Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-02-18

''ii :" iiHoiii ItODcTtSON as cnleI OF tne
British Imperial General Staff brings
to head the storm that for some time
has been brewing in regard to the re-
lations between the War Cabinet and
the high command Of the army which
controversy in the press and among
the public.
The forces ranged against the gov
eminent have taken a stand in pro-
test against what was described as the
newspaper government" and they op-
emily accuse the premier of having con-
Quoted, with the assistance of a GER
tain newspaper group a cabal against
Gen. Robertson and Field Marshal
Haig. The manifestations in the House
of Commons last week which were all
most of an unprecedented character so
early in new session, were the ex-
pressions of the strong feeling this
controversy has evoked, and it seems
certain they will be revived in still
more acute form during the present
week. especially since Gen. Robertson
denies that he resigned his post.
Wilson Almost Unknown
The public and the army hitherto
nave been quite devoted in their be-
lief i'll Gen. Robertson and Field Mar
snail Haig, while to the general public.
Cen Sir Henry Wilson, the new chief
or STAFF, is almost unknown.
Inc cleavage in the parliamentary
ranks in this contest by no means fol-
lows party lines. The division taken
late Wednesday night which gave the
government a vote of confidence conld
hardly be taken as a criterion of the
actual feeling of the House of Com
mons as the bulk of the members al
ready had left the House, probably not
desiring at that juncture to embarrass
the government. Had the members
been in full strength, it is impossibIe
10 say what would have been Tho r.
suit. The attacks are certain to be
renewed and it is expected that the
government will again demand q vote
of confidence
Newspaper Comment
London, Feb. 17.--General Sir William
Robertson, whose retirement as chief ~
the British Imperial staff, was Official
~ announced yesterday interviewed ly
representative OF the Sunday Times
OF oil
said
nave not resigned; the only state
ment have to make is that il Is o,,;te
iue '"a' VIII not accept either posi-
ton referring to the posts of chief
OF the Imperial general staff and Brit :
lsh representative on tho Supreme War
Council at Nercaiiles.
Considers Has Been Dismissed
The political correspondent Of the
sunday Times says:
General Robertson considers he has
heeh dismissed. hear that before the
succession ton the Imperial general
stanl was given to Cen Sir Henry
W llson II was offered to and declined
by Gen. Sir Herbert Plummer (cCm-
mander of the British forces in Italv)
and II is anticipated that other men,
bers of the military hierarchy will fol-
low Cen Robertson into retirement.
The generals have in fact revoltct,
against the cabinet and the gravity OF
their action can hardly be over esti-
mated. The weakness of the soldiers
position is that they cannot agree
among themselves. 1t is no. anticipat-
ed that the detection of the generals
will wreck the government as, apart
from comparatively small section of
mlitarists. there is no great sympathy
with the attitude of the soldiers"
Parliament Storm Center
Parliament will undoubtedly he a
storm center for the next few day.
Whether tho storm will begin tomor-
row. or not until Tuesday. when the
military estimates is the order of bus
mess ard when it is believed the pr,
mer will take advantage Of the oCca-
sion to make his promised statement
remains to be seen.
The view OF several papers, notably
the National News and the Sunday
iihtS Nilitii " VIC
effect that Gen. Robertson did not re-
sign, further confuses the situation.
Indicative of the feeling which the in
rident is apt to cause the National
News. in its leader today which APP
parcntly was written before the an
nouncement of Gen. Robertson's resig
nation says after referring to in
,rigues cabals and conspirac{es which
win some quarters are developing dam
Eerous dimensions that thank God for
it. the effort to drive out from the
service of the state the chief of the
Imperial general staff. Sir William
Robertson, has failed of its purpose"
Crisis Reached
The paper adds that any thought of
changing Gen. Robertson's position or
turtailing his powers should be put
out of mind at once On the other
hand. the Weekly Dispatch says that
THE most fateful crisis of the war
has been reached and adds:
while the pacifists and anti Lloyd
Georgites in Parliament are talking the
Germans are bringing up division aft
rr division as fast as their rolling stock
can bring them from the East. This
military fact, and not any possible is
sues arising out of the unfortunate
Versailles controversy a chapter