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Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1917, Page 2

Tun Washington message of yesterday which indicated the tenseness of tht 1 feeling in Britain on the question of a United War Council for the battle . fronts, helps an anticipated estimate of the discussion in the Commons on the subject. In the ordinary course particulars of what was regarded as a- momentous debate, should have beeu to hand yesterday.. The fact- that they were not, show that the matter has been relegated to the censor for consideration before being sent abroad. Tt is clear from the American messages that great excitement prevailed in Europe as in America over the matter. It would appear that- Mr. Lloyd George’s position stood in jeopardy. This consequence alone is sufficient- to invest the occasion with a burning interest, to know the result. There is something more than a hint that f.ord Northeliffe in common with other forces, lias l beeu conspiring for Lloyd George’s deI feat. This seems strange because it ■ was only lately that- the British Prime .Minister was taken to task tor selecting Lord Northeliffe to load the British mission in America. Later, still, Mr. Lloyd George offered Lord Northeliffe the position of Air Minister. His Lordship refused the appointment, and it would he interesting to know why he was not available to take the important service in his country’s service. The news from America indicates that Pre-

sident Wilson has saved the position for Mr. Lloyd George b.v approving the latter’s scheme for unified war control. It certainly appears necessary, and never more so than at the present time.

Whims there are some factions in Britain who would abhor a dictator, there are others who would welcome a personality of the Cromwellian character, a- driving force who would do and dare all things in this time of recurring crisis. There was a remarkable message published last evening that the Entente was seeking for a directing genius capable of grasping the whole situation. And the message went on to assert that the biggest man on the horizon was (•moral Smuts. This is the great Boer leader, and first Lieutenant to , General Botha, who a few years ago ! wits an enemy! Britain treated the Boers and the Transvaal as she. treats all her foes in the hour of victory, magnanimously, and General Smuts with vast members of his brave countrymen, fortunately became our friends. How fortunate we may but speculate in the light of the present war, if the Boers bad not been on our side. Of General Smuts the highest things have been said. A late visitor from South Africa described him to Us a's easily the ablest and foremost man in Southern Africa. Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon who was privileged to.meet the General in London last year, spoke in the highest terms of the man who was now so firm a friend of Britain’s. Already General Smuts occupies the fullest confidence of the j British authorities in Tegard to i this war, and has been to the Italian front to advise in regard to the necessary relief and measures there. He seems to he a' horn soldier and leader of men. Mr. Lloyd George is also the latter, hut ho lacks the military knowledge. These two men conjoined with supreme powers in Groat Britain, could surely work wonders in achieving a speedier victory for the Empire.