18 JUNE 1910, Page 2

During the week Sir Edward Grey has been twice attacked

in the House of Commons in regard to his Egyptian policy—, on Monday and on Tuesday—and a determined attempt has been made on the part of the more bitter and irresponsible

section of the Radical extremists to hold the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs as a reactionary who is unworthy of the confidence of the Liberal Party. Happily the attempt completely failed. Sir Edward Grey never shows better than when he is under fire. His coolness, his courage, and his absolute refusal to be excited info dayingloolish things, while at the same time maintaining a perfect steadfastness of attitude, are beyond praise. In our opinion, Sir Edward Grey has not shown enough leadership and initiative in regard to Egyptian affairs, and is too much inclined by 'temperament to let things drift. But no man fights a more splendid battle than he when once he has got his back to the wall. None can admire more than we do the Whig virtues of moderation and the Whig policy of " bearing with inconveni- ences until they fester into crimes " ; but to be quite frank, Sir Edward Grey is in danger of letting the festering process go too far. He is so anxious not to be in a hurry, to keep quiet and not to overdo things, that he is apt to risk a situation getting out of his control.