MITCHENER. I might make him my chaplain. I dont see why I
shouldnt have a chaplain on my staff. He showed a very proper
spirit in punching that young cub's head. I should have done the
same myself.

BALSQUITH. Then Ive your promise to take command if Lady Richmond
consents?

MITCHENER. On condition that I have a free hand. No nonsense
about public opinion or democracy.

BALSQUITH. As far as possible, I think I may say yes.

MITCHENER (rising intolerantly and going to the hearthrug). That
wont do for me. Dont be weak-kneed, Balsquith. You know perfectly
well that the real government of this country is and always must
be the government of the masses by the classes. You know that
democracy is damned nonsense, and that no class stands less of it
than the working class. You know that we are already discussing
the steps that will have to be taken if the country should ever
be face to face with the possibility of a Labor majority in
parliament. You know that in that case we should disfranchise the
mob, and, if they made a fuss, shoot them down. You know that if
we need public opinion to support us, we can get any quantity of
it manufactured in our papers by poor devils of journalists who
will sell their souls for five shillings. You know--

BALSQUITH. Stop. Stop, I say. I dont know. That is the difference
between your job and mine, Mitchener. After twenty years in the