13 JULY 1918, Page 3

Our readers know that we think hardly any criticism too

severe for the manner in which Mr. Lloyd George has in practice played with the vital interests of the nation while he has in form and in language kept up an appearance of energy and resolution. The violation of the pledges about Ireland is alone enough to condemn any statesman. But criticism, however severe, is a different thing from insult, and a protest is really necessary against the expressions with which Lord Northcliffe's organs have been calling Mr. Lloyd George to order. In words which are insolent, arrogant, and hectoring, the Daily Mail, the Evening News, and other papers have told Mr. Lloyd George exactly what he must do in order not to be kicked downstairs. " Government by insult " would be a fair summary of the method—for it is of course the aspiration of the Northcliffe Press to govern.