16 SEPTEMBER 1871, Page 2

This continual reiteration that if we hurt nobody, nobody will

hurt us, can have no real meaning, unless it be this,—should the time ever come when Engrand would be called upon in honour and humanity to give offence abroad, we ought not to do so for fear of suffering for it. Is that what our statesmen really believe ? If it is, it is a degrading and evil doctrine. If it is not, and they only mean to say be quiet and modest as long as you honourably can,' they need hardly make such an ostentatious parade of so very humble a maxim.