New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-12
Italian Reverse Puts Burden
OF Success on Lloyd George
Adversely Draws Allies Into Compact Body for First lime
in the War With Britain Dominating Entente
as Germany Does Central Powers
By Arthur 5. Draper

when ,hey are beaten came 20 mind as
I talked With manufacturers, civil Of
tc'als. editors and travellers on the
trains.
When | let London the people we're
wearing long faces aud every one vas
grouchy. In the north, though the
news was growing steadily worse, the
people were pleasant and smiling, al
most happy. Instead OF Keeling under
heavy blows they acted as l. they were
only Just entering the fight. In the
north there is wonderful admiration
and confidence in the army and navy.
but something akin 20 suspicion and
contempt for the political leaders.
There is real fear Of weakening on the
part of the politicians. The Scotch are
not easily blutfed. They want the full
truth, but if it is trimmed with false
optimism they soon strip il bare.
Here is where Lloyd George comes
in. In the North they have analysed
the whole situation, they realize It's
gravity, but they are more determined
than ever. They want definite pol
icy, determined action, no compro-
misses, no concessions. II il is neces-
sary to practise stricter food economy,
they want regulations and restrictions
introduced and enforced Immediately.
II il is necessary 20 call more men
20 the colors, they want IL done I'M
mediately. Ii il is necessary TO raise
more money, they want it done imme-
diately. They want TO get on with ths
var: they want plain speaking; they
want the weak weeded out; they want
the politicians 10 play the game hard.
Will Support Premier
Lloyd George will have their sup
port If he shows consistent determine
ton. Up North | heard little about
territorial changes, but much of war
aims. There is none of the London
speculation as TO the German African
colonies, the future of Mesopotamia or
Palestine, German atrocities or treaty
violations. The one dominant aim IS
the overthrow of the forces which
launched the war. Everything else IS
OF secondary consideration.
The bonds between the Scotch and
the Americans are strong. The Scotch
have great faith in the United states
There is something Of the understand
ing between French and Americans.
The American spirit which trains and
plays TO win is admired in Scotland.
The Presidents war policy satisfies the
Scots. Scotland is tired Of the war
but not tired of fighting. Individually,
every person in Europe is war weary,
but there are no cutters in the North
Country.
Altogether. there is healthier at
mosphere in Britain to-day than there
has been for many months. The ltal-
ian disaster and the Russian debacle
are severe setbacks for the psciiists.
So long as the Allies were winning, or
even holding their own, they had JUS
tifable hopes of an early peace. but
the recent great reversals have crushed
their expectations and made them
firm for a continuation of the war.
As head OF the Entente Llovd George
rust now carry the burdens Of Italy
and Russia. as well as Britain. So far
IS Italy is concerned. these burdens
will be economic and political. as well
as military. Diplomacy Of the high
est order is demanded. firmness is nee
cssary. the steadiness Of Gibraltar Is
required. or the war will end in some
thing worse than stalemate for the
Allies.