Today -100: January 7, 1916: Abandon your abstract theories

In Britain what the NYT calls the “Labor Congress,” which I think is actually the Trades Union Congress (TUC), votes heavily to oppose Asquith’s conscription bill, and to recommend that Labour MPs vote against it, overturning the official proposed resolution allowing them to vote their consciences. 3 Labour MPs including Arthur Henderson respond by withdrawing from the coalition government, obeying their constituents even though they personally are among the 10 out of 35 Labour MPs who support compulsion. Former prime minister and current First Lord of the Admiralty Arthur Balfour calls on Parliament to “show that we are a united people. ... Abandon your abstract theories and remember we are dealing with stern realities which call for great sacrifices.”

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