NEED FOR NATIONAL PATIENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1740, 13 October 1917, Page 2

NEED FOR NATIONAL PATIENCE.

“WHILE the Army is fighting so valiantly let the nation behind it be patient, be strong,' and, above all, united,” said Britain’s Prime Minister, recently. “Tile strain is great on nations and on individuals, and when men get over-strained temper’s get ragged, and small grievances are exaggerated, and small misunderstandings and mistakes swell into mountains. Long wars, like long voyages and long journeys, are very trying to the temper, and wise men keep watch on it, and make allowances for it. There are some who are more concerned about ending the war than about winning it. Let us keep both eyes on victory, looking neither to the right nor to the left. This is the way we will win. If anyone promotes national distrust or disunion at this hour he is helping the enemy, and hurting his native land. Let there be one thought in every head. If you sow distrust, discontent, disunion in the nation we shall reap defeat. If, on the other hand, we sow the seeds of patience, confidence, and unity, we shall garner in victory and its fruits. The last ridges of a climb are always the most trying to the nerves and to the hearts, but the real test of great endurance and courage are the last few hundreds or scores of feet in a climb upwards. No one has any idea, no one in Germany, nor in Austria, how near the top we may be. A mere crag may hide it from our view. And there are accidents. Russia may have staggered for a moment, but she is still on the rope; she in due time will be up again climbing, strong-limbed and firm of purpose, and together we shall reach the summit of our hope.”