text:
H. H. Asquith

Herbert Henry Asquith, 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith, KG, PC (12 September 1852 – 15 February 1928) was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1908 to 1916. As Prime Minister, his Liberal Party government passed social legislation beginning the modern British welfare state and reducing the power of the House of Lords. He was the leader of the country during World War I and formed a wartime coalition with the Conservative Party. He was was forced to resign in favor of David Lloyd George due to disagreements over military strategy and conscription, leading to a split between the two that began the decline of the Liberal Party.

Quotes

 * [A] party requires party spirit, and party spirit is the product of a very complex sentiment, which is slow to grow and hard to sustain, and which thrives best where it can be nourished by historic memories.
 * ‘The English Extreme Left’, The Spectator (12 August 1876), p. 8

 * The severance of Ulster from the rest of Ireland is a geographical, and, therefore, a political impossibility. ... The Union is safe so long as Ulster is loyal.
 * ‘The invasion of Ulster’, The Spectator (29 September 1883), p. 6

Home Secretary

 * I...say to my working-men friends here, before you forsake your support and allegiance to the Liberal party, and before you go trying to found some separate organization of your own, let me venture to put before you two considerations. In the first place I would beg of you to remember that in English public life and in English history we have hitherto always had parties which did not represent, or which, at any rate, did not profess to represent, particular classes, but which looked at the interests of the community from the point of view of the community as a whole.
 * Speech in Hull (22 January 1895), quoted in The Times (23 January 1895), p. 6

 * [W]e claim to start from and to maintain in all our political action this fundamental principle—that the interests of the community as a whole ought to be paramount over the interests of any class, any interest, or any section which that community contains. That is the root and spring of Liberalism.
 * Speech in Newcastle-upon-Tyne (30 January 1895), quoted in The Times (31 January 1895), p. 6

Opposition MP

 * Let them take the debate which had recently been carried on with so much vivacity on the subject of Imperial expansion. There was a process of expansion which was as normal, as necessary, as inseparable, and unmistakable a sign of vitality in a nation as the corresponding processes in the growing human body. We might control and direct it by oversight and by means adapted to the end, but we could not arrest it. ... it was not part of the most illustrious apostles and disciples of Liberalism to condemn expansion in the sense which he had described it.
 * Speech in Darwen, Lancashire (27 January 1899), quoted in The Times (28 January 1899), p. 8

 * In 1851 Harriet Martineau had just published a...History of England during the Thirty Years' Peace. The Great Exhibition of 1851...was about to open its doors and inaugurate what many people regarded as a new era of international concord. Industry was to be the recruiting sergeant of the future, and war, with its unproductive expenditure, with its futile hatreds and animosities, was to be superseded by the bloodless revolution of free competitors in the open markets of the world. For success in that new and pacific international struggle no nation was so well equipped as our own. We started with enormous advantages. Fifty years had passed. How did we stand to-day? The civilized world, which in 1851 seemed to be in the mood to send in its swords to be beaten into ploughshares, was now transformed into an armed camp; the 30 years' peace which Miss Martineau described had been succeeded by 50 years of almost continuous war.
 * Speech in Leeds (23 November 1900), quoted in The Times (24 November 1900), p. 8

 * So far from enjoying the undisputed hegemony which was so confidently predicted for British trade 50 years ago, there was not now an inch of ground in any one of the international markets for which we were not fighting with all our available strength. We had long ceased to enjoy that relative superiority in natural advantages with which we started upon the race.
 * Speech in Leeds (23 November 1900), quoted in The Times (24 November 1900), p. 8

 * [T]he rise of Germany into the front rank of the commercial Powers of the world was the most remarkable illustration that was to be found of the practical value of education, organization, and concentration. ... Any man who read the accounts of what was done and provided in France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, and, above all, the United States of America, and contrasted the magnificent educational apparatus in which the humblest boy in those countries might aspire to be a participant with our own scanty, slovenly, unscientific, and ill-organized system, or want of system, would no longer be at a loss to understand why England was handicapped in the race for commercial supremacy.
 * Speech in Leeds (23 November 1900), quoted in The Times (24 November 1900), p. 8

