It must not be forgotten, however, that the groups of
the Left, apart from the Radicals, are showing a disagreeable temper. They have produced what they euphemistically call a " counter-proposal " to M. Doumer's scheme, but the real purpose of it seems to be to embarrass the Government. M. Briand has stated that he is in agreement with much of this "counter proposal" and only needs time and enough support to give it effect. In these circumstances it seems an extra- ordinarily inopportune moment to trip up the Government and to prolong the confusion which has been almost entirely destroying confidence in France, merely, in the end, to bring in a Government of the Left which would. have no better chance than M. Briand has of settling the crisis. France is at war—at war with the financial fate which even yet, through the perversity and folly of men, may overwhelm her ; and war is the occasion for all men who love their country to try to save it.
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