The Spectator

From ‘The National Government’, The Spectator, 29 May 1915: We do not suppose that the war, or the need for patriotic effort, has suddenly turned all the men on the new Cabinet list from very human human beings into angels. We do believe, however, that the war has changed them from politicians into fighting men… To put it plainly, they know that there is nothing behind them, that the reserves have been brought up, and that they must either hold the trench or die in it. This thought will keep the Cabinet together till success crowns their effort.

From 'What Italy Brings To The Allies', 29 May 1915: THE more the entrance of Italy into the war is contemplated the more romantic and gratifying it seems. Italy has joined the forces of Freedom with whom her heart has long been beating. It is her right and natural place. Why, then, it may be asked, did she ever join the Triple Alliance, tie herself to the Teutonic cart-tail, and consent in 1912 to re-tie the ropes which had held her in odious bondage? We pointed out in an article called "The Bridge of Peschiera," published on October 26th, 1912, that Italian statesmen dared not forget the standing menace of Austria-Hungary on her frontier. The menace was much too near to be ignored.

From 'Flat-hunting', The Spectator, 29 May 1915: ECONOMY is just now a fashion set by necessity. The professional class are eagerly reducing their outlay, and the most obvious thing to save on is the rent. The immediate result of this determination to live at less cost is that all the cheap flats and small houses have gone up in price, the explanation of course being that there is a run upon them. Dear flats and large houses have come down to a corresponding extent. Flat-hunting is at the moment a very exciting sport; but it should be undertaken, if possible, only by the physically and mentally hardy. The fortunate hunter may in the end "bring down" a flat to suit his own requirements, and well worth all his fatigues, but he will have a good deal to go through first.

From 'News of the Week', The Spectator, 29 May 1915: The past fortnight, partly perhaps owing to the uncertainty of the political situation, has been marked by a great deal of anxiety and pessimism of a very unworthy kind. Yet there is no real cause for grumblings and lamentings, but strong cause for the reverse. We have been optimistic throughout the war, but we admit that at periods like that of the last days of October ours was optimism based on faith, faith in the invincible courage and great-heartedness of the British people. Now, however, our optimism is based upon facts. Provided that we hold on and do not flinch from the last and most painful pull upon the rope, nothing can prevent our winning.

From 'Array the Nation', The Spectator, 22 May 1915 THERE have been many surprising things in this war, but perhaps the most surprising of all is Lord Kitchener's speech in the Upper House on Tuesday afternoon. In it he told the nation that he wants three hundred thousand more recruits "to form new armies." If he had asked for a million, or even two million, more men we should not have been surprised, though even then, taking the Army and Navy together, we should not be doing, per head of population; more than, or even as much as, the French; and should be doing a very great deal leas than the Germans. At such a juncture as this to ask for only three hundred thousand men literally makes one's brain reel.

From 'The Future of Italy', The Spectator, 22 May 1915: WHEN the King of Italy found himself unable to accept the resignation of Signor Salandra at the end of last week the intervention of Italy on the side of the Allies became almost certain. The cause of the neutralist party had flared up for a moment, but had succeeded only in illuminating the strong reserves of the interventionists which were waiting in the background. The dramatic attempt of Signor Giolitti to keep Italy neutral—and, if possible, in an attitude of benevolence towards Germany—was but the affair of a few hours. Public opinion would have nothing to do with it. As we write we do not know when war will be declared, but we can say with confidence that the course of Italy is irrevocably marked out.