_We_ lead.
They'll follow, if we do really lead and are courteous to them.

If we hold back, the Irishman rears up and says we are surrendering to the English! Suppose we go ahead and the English surrender to us, what can your Irishmen do then?
Or your German?
The British Navy is a pretty good sort of dog to have to trot under your wagon.

If we are willing to have ten years of thoughtful good manners, I tell you Jellicoe will eat out of your hand.
Therefore, cheer up! It's not at all improbable that Ford[28] and his cargo of cranks, if they get across the ocean, may strike a German mine in the North Sea.

Then they'll die happy, as martyrs; and the rest of us will live happy, and it'll be a Merry Christmas for everybody.
Our love to Mrs.House.
Always heartily yours, W.H.P.
_To Frank N.Doubleday and Others_ London, Christmas, 1915.
DEAR D.P.

& Co.
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