work done varies inversely
as the trouble they have taken, and the difficulty of the task, even if
it has been successfully carried through, but while they are engaged in
it they must claim not to be hindered and thwarted in their work by
those who can prove that every possible way of doing something which
must be done is wrong, but never show the right way to do it. It is
marvellous how some of those in the most responsible positions manage to
get through their business at all in face of the constant sniping of
those who, like the Scots elder in the story, can neither work nor pray,
but can "object." The splendid service rendered to the country by the
present Prime Minister in bringing about a unity of command was carried
through in face of bitter and persistent opposition set up both by those
who claimed to be guarding the proper position of the military
profession, and also by those who do not regard victory in the War as an
object of their desire.

In the earlier part of 1918, when speaking of a question above mentioned
to one whose services had been called for by the State to meet special
difficulties, the conversation somehow turned to speaking of our ages,
and he, said of himself: "I wish I were twenty years younger, that I
might see the results of what is going on now." It is the natural
attitude of the true worker to think of the "far goal." He has been
called away in the midst of his work, and "from this side" will not see
what is to come in these next twenty years, but the history of this age
will be very incomplete if it does not record and show the deep
significance of the fact that one who undertook a task bristling with
difficulties, affecting the daily life of almost everybody, subjecting
it to many restraints, who never felt under "an obligation to the
popular," won more general regard--it might fairly be said
affection--than any other Minister in so short a time. But if the nation
appreciated the Minister, we may be sure that the Minister appreciated
the nation which accepted inconveniences and restraints with so little
grumbling and such ready acquiescence.

Does not everything point to the fact that one of the most necessary
reforms is to appoint as Minister for each department the most capable
man to do the work required there, one who has the knowledge and
foresight to direct aright, instead of looking round to see which of the
various offices to be filled will satisfy the "claims" of such and suc