Evening journal., 1918-12-27

owing to her geographical position,
and political traditions, Great Britain
had never been a military nation. Con-
scripti0n was unknown TO her, and the
Kaiser could not conceal his disdain In
August, 1914, for the contemplate lit
Tie army" Of General French, which by
the side Of the French troops vctori-
tis,y stemmed the tide of invasion.
since then compulsory military service
has been introduced. and, adapting her
self readily with great foresight to the
necessities OF the present time, the Brit
ish Empire has raised an immense army
of over eight million men, Great Britain
herself supplying 6,25O,00O the Domin-
ions 100000. and India i,25O000. thus
proving the loyalty OF the overseas
countries to the moiherland
These troops, a number OF whom
were volunteers, have, since 1914, taken
part In many a glorious battle. They
are now fighting on seven different
fronts: in Belgium, France, Italy, Sa-
lOnika, Palestine, MesOpotamia. Persia
and Egypt. Like all the troops Of the
Entente they have been placed under
the authority OF the unity Of command
of which Mr.. Lloyd George. like Mr..
Clemenceau, was a very warm partisan
and have played a brilliant role in
the mastery manoeuvre of Marshal
Foch, who, by an uninterrupted series
OF successes, since July is, 1918, de-
stroyed Germany's plans, gave the initi-
ative 10 the Allies, so ensuring victory
on their side
Such an effort made during four
years or ruthless warfare. could not be
maintained without heavy sacrifices,
which constitute the best reply 10 GER
tain insinuations carefully spread
abroad by Germany's agents. Accord
ing 10 official reports the number Of
British killed in action is over 900OOO
men. II we take into consideration that
in spite Of these heavy casualties, Great
Britain has never had on the Western
front more men, cannon and machine
guns than she has at present, and that
for the services behind tho front she
has modified a regular auxiliary army
Of $1,000 women, we can form some
idea Of the importance and efficacy OF
her participation in the war.
The British Fleet.
In 1914, the war fleet OF Great Britain
was already the most powerful in the
world, with two million and a half
tons burden. At present, If we in
clude the auxiliary fleet. the tonnage
amounts TO eight million tons. Notwith-
standing the bsrbarous warfare waged
by the enemy's submarines, the silent,
but highly efllcacious activity Of the
vessels Of the United Kingdom, al all
points Of the globe, has continuously
held the mastery Of the seas for the
Allies-an essential condition Of victory.
With her feet which the German naval
forces have not dared to face again
since their defeat off JutlSnd, Great
Britain has destroyed over $50 German
submarines, assured the security Of
maritime communications between all
countries, conveyed her own troop
ships and those OF her Allies. carried
over to France 60 per cent. Of the Amer
lean effective forces, for which purpose
she consented to reduce by 100000 tons
a month the arrivals Of foOdstuffs for
her own consumption.
During the month OF June alone, in
1916, the British fleet sailed over eight
million miles when engaged in convoy
ing, mine laying, or sweeping. During
he month that followed the retreat OF
March q. 1918, on the Western front. Il
transported to France $4,000 men. with
Oh war material. Moreover II blocked
the seaports Of Ostend and Zeebrugge,
by the most daring naval operations.
The mercantile marine has also done
It's part by conveying more than 30 per
sent. Of the coal, and co per cent Of
lhe cereals and supplies reGui~"d hv
NE Allies. chiefly TO France. also by
placing at ltaly's disposal tonnage 90 O
total Of 10000 tons, and assuring sup
plies Of frozen meat for the expedition
ary forces Of Salonika; 100000 seamen
co-operaed in the execution Of this for
midable task.
During this time ship building, which
had hitherto been free trade. spon-
ianeously submitted 10 uniform regula-
lions for the rapid construction of
units, by series, and so realized an
average monthly output Of 10000 tons
during the first half-year OF 1918. at the
same time undertaking to keep the war