New-York tribune., 1918-01-15

LONDON, Jan. 14.-Nearly half a
million men from Great Britain alone
are to be recruited into the British
army at the earliest date possible, and
it is probable that many more will be
added to that number III the coming
months. These will comprise the
Younger men, who up to the present
have been exempt because of their en-
ployment in industries essential to the
war services.
This announcement was made in the
House Of Commons today by Sir Auck-
land Geddcs, Minister Of National Ser
vice, whose statement Of the govern
ment's "man power" proposals was re-
plete with interesting details of Brit
aims strength in the struggle into
which she means to throw her full re-
sources.
The minister set forth the status and
reeds of the British fighting and NUM-
tioning forces and the measures the
government is taking after agreement
with most Of the labor leaders for
recruiting from the classes of skilled
workers who were promised exemption
when conscription was adopted
100000 Now Enrolled
The empire has enrolled 100000
tirhtinp and labor battalion forces dur
the war, according to the statement
Of the minister, and now has more
than 900 .OOO enrolled. but needs more
men to hold it's own against the enemy
until the American strength is avail
able.
He praised the spirit in which the
labor leaders have met the government
but regretted that the Amalgamated
Society of Engineers had renamed out
side the conference, adding, however
that the invitation was still open to the
members OF this society. He paid warm
tribute to the work of the women and
declared that some of the young men
among the million exempted workers
apparently considered themselves a
privileged class and threatened to hold
llp by strikes the building OF alrplanes
and ships =,
"If they do" he exclaimed, they will
meet such a blast OF hatred it will sur
prise them"
Sir Auckland prefaced his remarks
by the declaration that nothing could
be more misleading than the sugges.
ton that the man power problem could
be solved by dramatic stroke. 1T was
the central problem of the war.
ut means everything" he said
"ships. armies, munitions, food, llght
heat and coal At the moment, the
most anxious problem is not the sup
ply Of men for the army. But we have
to take steps against the time when IT
will be--a time, which, [ believe, is
not far distant
Going into the details of the situa-
ton, the minister SAID III part
"The plain facts do not support the
statement that the armies are melting
for lack Of recruits and that recruiting
has broken down.
The government has examined IN
detail the position Of the Allies on the
Eastern front, and the results are not
unsatisfactory. Excluding Russia and
Rumana. the Allies have substantial
superiority in fighting and ration
strength over the Central Powers.
From a statistical standpoint the
strength of the enemy gives no cause
for anxiety.
"The withdrawal of Russia mean:
that not less than 100000 men will be
made available on the Western front
Notwithstanding Russia's detection, the
resources of the Allies and America are
sufficient to assure victory, and nothing
but a psychological catastrophe car
save the Central Powers.
Burden Falls on Britain
every day the hitting force of Brit
ain becomes Of greater Importance K
the Alliance. Russia no longer strike:
for freedom; France has poured fortf
her strength in the struggle and can
not sustain the full burden indefinitely
America is not yet in the field, ano
months must clapse before she can ad
vance with full stride; Italy has suf
fered grave misfortunes.
con Britain and on the skill witt
which she handles her man-power ir
the months to come everything de
pends.
50. Il Ia