I put hypothetical cases of a European war before him, but he only scoffed at me.

On one point only was he absolutely and entirely firm--under no circumstances whatever would the present Cabinet declare war upon anybody.

If the nation found itself face to face with a crisis, the Government would simply choose the most dignified and advantageous solution which embraced peace.

In short, there is one thing which you may count upon as absolutely certain.

If England goes to war at any time within the next four years, it will be under some other government." Selingman was vastly interested.