16 NOVEMBER 1918, Page 3

In fine, though we retain some misgivings about the volatility

of the Prime Minister's character, and of course reserve all our right to criticize, we are less afraid of him and of what he stands for than we are of some of the persons and influences which might come to the front in the event of a victory for the variously assorted Parties which are opposed to him. If we are not mistaken, and the chief part of the reconstruction of the Empire is committed into the hands of Mr. Lloyd George, we shall do our best to find what is good and not what is dubious in his acts. We aro greatly pressed for space now, and must deal with this matter at greater length on another occasion, but so far as we are concerned we say unreservedly that Mr. Lloyd George is entitled by the facts to make use of the credit that has fallen to hint. We shall judge him and give him our support in accordance with his acts and with the political company which he keeps, and certainly not by anything that has caused us distrust and anxiety in the past. Lord Cromer was fond of saying that a statesman must be judged not so much by what he said as by the men with whom he acted. It is a wise test., and it is certainly not one we can dispense with in the difficult, but we trust resplendent, days of revival that lie before us.