The attitude of the country generally at the outbreak of war was admirable. It was what it should have been--as on a ship after a collision, where crew and passengers, all under self-command, and without panic, await orders patiently. So the country waited--waited for clear orders--waited to be told, in tones free from all ambiguity and hesitation, what they were to do as classes and as individuals. There was very little fuss or confusion. People were somewhat dazed for a short while by the financial crisis; but the worst of that was soon over. They then said to themselves, "Let us get on with our ordinary work as hard as usual (or even harder), until we receive orders from those responsible for the ship's safety, telling us what we are to do." [Sidenote: BUSINESS AS USUAL] There was a certain amount of sparring, then and subsequently, between high-minded journalists, who {373} were engaged in carrying on their own _business as usual_, and hard-headed traders and manufacturers who desired to do likewise. The former were perhaps a trifle too self-righteous, while the latter took more credit than they deserved for patriotism, seeing that their chief merit was common sense. To have stopped the business of the country would have done nobody but the Germans any good, and would have added greatly to our national embarrassment. At times of national crisis, there will always be a tendency, among most men and women, to misgivings, lest they may not be doing the full measure of their duty. Their consciences become morbidly active; it is inevitable that they should; indeed it would be regrettable if they did not. People are uncomfortable, unless they are doing something they have never done before, which they dislike doing, and which they do less well than their ordinary work. In many cases what they are inspired to do is less useful than would have been their ordinary work, well and thoughtfully done. At such times as these the _Society for Setting Everybody Right_ always increases its activities, and enrols a large number of new members. But very soon, if there is leadership of the nation, things fall into their proper places and proportions. Neither business nor pleasure can be carried on as usual, and everybody knows it. There must be great changes; but not merely for the sake of change. There must be great sacrifices in many cases; and those who are doing well must give a helping hand to those others who are doing ill. But all--whether they are doing well or ill from the standpoint of their own private interests--must be prepared to do what the leader of the nation orders them to do. {374} This was fully recognised in August, September, October, and November last. The country expected orders--clear and unmistakable orders--and it was prepared to obey whatever orders it received.