The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-04-09
"YOun Not Get Single Irish
man by Draft" He Cries.
Report of Irish Convention Is
Laid on Table Today.
GREAT SACRIFICE MUST COME
Lloyd George Says Further
Man Needs Will Drain Nation.
Men of 81 Liable To Bear Arms
in the British Empire.

London April 9.-The issue of the
great battle might well be determined
Premier Mr.. Lloyd George declared
before the House of Commons today,
by the dramatic intervention OF Presi-
dent Wilson and his action in placing
the American troops at the disposal
of the allies.
1t was impossible to over estimate
the presidents offer. as the battle
might very well be the decisive strug
gle of the war. He added that the
German attack had stirred up the
Resolution and the determination of
America beyond anything that had
yet been heard.
The British reserve Mr.. Lloyd
George said turther has been drawn
upon to a considerable extent to make
up for wastage. If the battle con-
tinued on the same scale the drain on
man-power, must cause anxiety
1T is impossible longer to justify
the exclusion of Ireland from con-
scription." said the premier.
you'll not get a single Irishnan
by compulsion,' shouted John Dillon,
Irish leader.
London. April 9-Premier Lloyd
George announced in the house of
commons this afternoon that the Irish
the table today.
Premier Lloyd George told the
house of commons today that when
the battle on the Somme front COM
menced, the total combatant strength
of the German army on the west front
was approximately equal to the total
of the entente allies.
Mr.. Lloyd George said his man
power proposal would involve an ex-
treme sacrifice by part of the popula-
ton OF Great Britain.
The Cambria battle he said was a
very trivial event when compared
with the recent battle, and until the
strain had relaxed it would be diff
cult to find out exactly what had
happened.
Is British premier said:
y We have now entered the most
critical period of the war. There is a
luH in the storm but the hurricane
is not yet over. The fate of the en-
pire of Europe and of Liberty may
depend upon the success with which
the last German attack is resisted and
countered.'
Germans ExnSgeratc.
The number of prisoners and guns
taken by the Germans has been gross
" exaggerated by them, the premier
said. They have been replaced by
substantial numbers of guns and re-
serves.
Il am confident the armies are quite
equal to the next attack" he said.
The appointment of General Foch
to supreme command of the allied
strategy is the most important decision
regarding the coming battle. accord
ing to the premier.
Break Was Critical.
The situation was critical when the
enemy broke thru between the third
and fifth armies, Lloyd George de-
clared. but the magnificent conduct of
the British troops retiring but not
routed. relieved the situation.
While the war cabinet has retired
General Cough, it is unfair to censure
him until all the circumstances of the
retirement of the sixth army are
known, Lloyd George said.
(The retirement referred to was from
the st. Quentin sector where the initial
major penetration Of the British defense
was made by the Germans.1
Two Big Questions.
London. April 9.-Parliament -eas-
sembled today after the Easter recess
with two questions of Importance upon