We cannot refrain from saying that, though we recognize the
great importance of arranging for the administration of pensions as quickly as possible, the critics were justified in their contention that not nearly enough consideration had been given to a measure involving very large expendi- ture. The pensions which have hung round the neck of the United States like an old man of the sea should be a warning to all countries. Of course, our own pension scheme is not in danger of becoming a vast political abuse. Still, it is a subject requiring the most careful weighing, not only in the interests of the country, but for the sake of the pensioners. The remedy for the Government was surely, not to cut short discussion, but to shorten the recess. In the Commons on Wednesday, however, Mr. Asquith, instead of sharing the anger of many Liberals, felt able to treat the delay with considerable unconcern. As a matter of fact, the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital at present have powers to grant pensions on the new scale and are actually granting them.
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