 * [W]here we were obliged to part company with our friends was here—that we held and still hold that war was neither intended nor desired by the Government and the people of Great Britain, but that it was forced upon us without adequate reason, entirely against our will.
 * Speech in the Liverpool Street Station Hotel, London (20 June 1901) on the Boer War, quoted in Speeches by The Earl of Oxford and Asquith, K.G. (1927), p. 40

 * Wonderful news to-day, and it is only a question of time when we shall sweep this country.
 * Remark to Margot Asquith after reading in the The Times Joseph Chamberlain's speech advocating protectionism (16 May 1903), quoted in The Autobiography of Margot Asquith, Volume Two (1936 ed.), p. 46

Chancellor of the Exchequer

 * [A] return to more thrifty and economical administration [is] the first and paramount duty of the Government.
 * Budget speech in the House of Commons (30 April 1906)

 * It is, I think, a mistake to treat the annual Budget as if it were a thing by itself, and not, as it is, or as it certainly ought to be, an integral part and a necessary link in a connected and coherent chain of policy. In my opinion...the country has reached a stage in which, whether we look merely at its fiscal or at its social exigencies, we cannot afford to drift along the stream and treat each year's finance as if it were self-contained. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in other words, ought to Budget, not for one year, but for several years.
 * Budget speech in the House of Commons (18 April 1907)

 * I...am not what is called a Socialist. I believe in the right of every man face to face with the State to make the best of himself, and, subject to the limitation that he does not become a nuisance or a danger to the community, to make less than the best of himself. ... [B]ut...there is nothing that calls so loudly or so imperiously as the possibilities of social reform.
 * Budget speech in the House of Commons (18 April 1907)

 * [F]or us here, 43,000,000 of people in these two small islands, dependent as we are upon extraneous sources of supply for the food of the people and the materials of the industry, the one free, open, untrammelled market in the whole world—for us, I say, free trade is the breath of life, and there is no social reform that would not be dearly purchased by its sacrifice.
 * Budget speech in the House of Commons (18 April 1907)

Prime Minister

 * I have realised from the first that if it could not be proved that social reform (not Socialism) can be financed on a Free Trade line, a return to Protection is a moral certainty.
 * Letter to John Strachey (9 May 1908), quoted in H. C. G. Matthew, The Liberal Imperialists: The Ideas and Politics of a Post-Gladstonian Élite (1973), p. 257

 * [T]he bond which united them, if their critics were to be believed, might be a tranquil consciousness of effortless superiority.
 * Remarks to a dinner for Asquith in the House of Commons by MPs who were "Balliol men" (Oxford graduates of Balliol College, 22 July 1908), quoted in The Times (23 July 1908), p. 12

 * [O]ne thing is certain, that the Budget of next year will stand at the very centre of our work, by which, I was going to say, we shall stand or fall, by which certainly we shall be judged in the estimation both of the present and of posterity.
 * Speech to the National Liberal Club (11 December 1908), quoted in The Times (12 December 1908), p. 10

 * We are met here this afternoon under circumstances which are unexampled in the history of the British Parliament. ... For the first time in English history, the grant of the whole of the Ways and Means for the Supply and Service of the year—a grant made at the request of the Crown to the Crown by the Commons—has been intercepted and nullified by a body which admittedly has not the power to increase or to diminish one single tax, or to propose any substitute or alternative for anyone of the taxes. The House of Commons would, in the judgment of His Majesty's Government, be unworthy of its past and of the traditions of which it is the custodian and the trustee if it allowed another day to pass without making it clear that it does not mean to brook the greatest indignity, and I will add the most arrogant usurpation, to which, for more than two centuries, it has been asked to submit.
 * Speech in the House of Commons after the House of Lords rejected the People's Budget (2 December 1909)

 * No, I will not. We shall wait and see.
 * Answer to an elector who asked him if he would say what he would do if the House of Lords rejected a Bill limiting their veto, in East Fife (20 January 1910), quoted in The Times (21 January 1910), p. 10
 * Phrase used repeatedly in speeches in 1910; see

