THE proceedings of Parliament have largely consisted of
questions and answers, the former coming not only from the
Opposition but also from the back benches of the Ministerial side.
On the whole, the replies have been made on the Government's part
with good temper as it is recognized that the questions have been
raised not in a critical spirit but as the expression of the public
desire for such explicit information as may safely be vouchsafed.
The Home Secretary alone took the questions in bad part, appearing
to think that he was made the object of a personal attack. It makes
no matter to us whether he, or the War Office, or the Admiralty, is
responsible for the duty of suppressing espionage, which assuredly
is being practised on an extensive scale; what we want to know is
the nature and extent of the measures adopted for its suppression.
There are people in high places who are left at large, while
humbler folk are interned, but the capacity for mischief is
proportionately greater where wealth and social standing afford
larger opportunities for treachery. Much discontent also is felt by
the public over the Press censorship. We see no good reason for
withholding from us facts which are perfectly well known to the
enemy. Thanks to his elaborately organized spy system, which in our
genial and stupid way we tolerate, he is better informed than we
are of the movements of our ships and troops. Therefore, as it
seems to us, we might just as well be enlightened. We resent being
treated like children.
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