13 MAY 1916, Page 3

Because we have forgotten our old quarrels with Mr. Lloyd

George, and because we realize his splendid devotion to the cause and his willingness to spend himself body and soul in the service of his country, we are not going to pay him the bad compliment of flattering him or concealing his faults. Ho has won the un • stinted admiration of the country as a fighting man. If he is to win its confidence also, he must curb his restlessness of spirit and his recklessness of tongue. Ho must learn that a boat has to be trimmed as well as driven full speed ahead. Above all, ho must remember that acting with other men is a very delicate art, and demands not merely loyalty in substance but in form. It has been said that he who has a partner in business has a master. In the same way, in politics he who has colleagues has masters. Though it seems a hard saying, a Cabinet Minister must give up his complete freedom of action, and in times of stress even his freedom of association. If he attempts to enjoy them, those with whom he is acting are always in danger of suffering wrong at his hands. He must consider tho impact upon his colleagues of his deeds, his words, and his "connexions." It would be far pleasanter merely to eulogize Mr. Lloyd George, but he is, we believe, large-minded enough to understand that our criticism is not the outcome of animosity but of sympathy.