But it isn't easy to give an answer based on facts.
Our General Lassiter[57], for instance--a man of sound judgment--has in general been less hopeful of the military situation in France than most of the British officers.

But he is just now returned from the front, much cheered and encouraged.

'Lassiter,' I asked, 'have the British in France or has any man among them what we call genius, or even wide vision; or are they merely plodding along at a mechanical task?
His answer was, 'We don't see genius till it has done its job.

It is a mechanical task--yes, that's the nature of the struggle--and they surely do it with intelligence and spirit.

There is waste.