Whether it is popular or no, or whether a hypnotized
public opinion condemns us or does not condemn us, we mean to make the maintenance of these three pledges the test by which to judge Mr. Lloyd George. If they are kept inviolate by Mr. Lloyd George, we shall be not only willing but profoundly thankful to admit that we have done him wrong in doubting his sincerity on these points. If, however, he does not keep these pledges inviolate, our accusation that he is trifling, not only with his own political honour, but with the dearest interests of the nation, will have been amply justified. The event will show, and we sincerely trust will show us to be in the wrong. But, remember, war is a matter in which delays may well be fatal. Pledges, again, are kept not by talking about them, but by action. We do not mean to be put off, nor, if we can -Prevent it, shall we allow the country to be put off, in the matter of Irish Conscription, by the debating of Constitutional and Feder- alistic conundrums. We have already wasted nearly a month since the promise to apply Conscription to Ireland. That was a grievous fault. If we waste another month, we may bid farewell to " more soldiers from Ireland " in the present war.
