CHAPTER I

THE STATE OF OPINION

It is the method of modern statesmen to talk asmuch folly as the public demand and to practiseno more of it than is compatible with what theyhave said, trusting that such folly in action asmust wait on folly in word will soon disclose itselfas such, and furnish an opportunity for slippingback into wisdom,—the Montessori system for thechild, the Public. He who contradicts this childwill soon give place to other tutors. Praise, there-fore, the beauty of the flames he wishes to touch, themusic of the breaking toy ; even urge him forward ;yet waiting with vigilant care, the wise and kindlysaviour of Society, for the right moment to snatchhim back, just singed and now attentive.

I can conceive for this terrifying statesmanshipa plausible defence. Mr. Lloyd George took theresponsibility for a Treaty of Peace, which was notwise, which was partly impossible, and which en-dangered the life of Europe . He may defend himselfby saying that he knew that it was not wise and was

i B