The Daily News. TUESDAY, MAY 9, 1916. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COMPULSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 May 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, MAY 9, 1916. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COMPULSION.

It is probable that the full significance of the adoption of compulsion in Britain has r. , been fully grasped, although the statement made by Mr. Asquith last week, when announcing his intention to introduce a single measure of compulsion, covered the ground with a directness that could not fail to carry convictim. The effects of this exceptional measure, whick is fully justified by the circumstances that now exist, are threefold. In the first place it put the seal on the controversy that at one time bid fair to wreck the Ministry and cause an upheaval throughout the country, but the compulsionists have won the day, and there canont fail to be intense relief at the solving of the problem in the only way possible. The moral to be deduced from this new departure is strikingly plain, for it emphasises in no uncertain way that the people of Britain arc determined to win the war and to make the ndedful sacrifices to that end. The passing of the measure will certainly produce an exhilirating effect on 1 the people of the Homeland, especially in view of the marvellous record of effort which Mr. Asquith showed had been made by the Government in creating and equipping an army and navy beyond all the most sanguine hopes. Britain may now be regarded as a nation of armed men animated by the single purpose of helping to rid the world of the Teuton menace, and absolutely determined to carry the war to a successful issue. Confidence begets confidence, so that the inspiring statement made by Mr. Asquith that the British contribution to the common cause was growing steadily, being better directed than ever before, and that the Allies' naval and military situation as a whole was never so good as it was to-day, should' convince the Empire that the prospect of success is bright with promise. Of equal, if not greater importance, is the effect that the decision to institute compulsory service will have upon our Allies. It ha 3 been acclaimed with every manifestation of joy on their part, and will undoubtedly serve to stimulate them to the utmost, whereas there was a feeling that Britain was not playing the game in the samo thorough manner as her Allies, but now all the nations opposed to the enemy are putting forth their full J strength, and the national hearts are behind the national efforts. ' There is also the effect on the enemy to be considered. Germany was hoping that Britain, would be rent assunder by the compulsion issue and thus probably create friction with the Allies, but all such hopes havs been dashed to the ground, for Britain has shown that instead of a feeling of war-weariness there is greater en. thusiasm than ever, and above all the nation is absolutely united in its determination to achieve victory. Britain has emerged from the controversy with increased etlat, and though somewhat late jn the day is now a military power of such great strength that the old German taunt concerning Britain's contemptible army is one that will recoil on its authors. Nor must the navy "be forgotten either by friends or foes. It is still the Empire's great bulwark, and its work in the war far surpasses that of the army, for it is slowly but surely strangling the enemy and materially assistag to ensure that final victory to which we all look forward. Britain was, of all the Allied Powers, the least prepared when war broke out, but in spite of her slow progress, her handicaps and disadvantages, her mistakes and disappointments, she is to-day a veritable tower of strength, backed by India and all the Overseas Dominions. The star of the Allies, is rising, and now that they have arranged a common plan of action they are going to win. The British Government has had to face a time of storm and stress unparalleled in history, and though they may not have always taken what may have been considered the right course, they have never halted in the performance of their arduous and vital duties, and have earned the heartiest confidence of the whole Empire. Everything has been sacrificed to the one momentous work, and those who are inclined to be over critical should rather fix their attention on the national grit, the national stoutness of heart and bulldog tenacity of purpose, whereby defeat is made out of the question. ' The raising and equipping of five million men is the most complete testimony that can be offered as to the determination to achieve victory, and thq Empire may rest assured that while its whole resources, are made available we must win, and that is the spirit which should strike terror into the hearts of lour enemies.