19 JANUARY 1918, Page 3

We are glad that Mr. Asquith did not take his

stand upon any mistaken point of pride, and think that dignity was best served and misstatement best answered by silence. In a general way, we agree that the leaders of the nation should be extremely sparing in writing to the Press on personal matters ; but this is a policy which can be overdone. If contradictions are issued by public men only on rare occasions, they come with all the greater force when they do come, and in such exceptional circumstances we think they are altogether desirable. Mr. Asquith's case was a case in point, and we trust that he has disposed of the misstatement once and for all by his timely letter.