 * Perhaps the House will allow me to add this: that I am afraid we must brace ourselves to confront one of those terrible events in the order of Providence which baffle foresight, which appall the imagination and make us realise the inadequacy of words to do justice to what we feel. We cannot say more at this moment than to give a necessarily imperfect impression of our sense of admiration that the best traditions of the sea seem to have been observed and that willing sacrifices were offered to give the first chance for safety to those who were least able to help themselves, and of the heartfelt sympathy of the whole nation to those who find themselves suddenly bereaved of their nearest and dearest.
 * Address to the House of Commons on the sinking of the RMS Titanic; see

 * In view of this grave and unprecedented outrage, the House may be assured that his Majesty's Government will take without delay appropriate steps to vindicate the authority of the law and to protect officers and servants of the King and his Majesty's subjects in the exercise of their duties and in the enjoyment of their legal rights.
 * Speech in the House of Commons on the gun-running at Larne, Ireland (27 April 1914), quoted in The Times (28 April 1914), p. 8

 * If I am asked what we are fighting for I reply in two sentences. In the first place, to fulfil a solemn international obligation, an obligation which, if it had been entered into between private persons in the ordinary concerns of life, would have been regarded as an obligation not only of law but of honour, which no self-respecting man could possibly have repudiated. I say, secondly, we are fighting to vindicate the principle which, in these days when force, material force, sometimes seems to be the dominant influence and factor in the development of mankind, we are fighting to vindicate the principle that small nationalities are not to be crushed, in defiance of international good faith, by the arbitrary will of a strong and overmastering Power. I do not believe any nation ever entered into a great controversy—and this is one of the greatest history will ever know—with a clearer conscience and a stronger conviction that it is fighting, not for aggression, not for the maintenance even of its own selfish interest, but that it is fighting in defence of principles the maintenance of which is vital to the civilisation of the world.
 * Speech in the House of Commons on the declaration of war with Germany (6 August 1914)

 * Let us realize...that we are fighting as a united Empire in a cause worthy of the highest traditions of our race. ... [L]et us recall the memories of the great men and the great deeds of the past, commemorated, some of them, as you have reminded us, in the monuments which we see around us on these walls, not forgetting the dying message of the younger Pitt, his last public utterance made at the table of your predecessor, my Lord Mayor, in this very hall: “England has saved herself by her exertions and will, as I trust, save Europe by her example.” (Cheers.) England in those days gave a noble answer to his appeal, and did not sheathe the sword until, after nearly twenty years of fighting, the freedom of Europe was secured. Let us go and do likewise. (Cries of “Bravo” and cheers.)
 * Speech at the Guildhall, London (4 September 1914), quoted in Speeches by The Earl of Oxford and Asquith, K.G. (1927), p. 212

 * [T]he idea of public right. What does it mean when translated into concrete terms? It means first and foremost, the clearing of the ground by the definite repudiation of militarism as the governing factor in the relations of States and of the future moulding of the European world. It means next that room must be found and kept for the independent existence and the free development of the smaller nationalities each with a corporate consciousness of its own. ... And it means finally, or it ought to mean, perhaps, by a slow and gradual process, the substitution for force, for the class of competing ambition, for groupings and alliances and a precarious equipoise, of a real European partnership based on the recognition of equal right and established and enforced by a common will.
 * Speech in Dublin (25 September 1914), quoted in The Times (26 September 1914), p. 10

 * We shall never sheathe the sword, which we have not lightly drawn, until Belgium recovers in full measure all, and more than all, that she has sacrificed; until France is adequately secured against the menace of aggression; until the rights of the smaller nationalities of Europe are placed upon an unassailable foundation; and until the military domination of Prussia is wholly and finally destroyed.
 * Speech at the Guildhall, London (9 November 1914), see

