21 NOVEMBER 1908, Page 17

While dealing with the general foreign outlook we are glad

to note that Sir Edward Grey, speaking at Scarborough on Thursday night, emphasised Mr. Asquith's recent speech at the Guildhall banquet, and declared that it expressed the mind of the whole country. Sir Edward Grey's speeches on foreign, affairs are always so tactful, so straightforward, and so wise that they leave very little room for criticism. It is encouraging to learn that he seems fairly satisfied, in spite of the obvious dangers and difficulties of the situation. There was, however, a certain note of anxiety in his remark that he hoped that the Powers will be able to make the best use of the weeks which are before them, "because the winter, which is unfavour- able to action in the Balkans, is favourable to councils." In other words, Sir Edward dreads what may happen in the spring, when war in those bleak mountain regions becomes possible, if diplomacy has not previously brought about a better condition of affairs.