6

A RE VISION OF THE TREATY

CHAP.

to him that for the time being there could be littlepractical harm in going on the indemnity tack, andalso that, in relation to his feelings at that time, abelief in the possibility of boundless payments byGermany was in better sentiment, even if less true,than the contrary. Thus the recent modification inBritish outside opinion is only partly intellectual, andis due rather to changed conditions; for it is seenthat perseverance with the indemnity does now in-volve practical harm, whilst the claims of sentimentare no longer so decisive. He is therefore preparedto attend to arguments, of which he had always beenaware out of the corner of his eye.

Foreign observers are apt to heed too little theseunspoken sensibilities, which the voice of the pressis bound to express ultimately. Inside opiniongradually affects them by percolating to wider andwider circles; and they are susceptible in time toargument, common sense, or self-interest. It is thebusiness of the modern politician to be accuratelyaware of all three degrees ; he must have enoughintellect to understand the inside opinion, enoughsympathy to detect the inner outside opinion, andenough brass to express the outer outside opinion.

Whether this account is true or fanciful, there canbe no doubt as to the immense change in publicsentiment over the past two years. The desire fora quiet life, for reduced commitments, for comfortableterms with our neighbours is now paramount. The