lie—­since no one would wish to do anything that is contrary to their conception of sound policy—­desire that public meetings should be held in our great centres of population, to explain the cause and circumstances of the war, and the duty that lies upon the manhood of the nation, I and, I am convinced, many others are ready to throw ourselves into the task.

I have told the Prime Minister that I would be proud to appear on a public platform with any member of the Government to state or defend a case in which party is dead and where we are all united.  I doubt not that if they are required many others will be willing to do the same.  We have no desire to deluge the country with a flood of noisy rhetoric, or to start a miniature electioneering campaign.  But if in any great city where recruiting is slow or the issues are not apprehended, or the public conscience is not quick to respond to the national summons, I, or any of those who share my views, can be of any service on the platform I am sure that we are willing to respond and that we shall welcome any organization that may be set on foot for the purpose.  I am, yours obediently,

     CURZON OF KEDLESTON.

* * * * *

PRIME MINISTER’S LETTER.

Addressed to the Lord Mayor of London, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and the Lord Mayor of Cardiff.

     My Lords:  The time has come for combined effort to stimulate and
     organize public opinion and public effort in the greatest
     conflict in which our people has ever been engaged.

     No one who can contribute anything to the accomplishment of this
     supremely urgent task is justified in standing aside.

I propose, as a first step, that meetings should be held without delay, not only in our great centres of population and industry, but in every district, urban and rural, throughout the United Kingdom, at which the justice of our cause should be made plain, and the duty of every man to do his part should be enforced.

     I venture to suggest to your lordships that the four principal
     cities over which you respectively preside should lead the way.

     I am ready myself, so far as the exigencies of public duty
     permit, to render such help as I can, and I should be glad, with
     that object, to address my fellow-subjects in your cities.

     I have reason to know that I can count upon the co-operation of
     the leaders of every section of organized political opinion.  Your
     faithful servant,

     H.H.  ASQUITH.

     28th August, 1914.

* * * * *

MR. ASQUITH IN LONDON.

Speech at the Guildhall, Sept. 5.