The struggle could be shortened only if the equipment were
forthcoming. Great as was the need for men, the need for war material was still greater. "This is an engineers' war." He did not wish to tell the enemy the state of our industries, yet it was essential to tell our own people the truth. "The nation that cannot bear the truth is not fit for war. . . . The people must be told exactly what the position is." People laughed at things in Germany, such as the "potato-bread spirit," which they ought really to dread. "I fear that spirit more than I fear Hindenburg." In our industries we simply could not afford leisurely methods. Disputes must be settled immediately. Delay meant disaster. Although most work- men were doing their duty nobly, there were others—a minority—in armament factories who refused to do a full week's work. The cause P It was mostly "the lure of drink." Drink was doing more damage than all the German sub- marines put together. Russia had suppressed her vodka, and France her absinthe. The Government had great powers to deal with drink, and they meant to use them. Finally, in an eloquent peroration Mr. Lloyd George described the meaning of a German victory—the downfall of liberty. It was a magnificent effort, for which the country owes Mr. Lloyd George its sincerest thanks.
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