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The Psychology of Jingoism

colonies, loyal British subjects, as they have now been proved. To hear the one and to refuse a hearing to the other is the most elementary injustice; to take the advice of either as authoritative in the direction of our policy is the rankest folly. The man on the spot always knows more, but he is always biassed, and generally cherishes a private interest which does not square with, and is often opposed to, the interest of the commonwealth. The frantic applause with which these mine-owners and their press approve of the conduct of Mr. Chamberlain and Sir Alfred Milner in the war, the settlement, and the treatment of rebels, ought to awaken grave suspicion in all reflecting minds.

But then there is the unanimous testimony of the Churches in South Africa. The clergy and the missionaries have been of unique service in fanning the flames of resentment against the Boers. Is this also an illegitimate manipulation of public opinion? That mine-owners and politicians should have succeeded in impressing the public mind with the idea of this conflict as a 'sacred war,' undertaken in the interests of Christianity and civilization, is their culminating triumph. I do not for one moment impute dishonesty of purpose to the

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