Moved as we are by these general social and moral
considera- tions, we must once more remind our readers that we are advocating this tremendous step of State purchase as a war measure. The other arguments that we see in its favour are purely subsidiary, and would not have moved us but for the need of the hour. We have got to raise the national efficiency, and we have got to do it through some form of prohibition. That granted, let us do it in the way which will enable us to be moat just to the interests affected, and in the way which roman ABROAD • D. will hamper tut least in the; future. In the last resort, the nation may be compared to a ship in peril of the sea. We have got to lighten the ship in order that she may win her way safely to the haven of peace. We have got to part with a portion of her cargo in order to save the rest. We cannot afford, without imminent risk of destruction, to go on just as we are. The luxury of drinking has got to go in order that we may make our position secure. It is a storm measure, a war measure, a necessary measure.
