The Dominion THURSDAY DECEMBER 23, 1915. "WE MUST QUICKEN OUR MOVEMENTS"

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2651, 23 December 1915, Page 4

The Dominion THURSDAY DECEMBER 23, 1915. "WE MUST QUICKEN OUR MOVEMENTS"

« In the course of a striking speech' in the House of Commons, a summary of which will be found in our cable columns, Mr. Asquith declared that all the fundamental facts that matter in the long run as regards the war are steadily growing on our side, Is this_ merely a rhetorical flourish, or is it to be accepted as the considered_ judgment of the British Prime Minister based upon a. careful consideration of the whole evidence 1 In order to arrive at a satisfactory answer to this question, it is neccssary to form clear ideas as to the nature of the "fundamental facts" upon which ultimate victory depends. We have been told over and over again that men, money, and munitions vital factors. Their importance is obvious to everyone. A high and unbreakable national spfl'it—the will to win —is another "fundamental fact.' Effective organisation and masterful direction are also essential. Is the position of Britain and her Allies as regards these "fundamentals improving rapidly enough to turn the tables on our enemies bcforo it is too late? Take first the question of man power. It is practically certain that Germany has now passed the crest of her maximum effort. Writing of the position in Juno last, Mr. Buchan stated that Germany's "wonderful organisation might add indefinitely to the number of her shells, but it could not call the dead from their graves. She must inevitably decrease and the Allies must increase; and, though her artillery machinery would allow her yet awhile to hold her _ front with fewer men, this possibility would shrink as the Allies perfected their equipment." Since these words were written the outlook for the Allies from the point of view of manpower has shown marked improvement, while the indications that Germany's decline is beginning have become more numerous and more convincing. The splendid results of Lord Derby's recruiting campaign will give the German war leaders food for much anxious thought. There can be no doubt that our position has enormously improved as far as the supply of munitions is concerned. The inspiring speech by Mr. Lloyd George on this subject shows how greatly Britain can do great things when she rouses herself and puts forth her strength. An illustration which he uses gives an exceedingly vivid idea of the remarkable manner in which Britain has cut down the enemy's lead. The British troops which took part in the big battle in September experienced no shortage of shells after four months' careful husbanding. The wholo stock was replaced in a month, and Mr. CfMes tells u? that j„%o wIU soon bs in & jjflsitioa to re-

place such a, quantity iu a single week." When wo come to consider the "fundamental fact'' represented by tho fighting spirit of the belligerent Powers wo.certainly have no reason to fear comparison with our foes. In spito of the very substantial successes of the German armies, the people of Germany are beginning to lose heart. Their confidence is being shaken by forebodings of coming disaster. Tho German army is not such an efficient fighting machine as it was a year ago, ancl the weariness and discomfort of the men are intensified by brooding over the hardships and privations of the women and children at home. The diary of a private in the Landsturra, recently published in tho London Times, is a tale of woe. "I long for peace," 'he writes. "The third company has come back. All the men I knew in it are either wounded or killed. The men's stories _ are very depressing; thoy are horribly tired, and their morale is low. . . . Everybody is 'fed up' with the war, and especially with •the whole of tho military regime." This spirit of depression is spreading throughout Germany. But however anxious for peace' the Germans may be, they will never agree to the terms which the Allies must_ insist upon until their power of resistance has been shattered. Wo have atremendous task in front of us. Though the "fundamental facts" taay be steadily growing on our side, procrastination may bo carried to a •fatal point. Our financial superiority is not in itself sufficient to ensure victory; nor is superior gunpower. Victory ultimately depends on the spirit of the nation.' If the nation is really determined to win the money will be found, the munitions will be made in ample quantifies, and sill the soldiers required will be forthcoming. Any faltering on the part of the enemy should spur us on to greater exertions. The British Empire has not made its supreme effort. We in New Zealand are not yet doing our best. The present slump in recruiting is a proof of this. Mr. Lloyd George reminds us of the danger of holding hack until it is too late. Wc must quicken our movements. _ It would be- the greatest tragedy in tho history of nations if we should lose this war because we dallied and delayed untirtt was too late. Now that our enemies are getting war-weary our obvious policy is to put all the power we possess into our blows.