30 JANUARY 1915, Page 15

The February number of the World's Work contains a very

striking reply by Sir Edward Grey to the question asked him by the editor how the United States could best help the cause of humanity in the present war. Sir Edward Grey says

"The only thing I can say is that a great nation standing out. side the European conflict should use what influence it can on the side of right and against wrong. We believe that wo are fighting for liberty and independence, threatened by militarism, and to redress the cruel wrong done to Belgium. We hope to in ■ peace that will secure those things. What influence the United States can exercise, and to what end and when their influent* should be used, is a question for their own people to decide. Bat I do not think that this will be a suitable contribution to the dispassionate inquiry made by the editors of the World', Work magazine; and perhaps I may explain how impossible it is for a member of a Government wile believe that they are fighting for the independence of their country, and that all they care for and believe is at stake, to do anything except plead the cause of that country and to ask at least for sympathy."

That is admirably said, and expresses the spirit in which the beat part of the British nation regards the problem of American action.