"I Mean to Say—"

"What, me?" expostulated the Colonel when "Salent" approached him; "why, damme, old chap, what do I know about it? I mean to say—well, damn it all, I was only up here for a few years a long time ago—in the days when you had the good taste to have an O.T.C. However, If you want me to judge the beastly debate, I will.

In the first place, the subject. My dear fellow, don't you know that one just doesn't mention Russia? I mean—it's a thing like—like babies—it isn't done to talk about them. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard you young people actually talking about [unclear: Russia]. And I really believe that some of those cads who spoke actually thought there was something in the place—how any decent, self-respecting Englishman can get up on a platform and defend a country where there's no freedom—no liberty—no free speech—where the people are slaves—and where there's nothing but er—bombs, and Bolsheviks and—er—Russians—well, my God, sir, it's a bit thick. Freedom's the most valuable thing we've got—It's what's built the Empire—here, read this pamphlet of Professor Algie's. Show it to those young adolescent cubs—might make them think a bit.

"Scotney—ought to be hounded out of the country like all these damned radicals—don't know what's good for 'em—he didn't talk about Russia for a long time, which was a good thing. He quoted Lord Londonderry's book, too—and I couldn't follow much more of his speech—except something about Fascism and Communism. Well, damn it. I mean—everyone knows that they're both the same. He was stopped by the bell—I voted against his continuing to speak. The blighter!