The views of these two newspapers fairly express the rather mild opposition excited by the speech among those who regard British control in Egypt as a question of partisan politics.  On the other hand, the best and most influential public opinion, while recognizing the unconventionality of Mr. Roosevelt’s course, heartily approved of both the matter and the manner of the speech.  The London Times said:  “Mr. Roosevelt has reminded us in the most friendly way of what we are at least in danger of forgetting, and no impatience of outside criticism ought to be allowed to divert us from considering the substantial truth of his words.  His own conduct of great affairs and the salutary influence of his policy upon American public life ... at least give him a right, which all international critics do not possess, to utter a useful, even if not wholly palatable, warning.”  The Daily Telegraph, after referring to Mr. Roosevelt as “a practical statesman who combines with all his serious force a famous sense of humor,” expressed the opinion that his “candor is a tonic, which not only makes plain our immediate duty but helps us to do it.  In Egypt, as in India, there is no doubt as to the alternative he has stated so vigorously:  we must govern or go; and we have no intention of going.”  The Pall Mall Gazette’s opinion was that Mr. Roosevelt “delivered a great and memorable speech—­a speech that will be read and pondered over throughout the world.”

The London Spectator, which is one of the ablest and most thoughtful journals published in the English language, and which reflects the most intelligent, broad-minded, and influential public opinion in the British Empire, devoted a large amount of space to a consideration of the speech.  The Spectator’s position in English journalism is such that I make no apology for a somewhat long quotation from its comment: 

Perhaps the chief event of the week has been Mr. Roosevelt’s speech at the Guildhall.  Timid, fussy, and pedantic people have charged Mr. Roosevelt with all sorts of crimes because he had the courage to speak out, and have even accused him of unfriendliness to this country because of his criticisms.  Happily the British people as a whole are not so foolish.  Instinctively they have recognized and thoroughly appreciated the good feeling of Mr. Roosevelt’s speech.  Only true friends speak as he spoke....  The barrel-organs, of course, grind out the old tune about Mr. Roosevelt’s tactlessness.  In reality he is a very tactful as well as a very shrewd man.  It is surely the height of tactfulness to recognize that the British people are sane enough and sincere enough to like being told the truth.  His speech is one of the greatest compliments ever paid to a people by a statesman of another country....  Mr. Roosevelt has made exactly the kind of speech we expected him to make—­a speech strong, clear, fearless.  He has told us something useful and practical, and