required. Traces of this feeling are sometimes visible in the
published letters (how admirable, as a rule, they are!) of soldiers
at the front, telling their families to expect them back in a month
or two's time. The other danger is that, harassed by the
continuance of the struggle, or attracted by delusive offers of
peace or affected by economic or industrial conditions which have
fortunately not so far developed, a section of the nation may cry
out for peace before the victory has been consummated and before
the peril we are fighting to avert is forever destroyed.

It may be that renewed platform activity may be required as time
goes on to sustain the spirit and fortify the constancy of the
nation. In the meanwhile, speakers, from my experience, cannot do
better than dilate upon the immense magnitude of the stakes
involved, and probable long duration of the struggle, and the
supreme importance that our country should, by the strength and
effectiveness of its material contribution to the common cause,
exercise a powerful influence both upon the issue of the struggle
and in the resettlement of territories and forces which will follow
upon its conclusion. I am, Sir, yours obediently,

CURZON OF KEDLESTON.

1 Carlton House Terrace, Sept. 14.

* * * * *

[Illustration: W.L. SPENCER CHURCHILL,
British First Lord of the Admiralty.
(_Photo from Underwood & Underwood._)]

NOW THE WAR HAS COME.

Speech by Winston Spencer Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, at
the London Opera House, Sept. 11.

These are serious times, and though we meet here in an abode of
diversion and of pleasure in times of peace, and although we wish and
mean to rouse and encourage each other in every way, yet we are not here
for purposes of merriment or jollification. I am quite sure I associate
my two friends who are here tonight and who are to speak after me, and
my noble friend, your Chairman, with me when I say that we regard the
cheers with which you have received us as being offered to us only
because they are meant for our soldiers in the field and our sailors
upon the sea, [cheers,] and it is in that sense that we accept them and
thank you for them.

We meet here together in serious times, but I come to you tonight in
good heart, [cheers,] and with good confidence for the future and for
t