Lord Lansdowne's reply to Lord Loreburn's speech in the Lords
on Tuesday was one of the frankest statements yet made in regard to the war. Though distinctly pessimistic in character, it has been welcomed by the public us a sincere attempt to face the facts and tell the country the truth. The result of this course of action has been what we were always certain it would be. Instead of causing panic or depression, or cries that we are betrayed, it has been accepted with gratitude by the public—a fact which we hope and believe has been a source of satisfaction to Lord Lansdowne. The country does not want to hear smooth things. Far from stoning the bringer of bad news, it is much more likely in its present mood to honour him. The country wants absolute sincerity, however painful the result. Statesmen who scorn to practise an economy of truth, but tell the facts wherever they can be told without military injury, will obtain the confidence of the country.
