Those are words which even the most prejudiced and unjust
and the most pessimistic of the Prime Minister's critics should surely find it impossible to regard as unsatisfactory or as hedging. Mr. Asquith's survey of the war was a brilliant piece of work, but so concentrated that it defies any attempt on the part of the summarist. We must, however, point out that, though Mr. Asquith did not exaggerate or go beyond the truth by a hair's-breadth, the total effect was extraordinarily, and justly, optimistic. Very notable was the passage in regard to the position of Greece, ist which, after a most sympathetic reference to our relations with that country, the Prime Minister seemed to look forward to Greece yet taking "a worthy part on the side to which she is committed by all that is great and glorious in the traditions of her past" That is an expression of feeling which will be widely echoed by the nation as a whole.
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