The question between the Spectator and the Chancellor of the
Exchequer is per se a small one, and need not further trouble us or our readers. We feel bound, however, to express our deep regret that one who holds so high an office in the nation's Government should have been unable to control his temper under criticism which, whether merited or not, at any rate did not pass the proper bounds of political controversy. The nation has a right to expect from those on whom it confers a great public trust a high standard of conduct, and as a rule that expectation is fulfilled. If Mr. Lloyd George desires a model of how to hit hard in controversy, yet not to lose his temper, we would refer him to his chief. Mr. Asquith once attacked the editor of the Spectator. But though he hit far harder than his colleague, his blow was one to which no fair-minded man could possibly object We certainly did not, though of course we retaliated.
