We have been able to chronicle the beginning of the
crisis, but not the end. Friday's news shows that further develop- ments will take place. On Thursday Sir John French, the Chief of the General Staff, and Sir Spencer Ewart, the Adjutant-General, sent in their resignations, but it appears that they have not been accepted, and that the greatest possible pressure is being put upon them to induce them to remain at their posts. Rumour has it, indeed, that the Lord Chancellor is exercis- ing his skilful pen in devising a form of words which will at one and the same time placate the Radical extremists, and also satisfy General Gough and the Curragh officers. If Sir John French, General Ewart, and Colonel Seely consent to remain in office, in spite of the Government's repudiation of their sledge, then a very pretty equilibrium can be maintained. The Radicals can be told that no terms were made with the 'Darragh officers, while the Curragh officers 0.111 be told that, as long as the men who initialled the pledge to them remain, that pledge stands good. A more delightful example of having it both ways can hardly be imagined, and if the Government are able to sustain the paradox, they will be the envy of all placators, smoothers, and professors of the gentle art of facing both ways throughout the habitable globe.
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