f his own party, he now found far greater scope as a
foe in opposition to Ministers in power. He went for them, tooth and
nail, making a dead set at Chamberlain, who had taken Gladstone's place
as the leading figure in the House of Commons. Chamberlain himself had
fought his way up. Those who have seen Chamberlain will never forget
him--the long, strong face, the steady, hard eyes, the straight-cut
mouth, the rigidly erect, slim body, the unfailing single eyeglass, and
the orchid in his buttonhole making a picture which can never be
disassociated from will-power, a mind cold and clear, a lucid gift of
speech, unflinching courage, and a savage contempt for weakness or
inefficiency. He had against him in the House of Commons some able
critics, but not more than two or three could really stand up to him in
argument. I believe there was not a single one even of these who dared
to take off the gloves to him in real fighting earnest. Lloyd George
went into opposition with his eyes fixed on Chamberlain.

From that time onward Lloyd George deliberately fought the Birmingham
statesman on every possible opportunity. In committee, during question
time, at set debate, he pursued him unremittingly. Chamberlain tried
at first to shake him off with a scornful word or two. But Lloyd
George was not to be dismissed as so many others had been. He returned
to the attack like a hornet. He was never appeased, never in doubt,
never content. Chamberlain had presently to take real notice of him.
He turned on the Welshman and with ferocity held him up to scorn and
ridicule--not a difficult task for such a man as Chamberlain,
especially as the majority of the House of Commons were his followers.
Lloyd George certainly had his bad times then. Sometimes his facts
would be proved awry and his arguments fallacious and he would be
harried with merciless sarcasm. He would, in effect, be smashed to
pieces. To the amazement of every one he refused to understand that he
was smashed. After any and every attack he would be swiftly on his
feet, hurling forth fresh accusatory words and ignoring the punishment
he had just received--would be himself the scourger of sin. Sometimes
he even took to imitating Chamberlain's own methods, and pointing a
finger at his distinguished victim, would hiss out his charges word by
word with a vibrant slowness. Even the impassive Chamberlain used
sometimes to color a little under this mimicry. If ever a man w