"If," said the soldier-Minister, "the war be protracted, and if its fortune be varied or adverse, exertions and sacrifices beyond any already demanded will be required from the whole nation and Empire."
Ominous words increasing prevalent gloom. At least satisfactory to know that in his official communications Kitchener will always cheer us by presenting to closest view the worst that has actually happened or is possibly in store.
Business done.—Kitchener makes his maiden speech.
House of Commons, Wednesday.—No one looking in on House this afternoon would imagine that the country is engaged in an armed fight, issues of which will in one direction or another transform the aspect of Europe. Atmosphere unruffled. "Business as usual" the order of the day.
Pretty full attendance considering House has with brief intervals been in session since February and meets again at what in normal times would be period of full recess. Premier on Treasury Bench at opening of sitting. Having answered a few questions, withdrew to his private room and was no more seen.
Lloyd George, left in charge, moved through various stages series of emergency measures.
On Currency and Bank Note Bill question of design of new twenty-shilling and ten-shilling notes came up. Some disrespectful things said of it. Chancellor of Exchequer admitted its imperfection but pleaded that in the hurried circumstances of the day it was the best that could be done. Exception especially taken on score that the design made forgery easy. Here the Chancellor differed.
"I have been told by an expert in these matters," he said, with the pleased air of one recalling the dictum of a respected friend, "that the plainer the design on a note the more difficult it is to forge it."
All the same the notes are to be called in and replaced.
Business done.—Second reading of Bill giving Government blank cheque for meeting expenses of war carried without debate or division.