The Dominion FRIDAY OCTOBER 22, 1915. THE BRITISH CABINET

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2599, 22 October 1915, Page 4

The Dominion FRIDAY OCTOBER 22, 1915. THE BRITISH CABINET

The British Coalition Government does nob seem to have impressed the British public at any time as being a, particularly harmonious body, and it now appears to have reaofied a critical point in its career. Mr. Asquite is ill, Sir Edward Carson has resigned, and reconstruction of some kiud seems imminent. Sir Edward Carson's resignation is only a symptom of a widespread feeling of unrest and dissatisfaction in political circles. It is not only a public confession of the existence of divided counsels in the Ministry, but it gives colour to the rumours of irreconcilable differences of opinion upon matters of the greatest importance which have been in circulation for some time past. It is well known that Ministers favour conscription while others adhere rigidly to tho voluntary system. Sin Edward Carson was a strong advocate of National Service, but his resignation is stated not to have b:'cn dun to n conflict of views wiUl J>Js i;oDow« <m fckat (iucsUm. It

was the result of his inability to agree with the Government's method of dealing with the situation in tho Balkans and at Gallipoli. Stdlicient information is not at present available to enable tho public to pass judgment upon the merits of British strategy and diplomacy in the Near East, but the of recent events certainly seems to indicate the absence of a clearly-defined, well-thought-out, and decisive policy. The chief failing of the Coalition Government, due probably to internal differences, has been its inability to act promptly and decisively in matters where promptness and decision arc of the utmost importance. The right moment for making a move has at times- been -mifcsed through timidity and hesitation— and we are fighting an enemy who knows thow to take the fullest advantage of our doubts and _ delays. There is good reason to believe that we have been forestalled more than once in connection with our operations in the Near East through the incapacity of the Cabinet to arrive at a quick decision. A War Cabinet must have a mind of its own, and the courage to give effect to its views. It must have unanimity. It must not only be able to agree as to the end in view, but also as to the best means of reaching that end.

A good deal of unfair criticism has been directed against the Coalition Government. • A section of the Press has attacked it in a most unjustifiable manner, exaggerating its weaknesses and minimising the good it has done. It may not fc&vo fulfilled all expectations; it certainly has not, but it can point to some valuable ■ achievements. It has, for instance, by.-adopting _ a bolder policy, increased the effectiveness of the blockade ' of the enemy's territory; it has abandoned its weak attitude on the question of reprisals, and has started a successful submarine attack on the enemy _ commerce and transports; and it has enormously increased the output of munitions. It has been accused of want of courage as regards the muchdebated question of compulsory service ; but,' in this' connection it is only fair to ; point out _ that Lord Kitchener has not yet made it clear that the voluntary system has broken down. He has not spoken the decisive word. Fair-minded critics will also rccognisc that the difficulties of the Government have no doubt been added to by the necessity for considering the wishes and interests of our Allies as well as those of the British Empire, and in organising the nation for war it has had to contend with traditional ideas of freedom and deep-rooted prejudices in many quarters. But the fact remains that the Cabinet appears to have been seriously ' hampered by differences of opinion among its members which have ! hindered its efforts to deal promptly and effectively with many pressing matters. The Coalition Ministry, is lacking in those "great qualities, the imperious will, the rapid' energy, the eager nature fit for a great crisis," whioh Walter Bagehot, in his book on The English Constitu• tion, tells us are essential in a War Cabinet. Bagehot joints out that at the time of the Crimean difficulty the British public abolished the Aberdeen Cabinet—which abounded in pacific discretion, and was wanting only in the "daemonic element" —and cliose a statesman who had tin sort of merit then-.wanted—one who would advance without reluctance and strike without restraint. As was said at the time, "we turned out the Quaker and put in the pugilist." If th"re is to be a reconstruction of the British Cabinet at the present time it is to be hoped that it will be stiffened up by the introduction of a good deal more of the "daenfonic element."