We are not quite happy at the halt that seems
to have been called by the Government because we fear lest .13.:halt Shoidd mean a retreat. We well understand Lard .effort to stimulate Lord Cushendun in the House of Lords last week. The one is an enthusiast, the other .a working politician upon new ground. We prefer the enthusiast, hut we realize that Governments cannot advance at the pace of the quickest. The Council of :the League of Nations Union is enthusiastic, and we see no- need for Lord Cushendun to rebuke it as he has done- for publishing resolutions in favour of our signing the optional clause at The Hague, although we see great obstacles to our signing. Admiral Aubrey Smith has taken Professor Baker to task in the Times for lecturing in a City church with the enthusiasm of which we have written. Admiral Smith's good work at Geneva compels our respect for, his experience and his.knowledge of what is possible. He may have fairly blamed Professor Baker for distorting or suppressing facts, but we hope he does not blame enthusiasm.
