OUR NATIVE MODESTY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 63, 9 December 1918, Page 8

OUR NATIVE MODESTY

"Of all the characteristics of you English folk, Hie one that hit me most was your casual manner," said an American officer who has been engaged in the examination of British and Allied Army methods. "It struck me right from the outset. I had occasion to visit various aerodromes throughout England. In order to get at what I wanted to know it was necessary to ask numerous questions of your pilots and observers. In every case the information vas'given in an offhand, casual fashion—much •as •if they didn't know for sure and' didn't care either. "At first it gave me • the impression that they were suspicions of me,i but they treated me so well socially and otlioni'isj that I quickly acquitted them ot that. Then I thought possibly they resented my interest, but'when L found it was the same everywhere I realised that! I must find 6ome other- reason. . For instance, it, was a common thing to have the most intricate and interesting subjects explained to me in an airy, light, apparently careless fashion that'suggested an absolute irresponsibility.. "This extraordinary • characteristic puzzjed me all the more'when I .went to i'rance to my investigations among the French (lying men, for they were as voluble and explanatory os yours were reserved and casual.. Indeed, it was from them that I found out • tho reason,' when I chanced to ask what they though of their English Allies. " 'Fine men, all of them/ was the repl}', but they are too modest. They know, bat they will not. tell. They do things and hate anybody who makes a fuss about them.' "That's just it. \ It's your modesty, and it is ono of your most agreeable feelings. It results in a casual superficiality of manner that completely. deceives those who do not know yon. ' Yet it is not a pose. It is seemingly a perfectly natural state peculiar to the English.ln my opinion, it is this very casualness of ,your nation that continually deludes the 'Hun both in'his conduct of the war and in his floundering peace manoeuvres. So keep it -jp."-Herbert C. fiidout, in the 'Daily Mail." " "