5 FEBRUARY 1916, Page 2

It would not be right for us to talk as

if we might be one of the papers to go under, should the- Government insist on forcing their proposals on the Press. ,We shall be able to hold our own, though in all probability we shall have to ask a good deal of indulgence from our readers in our weekly efforts to get not merely a quart into a pint pot but a quart into a half- pint pot ! We feel certain, however, that we may rely upon their help and goodwill, and with such help and goodwill we shall, to change the metaphor, weather the storm which we fear will mean utter ruin to many excellent craft. We do not intend to make a poor. mouth in the matter, nor do we mean to upbraid the Government for their sudden discovery that paper is the thing which ought to go first if something must be thrown overboard. If the Government take the responsibility of saying that they cannot win the war without cutting the newspapers in half, we shall offer no resistance.