Mr. Churchill argued that nothing but "precautionary measures" had been
taken. He could not, however, deny that orders had been given for the movements of troops and ships. [His speech reminds us of the story of " a Southern gentleman," who had killed a man, presenting himself to the editor of a newspaper. "I have come," he said, "to tell you about a painful occurrence at myhouse. My brother- in-law and I had an argument and I knifed him, and then, in the excitement of the moment, I scalped him. Knowing what exaggerated stories are apt to get into the newspapers, I thought I had better step round and tell you exactly what did happen."] Mr. Churchill next charged the Opposition with having tried to seduce the Army. Mr. Bonar Law said that, sinless the statement by Lord Morley in the House of Lords that afternoon was false, the whole Govern- ment were in the same position as Colonel Seely. The Government were concealing something, and dared not state the position of General Paget for fear he should tell the whole truth.
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