He had scarcely announced his Cabinet
when the world was electrified by the news of the German peace proposal.
By his own action Lloyd George had placed himself at the head of the
Council charged with the conduct of the war. To the Wizard Welshman
therefore was put squarely the responsibility of continuing or ending
the stupendous struggle.
Never before in the history of any country was such momentous
responsibility concentrated in an individual. The dramatic element with
which Lloyd George had become synonymous, found an amazing expression.
He was ill in bed when the German suggestion was made. No official
announcement of England's position in reply could be made until he had
recovered. In the interim the whole world trembled with suspense while
stock markets shivered. The Premier's name was on every tongue: the eyes
of the universe were focussed on him. It was indeed his Great Hour.
In what was the most significant speech of his career, and with all the
force and fervour at his command, he stated the Empire's determination
to fulfill its obligations to the trampled and ravaged countries. On
that speech hung the stability of international financial credit, the
lives of millions of men and the whole future security of Europe.
You have seen the moving picture of a tumultuous life: what of the
personality behind it?
Reducing the Prime Minister to a formula you find that he is fifty per
cent Roosevelt in the virility and forcefulness of his character,
fifteen per cent Bryan in the purely demagogic phase of his makeup,
while the rest is canny Celt opportunism.
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