On This Day, 16 April 1918

Birmingham Daily Post

Tuesday 16 April 1918

ADVERSITY BRINGS OUT BRITISH BEST

“What do you think of events at home?”

“The old emotion and unity which we had in their first freshness in that black autumn of 1914 are back again in the hearts of all. No man can look without pride upon the temper of the country in these stern days. A black week brings out the best in us. Someone has said that character is what a man is in the dark. The saying rings true of that British character which blazes out in the blackest moments. You have only to read the history of the Napoleonic struggle to see that. Our best comes to the top in extremity.

The Local Food Committees have heavy burdens to carry. Our municipal organisation has been severely taxed and tested. I have nothing but praise, speaking generally, for the efficient way in which these committees have shouldered the load. There, again, the fine character the British public shows itself.

My confidence is in the British public. I know they will accept rationing as the home-discipline necessary to strengthen and steel our powers of endurance. Rationing means fair play; each having his share and no more than his share at the common table.

We shall endure to the end so that we may win that prise of lasting peace for humanity. America is at one with us, and I can never speak too warmly of the help she gives me so generously in the matter of food supplies. We are organised and armoured against the enemy. We are one people. That it our reply to Germany.”

“It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of increasing the production of potatoes to the greatest possible extent,” says Lord Rhondda in the course of a letter.