They declare that it is only an outburst of Jingoism, which should be
promptly crushed.

_Jingoism_ has become such a common word in politics to-day, that it may
amuse you to know just how it came into use, and what it means.

In 1877, during the Russo-Turkish war, there was a very strong party in
England which was in favor of helping the Turks against the Russians.
They urged the Government, which was under Lord Beaconsfield (the great
Disraeli), to go to the aid of the Turks, and make war on the Russians,
who were advancing on Turkey, and it was feared might take the city of
Constantinople.

The outcry for this legislation became so strong that men's minds were
full of it. Every paper had something to say on the subject, in every
pulpit and every theatre allusions were made to the absorbing topic of
the hour, and it seemed as if war must be the outcome. In the midst of
this excitement a song appeared, the words of which ran:

"We don't want to fight, but, by Jingo, if we do,
We've got the ships, we've got the men, we've got the money too.
We've fought the Bear before, and while we're Britons true,
The Russians shall not have Constantinople!"

This verse so exactly suited the feelings of the people that they went
wild over it. It was sung everywhere, until finally the mere whistling
of the air was enough to rouse a frenzy of patriotism and a thirst for
war.

One day, during a heated discussion in Parliament, a member alluded to a