On Tuesday Mr. Asquith revealed the cache which we prophesied
a fortnight ago might be found in his speech of February 28th. In answer to a question from Mr. Austen Chamberlain, the Prime Minister pointed out that he had said that "the Resolution" would affirm the necessity fer
limiting the veto, but that " it " would be made plain that reform was in contemplation for a subsequent year. "That language was carefully chosen in order to leave the Govern- ment a free hand either to embody that proposition in the Resolution or to make it plain in some other way." This appeal to the accuracy and sincerity of his language reminds us of the words put into the mouth of Lord Shelburne by the authors of the " Rolliad " :— " The noble Lord says I approve his plan. My Lords, I never did, I never can. Plain words, thank heaven, are always understood.
I said I could approve, but not I would."
This game of verbal "catch as catch can" is amusing, no doubt, but we confess to thinking it somewhat below the dignity of a Prime Minister.
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