The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1916. BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 24, 22 December 1916, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1916. BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE.

Possibly never in the history of Britain’s Parliament lias there been a greater speech delivered than that of Mr Lloyd George so fully cabled yesterday. Not only did this wonclerlm leader make clear to our enemies, and to all the world, the indomitable purpose to which Britain holds, but ho also markedly emphasised the great unity which actuates the Allies in their tremendous task on humanity’s behalf. Mr Lloyd George said that any man, or set of men, who from a sense of weariness or despair, abandoned the struggle without achieving the highest purposes wherefor they had entered upon it, would bo guilty of tho coldest act of poltroonery ever perpetrated by any statesman, and in thrilling language he shbwed why this would be. His statement that France and Russia had arrived at identical conclusions with Britain regarding the fraudulent proposals of Germany could not possibly have been more reassuring, and the whale Empire is with him when he says: “Now that war has been forced by the Prussian military leaders upon France, Russia, Italy, and ourselves, it would be a cruel folly not to see to it that this swashbuckling through the streets of Europe, to the disturbance of all harmless and peaceful citizens, shall be dealt with now as an offence against the law of nations.'’ How much there is yet to do before tiiis offence is adequately punished Mr Lloyd George does not disguise, nor does lie in any way attempt to gloss over or cover up tho blunders of tardiness and inaction which have cost tho Empire and the cause it is now bleeding for, so very dearly. Jho business of war was freely placed before the nation, and an outline of the great steps the Imperial Government intends to take was clearly drawn. From the bitter lessons of the battlefield this eminent statesman tells us

encouragement and hope arise, tm Britain’s army, evolved under tne

enemy’s eyes, which a year ago was l)iit “ore in the earth” is non a

, mighty veteran force of iron—and the | enemy knows it and is alraid. for one moment does this inspiring and lion-hearted leader doubt that victory, 1 complete and satisfying, must ultima-1 tely come to the arms of the Allies, i the 1 nations are but steadfast and ini oroits and “as ready to sacrifice, to learn, and to endure as did the gic.it j army of the Sommot”