The Daily News. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1915. A SERIOUS POSITION.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1915. A SERIOUS POSITION.

To know the truth of Britain's position j in regard to war matters, unpleasant aa it may be, is far better than living in a Fool's Paradise of security and contentment. Shortcomings that are proclaimed as hindrances to success can be overcome, but until the needs are disclosced it is hardly likely that they will be remedied. Throughout the Empire tho recent pronouncements of Mr. Lloyd George, Mr. Asquith, and Lord Kitchener will lutve been read with deep concern. The blunt home truths which fomi the basis of Mr. Lloyd George's remarkable preface to his work, "Through Terror to Triumph,"' cannot fail to provide much food for reflection and not a little uneasiness, al:hough there is no need for alarm. . It is the same oft-ropeated cry for the putting forth of the maximum possible effort in order to prevent disaster and to secure Victory. It is well that the whole Empire should know what is required, to bring its contributions of industrial and military forces on a par at least with those of the Allies. On this matter the Minister of Munitions is most emphatk-; we must throw every man and every ounce of strength into this colossal struggle, the whole of our resources being essential to success. Much has been done, but Mr. Lloyd George seeifls to know bow much there is still to do. In these stirring times lie has not spared himself, and lie evidently hopes to make his tremendous energy contagious. If the work that is so urgently needed can be accomplished by voluntary means so much the better, but an (lie safety of the Umpire depencs on that work being done the Minister is evidently prepared to resort to compulsion. Why? Because: "The Central 'Powers have still an overwhelming superiority in all material and equipment. Germany's iron heel is now sunk deeper than ever in French and Belgian soil, Poland is entirely German, and Lithuania is rapidly following." Surely that shoul.l suffice to impel every ablebodied man—aye, woman also—to put forth their whole effort for the great cause. It should bring forth all our treasure, and make even our greatest sacrifl:cs appear as nought. Upon the answer which the fiovernment, tho employers, the workmen, the financiers, the young men who can hear arms, and the women who can work in factories, in fact, the whole people, give to this question, will depend the liberties of Europe for generations. "If," says Mr. Lloyd George, we sacrifice all we own; if our preparations are characterised by grip, resolution, and a prompt readiness in every sphere, then and then only will victory be assured." According to Mr,

Asquith, the Imperial expenditure has now reached over four millions daily. Vast as that amount is it is a mere circumstance when weighed against the adequate equipment of our forces and the provision of every possible unit to swell those forces. If the war is to develop into a test of endurance, then it will need all the resources that the Empire and the Allies can muster. That is why National registration is considered necessary, We have been too prone to underrate our enemies, and that has partly led to the slackness, which, if allowed to continue, will be fatal to victory. Mr. Lloyd George has disclosed the situation in all its unattractiveness, and he has pointed out how victory can be secured. The resources of the Allies are far superior to those of the enemy, but they have so far failed to be fully utilised. The time for decisive action has arrived, and tßt responsibility for the issue of the struggle rests with the people of the Empire, who surely must now realise the dreadful alternative that is staring them in the face. It is sincerely to be hoped that there will be no further need to stir up the people to a right sense of duty. Victory means a lasting peace, but defeat means indescribable horrors. The nation must not for another instant hesitate to arrive at the vital decisions that can alone prevent disaster.