ionality of Mr. Roosevelt's course, heartily approved of
both the matter and the manner of the speech. The London _Times_ said:
"Mr. Roosevelt has reminded us in the most friendly way of what we are
at least in danger of forgetting, and no impatience of outside
criticism ought to be allowed to divert us from considering the
substantial truth of his words. His own conduct of great affairs and
the salutary influence of his policy upon American public life ... at
least give him a right, which all international critics do not
possess, to utter a useful, even if not wholly palatable, warning."
The _Daily Telegraph_, after referring to Mr. Roosevelt as "a
practical statesman who combines with all his serious force a famous
sense of humor," expressed the opinion that his "candor is a tonic,
which not only makes plain our immediate duty but helps us to do it.
In Egypt, as in India, there is no doubt as to the alternative he has
stated so vigorously: we must govern or go; and we have no intention
of going." The _Pall Mall Gazette's_ opinion was that Mr. Roosevelt
"delivered a great and memorable speech--a speech that will be read
and pondered over throughout the world."
The London _Spectator_, which is one of the ablest and most thoughtful
journals published in the English language, and which reflects the
most intelligent, broad-minded, and influential public opinion in the
British Empire, devoted a large amount of space to a consideration of
the speech. The _Spectator's_ position in English journalism is such
that I make no apology for a somewhat long quotation from its comment:
Perhaps the chief event of the week has been Mr. Roosevelt's
speech at the Guildhall. Timid, fussy, and pedantic people have
charged Mr. Roosevelt with all sorts of crimes because he had the
courage to speak out, and have even accused him of unfriendliness
to this country because of his criticisms. Happily the British
people as a whole are not so foolish. Instinctively they have
recognized and thoroughly appreciated the good feeling of Mr.
Roosevelt's speech. Only true friends speak as he spoke.... The
barrel-organs, of course, grind out the old tune about Mr.
Roosevelt's tactlessness. In reality he is a very tactful as well
as a very shrewd man. It is surely the height of tactfulness to
recognize that the British people are sane enough and sincere
enough to like being told the truth. His speech is one of the
greatest com
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