What was the meaning of this demonstration? The whole House
would have joined in a reverent and respectful requiem in honour of a man who has borne great sorrows, made tre- mendous mistakes, but carried himself throughout with high moral dignity. Even the most ardent of Mr. Chamberlain's critics joined in the applause as a tribute to a fine action finely undertaken. His resolute and unselfish broadcast address of Friday night was still resonant in our ears. But why this un- usual ovation? Mr. Chamberlain, in all certainty, "has his friends." I have for long been puzzled by the devotion which he arouses in his followers. His intimates assure me that never has there been a man who so successfully conceals his charm or whose character is so lucid and serene. Those who have worked closely with him during these nine months of war have all testified to the toughness of his fibre and the speed and decision of his mind. But why should his back-bench followers feel such personal emotion for a man who has never encouraged intimacy, and whose shyness lurks like the prim- rose under a dark stone of reserve?
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