New-York tribune., 1920-02-11
Lloyd George
Says Britain
Faces Peril
Danger Is Here, Not in
Russia,'' Premier Tells
Commons; Problems
Demand Quick Action
Fight Anarchy With
Abundance,HisPlan Ian
Thinks Trade Will Defeat
Soviet; Promises EARLY
Reforms for Ireland

Reforms for Ireland
LONDON, Feb. 10 (By The Associated
Press).-Premier Lloyd George warned
the House Of Commons tonight, wher
1t convened to debate the Kings Speech
from the Throne, delivered at the open
ing of Parliament this noon, that do
mestic problems were menacing and
demanded immediate solution.
"The dangers are not all in Russia y
he said. "They are here at home. |
speak with knowledge, with apprehen-
sion and responsibility, and l warn the
House that in the face Of things that
may happen we must use every legit-
innate weapon. We must fight anarchy
with abundance"
The Premier, defending the govern
ment's policies, reasserted his belief
that trade would have "sobering in
t1ucnce" on Russia to end the ferocity
of Bolshevism and announced that at
an early date he would seek "to amend
Ireland" The Prime Minister'S indi-
cation of the probable early appearance
of the Irish Home Rule bill was greeted
with cheers.
Unrest To Be Expected
The Premier said that after the ex-
ctemenr of the great war nobody could
expect anything but a period of re-
action and discomfort, and even GER
tain measure of disaffection.
Replying to his critics, among whom
were William Adamson, Labor leader;
Sir Donald Maclean and others, who
demanded especially the revision Of
George said it would be impossible
i'll single speech to deal with all the
questions raised.
Answering questions on ireland, the
Premier said the duty of the govern
ment was to maintain law and order
there. He asked Mr.. Adumson whether
by self determination" he meant that
he would grant republic if the ma
jority of the Irish people demanded it,.
Unless Mr., .Adamson meant that, the
Premier said, the talk of self-determi-
nation was dishonest. There we're
murders and assassination "of the
most cowardly and despicable Kind in
Ireland" the Premier told his ques-
toner, and he asked whether the mem
ber thought the government should
withdraw all its troops "and leave the
assassins in charge of Ireland
Says Budget Will Balance
The high cost of living was attrb-
uted by the Premier to the deprecia-
tion of money and not to profteering.
! The only remedy was to increase pro
duction, he said. Replying to Sir Dom
aid Maclean's inquiry, the Premier said
coming budget would balance and more
than balance.
Dealing at length with the situation
in Russia, Mr.. Lloyd George said he
agreed with the view that Europe could
not be restored without putting Russia,
with all her strength and resources,
Unto circulation"
said the Premier, but it was not de-
mocracy, and Russia must be restored
under an anti-Bolshevjk regime.
"Bolshevism cannot be crushed by
force of arms" continued the Premier.
| 81 held that opinion year ago, but my
advice, rendered on that assumption to
the warning factions, was declined. 1t
was necessary to give the anti-Bol-
shevists a chapce to recover Russia, but
they failed. The failure was not due
to lack Of equipment, but to more fun
damental causes"
"Ring of Fire" Impracticable
The Premier contended that the sug-
gested "ring of fire" to crush the Bol-
sheviki was impossible because it was
doubtful whether Finland would con-
sent, and the Baltic states, he suggest
cd, were making peace with Russia,
while Rumania really was engaged in
watching the Hungarian front and, the
Japanese were disinclined toward the
idea. Moreover, he added, neither
France, the United States,> Italy nor
Great Britain was willing to provide
the funds.
"Until," added the Premier, "they
are assured that the Bolsheviki have
dropped the methods of barbarism in
favor of civilized government, no
civilized community in the world is pre-
pared to make peace with them. Fur
ther, there is no established govern
ment possessing the right to speak for
the whole of European Russia. We
failed to restore Russia to sanity by
force. believe we can save her by
trade.
Commerce has a SOLDERING influence.
There is nothing to fear from Bolsne-
vlk invasion of surrounding countries
or the Middle East, because the Boil
sheviki cannot organize powerful
army. l believe that trading will bring
to an end the ferocity, rapine and
cruelties of Bolshevism more surely
than any other method, and Europe
badly needs what Russia is able to
supply, but cannot supply with con-
tending armies moving across her
borders"
Patience in Reforms Advised
King George, in his Speech from the
Throne, opening the session, urged
serious consideration of economic
problems throughout the country. He
counseled patience in the passage of
far reaching reforms, which, he said,
were necessary to meet abnormal con-
ditions.
Better educational facilities, settle
ment of the Irish question, adjustment
of coal mining controversies on an
enduring basis and regulation of the
liquor traffic were asked for by King
George, who also advocated the passage
of measures stimulating the growth
Of more foodstuffs at home. He said
bills would be introduced in Parlia-
ment dealing with insurance against
unemployment, regulation of working
hours, minimum wages and anti DUMP
ing.