Before we leave the subject of Mr. Lloyd George's speech
we must note that though the opportunity was so good a one, and though he found it so easy to heap personal abuse upon Lord Robert Cecil and Lord Lansdowne, he made no attempt to meet our challenge to him to repeat outside the House of Commons what he said inside it as regards the editor of the Spectator. Mr. Lloyd George in the House spoke of "Mr. Maxse, Mr. Chesterton, and Mr. St. Loe Strachey, the three gentlemen who had been working this together," i.e., the charges of corruption against himself. These words convey an accusation of conspiracy, the charge that the editor of the Spectator conspired with the two gentlemen named. Under cover of the privilege of Parliament Mr. Lloyd George dared to make this charge. Though we have twice challenged him openly he does not dare to repeat it where he is not protected by privilege, and where we should be able to force him to sub- stantiate it, or to pay the penalty for not substantiating it. Such conduct can only be described as mean and cowardly, and calling for the censure of all decent and honourable men.
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