4. The Change of Opinion (1921)

It is the method of modern statesmen to talkas much folly as the public demand and topractise no more of it than is compatible withwhat they have said, trusting that such follyin action as must wait on folly in word willsoon disclose itself as such, and furnish anopportunity for slipping back into wisdom,—the Montessori system for the child, thePublic. He who contradicts this child willsoon give place to other tutors. Praise, there-fore, the beauty of the flames he wishes totouch, the music of the breaking toy; evenurge him forward; yet waiting with vigilantcare, the wise and kindly saviour of Society,for the right moment to snatch him back, justsinged and now attentive.

I can conceive for this terrifying statesman-ship a plausible defence. Mr. Lloyd George took the responsibility for a Treaty of Peace,which was not wise, which was partly im-possible, and which endangered the. life ofEurope . He may defend himself by sayingthat he knew that it was not wise and waspartly impossible and endangered the life ofEurope ; but that public passions and public

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