(_By a Westministering Angel._)
["Looking back at what has been achieved, we can gain fresh courage
for the perplexities of the moment, in the sure and certain hope that
with energy and goodwill the task of social amelioration will be
safely accomplished, if never finished."
_"Westminster-Gazette" leading article._]
While then we admit that President WILSON'S technical violation of his
policy of non-intervention is fraught with possibilities of difficulty if
not of actual danger for the United States, we can at least fortify
ourselves with the reassuring consolation that, where righteous intentions
are backed by a strong arm, the odds are generally in favour of their
prevailing, even though they may never be victorious.
The prospects of a pacific solution of the Ulster problem, though they have
not visibly improved in the last week, at least cannot be said to have
substantially altered for the worse. But the atmosphere, though no longer
electric, is not yet unclouded. All that can be safely said is that, if
only the Government continue to play the game with the same forbearance,
tenacity, and transparent honesty that they have shown in the past, the
gulf that yawns between the extremists on either side must one day be
filled up, though never bridged.
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[Illustration: A PENULTIMATUM.
PRESIDENT HUERTA. "AMERICAN FLEET TO VISIT ME AND EXCHANGE COMPLIMENTS?
WELL, IT'S NICE TO BE 'RECOGNISED,' ANYHOW."]
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As we reflect on the happenings of the last year, we cannot but be sensible
of a salutary _detente_ in the relations of Germany and Great Britain. That
this should lead to a closer understanding, and ultimately to an alliance,
between the two Powers must be the heartfelt prayer of every patriotic
Liberal. But good wishes are seldom operative unless they are backed by
action. It is the duty of every lover of his country to labour
unremittingly to promote this object, and at the same time to resign
himself to the conviction that he may not live to see his aim realised,
though his descendants may witness its translation into actuality, even if
its consummation is indefinitely postponed.
The vagaries of feminine fashion are undoubtedly a source of misgiving and
disquietude to those, like ourselves, who favour the extension of civil
rights to women. But, amid all the evidences of frivolity and extravagance
which pain the judicious, we need never relinquish the hope that, once the
pendulum swings backwards into the direction of sanity, its retrogression
will probably be beneficial, even though we cannot pronounce it
satisfactory.
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[Illustration: TYPICAL SPRING BLOSSOMS IN OUR GARDEN SUBURB.]
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