New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-19
Political Crisis In
Britain to Affect
Course of the War
By Arthur s. Draper

LONDON. Nov. 1S.-This may be the
most momentous week since the first
days Of the war. Even the strongest
optimist must shut his eyes to many
disappointments, steel his mind to
many conflicting doubts and screw his
courage up many degrees.
Much of the present political uncer-
tainty can be passed up as of no ac-
count, but there still remain many dis
turbing elements. If instead of the
gravity Of the military situation the
armies were in state OF deadlock,
the political situation would be bad
enough, but now it is fraught with
many unfortunate possibilities.
Lloyd George is facing the supreme
test of his life. He is fighting the
greatest battle Of his career. He
either energies the strongest man in
Europe or he is beaten completely.
think he will win. Simply because
the principle upon which he is work
ing is unassailable. Ranged against
him are the lamb and the lion, the high
Tories and the Radicals, Lord North
cliffe and II. W. Massingham. the "bit-
terenders" and the pacifsts. the queer
est conglomeration Of forces ever
brought together under a single ban
ner.
All Party Lines Are Broken
Supporting him is an equally odd
assortment, including Tories. Liberals,
anti-militarists and what not. All
party lines are broken. Though the
government apparently has attempted
something in the nature Of a censor
ship Of opinion, 10 is a fact there never
has been greater freedom of speech
and never greater bitterness in the
press.
The British political situation de-
serves the close attention Of American
readers because it is bound TO affect
vitality the course Of the war.
To-day "The Nation" which only re-
Gently was relieved OF the ban on it's
foreign circulation, imposed because il
was charged with improving the morale
Of the enemy by disparaging the work
Of British generals, Is defending these
generals and pleading for the over
throw Of the Premier who criticised
British strategy.
Then there is "The Spectator" which
preached unity Of interest and closer
coordination, conyicting Lloyd George
of gross libel Of the army and urging
his immediate removal. Lord North
clife, the greatest independent power
in the land. b. writing a public letter
10 Lloyd George caustically comment
ing on his government and openly
ranging himself on the side Of the
army chiefs, has forced Lord Cowdray
out OF the air ministry and paved the
way for what may be known as the
letter crisis IN the history Of British
politics.
Causes Of the Attack
Some attacks on the Premier arc due
70 petty Jealousy and some 20 pure
animus, but most Of them 70 the hon
est conviction that his recent declara-
ton about Great Britain WAS helpful
10 the enemy and damaging 10 the
whole Allied cause.
Such opposition is not easily con
vertcd 1T must be defeated or win. To
win 10 must have strong leadership
tNNk ~ hftmn 70 ldfk lAIKtiT DcChuNt
Asqu.'h will not accept the RESPONSE
bility, or has not yet.
IL Is by no means certain the oppo-
sition would win even under his lead.
erShip, 20 long a. the fundamental il.
sue ~ the alliance remains paramount
The one hope Of ths opposition lies IN
beelouding the issue with e1tTsneous
details
Tomorrow will decide whether there
r. 20 be = change in the government,
or simply shake-up. Until the polit-
zeal conditions become more normal
the Allied interest must suffer.
The French breakdown delayed Al
lied plans. II forced the postponement
Of the Inter-Allied conference. Glen