The aforetime standard of excellence was scarcely maintained,
but at any rate the general lines of policy and outlook were not departed
from. It was in the realm of foreign affairs that a startling change
took place. Blunt, forcible, outspoken articles appeared, couched in
language which nearly turned the autumn manoeuvres of six important
Powers into mobilisations. Whatever else the _Daily Intelligencer_ had
learned in the East, it had not acquired the art of diplomatic ambiguity.
The man in the street enjoyed the articles and bought the paper as he had
never bought it before; the men in Downing Street took a different view.
The Foreign Secretary, hitherto accounted a rather reticent man, became
positively garrulous in the course of perpetually disavowing the
sentiments expressed in the _Daily Intelligencer's_ leaders; and then one
day the Government came to the conclusion that something definite and
drastic must be done. A deputation, consisting of the Prime Minister,
the Foreign Secretary, four leading financiers, and a well-known
Nonconformist divine, made its way to the offices of the paper. At the
door leading to the editorial department the way was barred by a nervous
but defiant office-boy.
"'You can't see the editor nor any of the staff,' he announced.
"'We insist on seeing the editor or some responsible person,' said the
Prime Minister, and the deputation forced its way in. The boy had spoken
truly; there was no one to be seen.
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