But we soon saw that there are exceptional cases in
which sentiment is so strong or the need for courtesy so great that it must override mere commercial considerations. The present case is, to our mind, obviously one of these. The feeling in favour of taking an official part has steadily and notoriously grown. We are sure that it is much greater than Mr. Asquith supposes. And it is a particularly important matter to con- sult American susceptibilities, since the Canal is the occasion of much unpleasantness in other respects. American opinion has declared itself much more clearly than we had expected. We cannot believe that it is impossible to show the official goodwill of the Government towards the Exhibition even now. We hope that they may be pressed on this matter when Parliament meets again. Mr. Asquith's resolution—or obstinacy P—is a very marked trait. He intensely dislikes changing his mind, but we trust he may be yet persuaded that in the present circumstances it would be desirable to do so.
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