Those who advocated a General Election on behalf of the
soldiers and sailors seem now to have forgotten their original argument. They want a General Election for its own sake. But what the advantage of it would be we have never been able to discover. That it would be a great distraction from the business of conducting the war is certain,, and no countervailing benefit that we have ever heard of could be set in the scale against that drawback. The House of Commons, and indeed the whole nation, are convinced of the necessity of pursuing the war on its present lines. What else matters ? We are asked to change a safe position for a wild speculation. it is highly probable that the Coalition Government would get handsome support at the polls. But they have got all the support they need already. If they are returned to power with a programme which nobody understands, they cannot expect to remain in office very long after the war, or to remain there with any authority. What, then, is the purpose of the whole move- ment ? If the rumours take still more definite shape and a General Election seems to be assured, it will be necessary for the Unionist leaders to make some sign. Elections cannot be fought without funds. But to what ideas are Unionists being asked to subscribe their money and their names ?
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