The Dominion. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1015. "PESTILENTIAL NONSENSE."

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2571, 20 September 1915, Page 4

The Dominion. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1015. "PESTILENTIAL NONSENSE."

An eminent member of tho British Cabinet, we are . told _ to-day, has described as "pestilential nonsense" the stories that aro in circulation suggesting that oertain members of the Ministry arc plotting against their colleagues in order to bring about compulsory service in Britain. There is some comfort to be derived from 'this biting commentary _ on what all must regard as a sinister and disquieting development. Situated as wo are so far from -the centre of things and with nothing moro than brief extracts from speeches and_ newspaper comments to guide us, it is impossible to. form a confident opinion as to the real state of things in political circles in England. It is plain, however, that a great deal of uneasiness does exist there, and that tho impression prevails in pertain quarters that Cabinet is actually divided into two or' throe groups on the question of compulsory service. We arc told with' somo detail that Mr. Lloyd George, Lord Ourzon, and Lord Selborne .'strongly favour compulsion both on tho military side and in the workshops and factories; that Mr. Churchill and Sir F. E. Smith hold similar views, and that Lord Lansdowne, Mr. Bonar Law, and Mr. Chamberlain, while holding the same opinion, are less emphatic concerning the immediate necessity for action. This, if true, is a very, powerful section of the Cabinet favourable to. compulsion. On the other side tho named leaders, Mr. M'Kenna, Sir J. Simon, and Mr. Harcourt, are less influential both in tho Cabinet and in the country. But what of Mr. Asqtjith, Mr. Balfour, Sir Edward Grey, and, most important of all, Lord Kitohener—what of their views 1 From recent messages we have been led to believe that tho two firstnamed aro opposed to compulsion— for tho present at least. To-day's message states that, their attitude is that they will only support it if it is shown that its adoption is essential to victory. While this classification of Ministers into three separate groups may be mere speculation, it is quite posvery probable, that some such division of opinion exists in the Cabinet. It . would be remarkable if such were not the case. The question is one upon which there are certain to bo differences of opinion; but it docs not follow that because' of Sii's there is plotting in the Cabinet by any one group against another, or that a. Cabinet crisis is at hand._ Ministers may differ on the subject of compulsion, and for the time being agree .to differ and leavo a- final decision in abeyance while pressing on with tho voluntary effort. The Conference of Employers and Workers now endeavouring to come to a satisfactory working agreement by which trades union rules may be relaxed in order to increaso tho output of munitions may_ be taken as an evidence that special endeavours aro still being made* to secure all that is required under the voluntary system. This of itself would almost' seem to show that further efforts are to be made on a voluntary basis, and that tho question of compulsion, though not out of mind is for the time being held in abeyanco bv Cabinet.

' No doubt Lord Kitchener holds tho key to tho situation. The demand that he should declare himself on tho subject is not likely to influence him 'over-much, but his views would be none tho less welcome. He will speak when he deems it necessary. Ho has almost hinted that compulsion may be required, but until ho says so in as many words it is safe to assume that the necessity has not arisen. .Until Lord Kitchener favours it'there is not likely to be a majority in the Cabinet favourable to compulsion. He knows what 110 wants in munitions and men to ensure victory; he knows what ho is getting, and no doubt has; now a very shrewd idea of what he is likely to get under the present system as a result of the special efforts being mnde. When he speaks the nation will have confidence in tho knowledge that the decision he has arrived at is based on no hastily-formed- conclusions, but 'on his considered calculation of what is essential to victory. . The Government and the people, we beliovc, will acccjit his final decision whichever way it may go. The military needs of the situation are the paramount consideration, and if Lcnn KtTcnENFiR tells the nation that the only. roa.d to victory U universal

service, then there is little doubt that the great mass of-the people will accept his judgment as final and loyally conform to the changed order of tilings. _ In the meantime a great deal or mischief may be done by those w r h'o are talking and writing the "pestilential nonsense" about plotting in the Cabinet, and scheming to make Me. Lloyd Geokge head of the Government, anci other noxious suggestions likely to arouse uneasiness and distrust where there should be perfect harmony . and mutual- confidence.