South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-05-29
Daniels Contrasts Balfou and NO1tkclifeaS
The A9,iStOc1atic COn1n1Oner and The Journalistic
Peer; Calls One Philosopher; Other Man of Action

fund Of information was so ready
and accurate that you understood
his place OF primacy when world
leaders discussed big problems with
him. Conditions Ga Egypt or India
or MesOpotamia were as familiar 90
him az those in his own neighbor-
hood.
BALFOUR NOT AN OPTINHST
OF course talked 20 him
mostly about the navy and naval
operations and naval policies in the
war. He had so recently directed
the British navy that his knowledge
was full and interesting. Like most
EngIishmen with whom I talked
during the war, Mr.. Balfour was
frankly grave. He irradiated none
of the optimism which fairly dazzles
one when Lloyed George tllks. He
did not look glad or Joyous.
am writing Of him now as he ap-
peared in those dark days after
years II difficult and battling war
fare. His tall form was bent as IF
with the burdens Of the world Ev-
Of the weight Of responsibilities upon
him. But there was a lilt in his eye
when Re smiled that made YOU wish
YOU could have known him when
wars alarms did not make gravity
sit like a master upon his spirits.
A short time before ne arrived. 7
heard a story which never doubted
H. a
story was that an American jour
nalist visiting London desired for his
paper above all things an interview
with Mr.. Balfour. and framed some
leading questions he wished 10 ask.
At length an appointment was OBJ
tanned with this condition: "At the
erd Of fifteen minutes your audience
must terminate"
WORTH LOSING SCOOP"
As he was presented to Mr.. Bal
four the editor thought TO be agree
able by speaking Of the deep interest
with which ne had read Mr.. Bal
four's work on PHILOSOPHY" or THE
Future Life" I've forgotten which
It was a fatal error. for, once
launched upon his favorite topic Mr.
BalfoUr did not pause for fifteen
minutes At the end of that time
the American journalist was shown
out Not one of his questions had
been even asked. he had lost his
scoop" interview. and was uemoan-
ing his blunder Of paying a compli-
ment before proceeding TO business
But afterwards. telling the incident
90 friend. the American said: 1T
was worth losing the story TO hear a
real philosopher discuss great. i'm
mortal questions in the most immor-
tai way. He seemed to rise from the
plains 10 the heights and TO carry
YOU into a new world OF speculation
and thought and faith which you
did not believe any man had faith.
omed"
And that explains Mr.. Balfour and
/ is the secret of the good impression
/ ne made in Washington. He dis.
cussed International diplomacy wal
and books with President Wilson
land they both spoke the same
y language. He discussed finance anC
/ loans with Mr. McAdoo and obtained
loan OF s2OO.OOO.OOO for his coun
! try-the first loan any associated
nation obtained from our govern
ment. He discussed shipping will
the members OF the shipping board
munitions with the secretary Of war
and. with the secretary of the nav!
he discussed naval cooperation anC
invention 20 detect submarines. II,
was at home with the parliamentar!
I Headers Of the house and senate.
RELIES ON EXPERTS.
7 observed one thing about hin
and the job he had come 10 do
which showed British thoroughness
He was the heac e the mission ant
4 debated big problems and talke,
about whatever was uppermOst. Blu
he relied on Gen. Tom Bridges q
fine soldier and fine man h IS @
carry on the negotiations with tn
war department.; Lord Gun
life. governor OF the Ban
OF England. with the trees
ury department: Lord Percy ~
blockade and export questions: NJ
---------------