As for Mr. Clynes, he analysed the King's Speech clause
by clause. It was an easy task for him to ridicule the statement that our relations with foreign Powers remained " friendly." What about Russia ? What about France ? One point in his speech which was very welcome was his declaration that the business of stimulating trade with the Dominions, without inter- fering with our fiscal system, might be conducted on broad non-party lines. Sir William Joynson-Hicks made a very spirited reply for the Government, and found plenty of material for his sallies in the election addresses of Liberal candidates. Where Liberals had opposed Labour candidates all their addresses were anti-Socialistic. Were those Liberals now going to follow their leader or their consciences ? Sir John Simon had said that Socialism was a kind of intellectual measles. " Not a fatal disease," interjected Sir John Simon. " No," retorted Sir William, " but it is very catching."
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