hoastfulness as "A betrayal of
the great trust with which my col
leagues and myself have been
charged.
VOIVIS IV1iVSVI 0duScT.
IF Russia persists in her present
policy, the premier pointed out, the
withdrawal by the enemy from the
east of a third of his troops must re-
lease hundreds of thousands of men
and masses of material to attack
Great Britain, France and Italy.
1T would be folly he added. 10
underrate the danger. equal folly 20
exaggerate it, and the greatest folly
of all not to face it,
IF the Russian democracy has de.
cided to abandon the struggle against
military autocracy the American de-
moeracy is taking it up
Were Hard Pressed.
Germanys victories We're emhaz-
oned to the world. the premier said,
hut her troubles did not appear in bull
letins. Something was known of
them. however. The deadly grip of
the British navy was having it's effect,
and the valor of the troops was MAX
ing an impression which would tell m
the end. He said those who during
the past fortnight were organizing
nervous breakdown in the nation We're
the same as those who recently Were
organizing an hysterical shout over
the Flanders victories.
Mr. Lloyd George said he was glad
to understand that Lord LansdoWne's
recent letter had been misunderstood
and that Lord Lansdowne was in
agreement with President Wilson
Il also" the premier declared, agree
with President Wilson and do not de-
sire to force a controversy where none
existed"
Need Sacrifice and Men.
Premier Lloyd George said that n
call must be made on the nation for
great sacrifices and more fighting
men We're needed until the American
forces arrive TO offset the burden that
had been cast on the allies by tie de-
feclion of Russia and the reverses OF
Italy.
The allies now must defend all
"ronts against the enemy and have IA
mobile army for any point of emer-
gency. the premier said, and he added
that the allies had superiority in
man power in France on the battle
front and there were cons;derabie )
British reserves at home.
Premier Lloyd George, who was
speaking at the dinner of the Grey's
nm Benehers, said:
The Darkest Hour.
IF this is the worst moment, it is
because Russia has stepped GU: and
America is only preparing to come N.
Every hour that passes will SEE the
gap formed by the retirement of the
Russians filled by the valiant sons OF
the great republic Germany knows
it and Austria knows it. hence the des-
rerate efforts that they are making TO
force the issue before America is
ready.
Il warn the nation to watch the man
who thinks there is a half way house
between victory and defeat" the pre-
mier admonished. There are the
men who think you can end the war
now by some sort of what they call
peace-by setting up a League of Ma
tions. That is the right policy after
victory; without victory it would be a
farce"
Continuing his discussion of a
league of nations. Mr.. Lloyd George
said it could not be had by nego-
tiated peace at this time.
ut is idle to talk of security to ne
won by such feeble means" he as
serted. There is no security in any
land without the certainty of punish
ment. There Is no protection in a
state where the criminal is more pow
erful than the law.
ITO end war entered upon 10 en-
force treaty, without reparation for
the infringement Of that treaty. merely
by entering into n new more sweenino