Beginning with the usual formality, he said: "I am obliged to differ from
nearly every sentiment expressed by the Earl of Eglington, the member for
Levizes, who has just taken his seat."
There was an instant's pause, the audience cheered, and cries of delight
came from all parts of the house. "All good counsel has its sting," he
continued, "but the good counsel of him who has just spoken is a sting in
a wound deeper than the skin. The noble Earl has bidden us to be
consistent and reasonable. I have risen here to speak for that to which
mere consistency and reason may do cruel violence. I am a man of peace, I
am the enemy of war--it is my faith and creed; yet I repudiate the
principle put forward by the Earl of Eglington, that you shall not clinch
your hand for the cause which is your heart's cause, because, if you
smite, the smiting must be paid for."
He was interrupted by cheers and laughter, for the late event in his own
life came to them to point his argument.
"The nation that declines war may be refusing to inflict that just
punishment which alone can set the wrong-doers on the better course.
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