 * In dealing with an opponent who has openly repudiated all the restraints, both of law and of humanity, we are not going to allow our efforts to be strangled in a network of juridical niceties. We do not intend to put into operation any measures which we do not think to be effective, and I need not say we shall carefully avoid any measures which violate the rules either of humanity or of honesty. Subject to those two conditions I say to our enemy—I say it on behalf of the Government, and I hope on behalf of the House of Commons—that under existing conditions there is no form of economic pressure to which we do not consider ourselves entitled to resort.
 * Speech in the House of Commons (1 March 1915)

 * [T]hree of the most important resolutions, namely, those relating to the Most-Favoured-Nation treatment, protection against dumping or unfair competition, and the adoption of measures to render the Allies independent of enemy countries as regards essential industries, were proposed by the British delegates and passed at the Conference in the form in which they were put forward.
 * Speech in the House of Commons (2 August 1916)

 * [T]his long and sombre procession of cruelty and suffering, lighted up as it is by deathless examples of heroism and chivalry, cannot be allowed to end in some patched-up, precarious, dishonouring compromise, masquerading under the name of Peace. No one desires to prolong for a single unnecessary day the tragic spectacle of bloodshed and destruction, but we owe it to those who have given their lives for us, the flower of our youth, the hope and promise of our future, that their supreme sacrifice shall not have been in vain. The ends of the Allies are well known; they have been frequently and precisely stated. They are not selfish ends, they are not vindictive ends, but they require that there shall be adequate reparation for the past and adequate security for the future. On their achievement we in this country honestly believe depends the best hopes of humanity.
 * Speech in the House of Commons (11 October 1916)

Later life

 * Peace we all desire. Peace can only come—peace, I mean, that is worth the name and that satisfies the definition of the word—peace will only come on terms that atonement is made for past wrongs, that the weak and downtrodden are restored, that the faith of treaties is observed, and that the sovereignty of public law is securely enthroned over the nations of the world.
 * Speech in the House of Commons (19 December 1916)

 * Is Germany prepared not only to evacuate Belgium, not only to make full reparation for the colossal mischief and damage which have accompanied her devastating occupation of the country, and her practical enslavement, so far as she can carry it out, of large portions of the population...but to restore to Belgium not the pretence of liberty, but complete and unfettered and absolute independence?
 * Speech in the House of Commons (26 July 1917), quoted in The Times (27 July 1917), p. 10

 * Some of the great results of the war, if they are adequately realized, are in complete harmony with what for ages past have been Liberal aims and ideals. I mean, for instance, the abolition of militarism; I mean the progressive disarmament of the civilized peoples of the world; I mean the recognition for small states as well as for great States of the principle of self-determination. ... And it means, above all, or ought to mean...a conversion of the old State system with its precarious equipoise of power, with its shifting alliances and combinations, with its infinite opportunities for the achievements of selfish ambition and territorial aggrandizement, it means the conversion of that into a true international democratic polity, a system of Government under which there will be equal rights and equal power to all States whatever their size.
 * Speech in Paisley (28 January 1920), quoted in Speeches by The Earl of Oxford and Asquith, K.G. (1927), p. 245

 * The military domination of Prussia, with all that it involved to the fortunes of the secular struggle between force upon the one side and right upon the other, that domination has been once and for all and for ever overthrown.
 * Speech in Paisley (6 February 1920), quoted in Speeches by The Earl of Oxford and Asquith, K.G. (1927), p. 265

 * More important still, perhaps, the sanctity of treaties and of the public law of Europe has been finally vindicated; and last, and most important of all, we have set up in the League of Nations a new international polity which promises, if it is given free scope and full authority, first to bring about progressive disarmament, and next to provide in future a rational and humane substitute for the ruinous arbitrament of war.
 * Speech in Paisley (6 February 1920), quoted in Speeches by The Earl of Oxford and Asquith, K.G. (1927), p. 266

 * Everyone desires outrages to cease, and its perpetrators, from whatever camp they proceed, to be detected and punished. (Hear, hear.) But this cannot be too clearly said—it is possible for the State to pay too high a price for what is called the vindication of the law. The price is too high, far too high, when it involves the enthronement in the seat of justice of revenge, and the borrowing by the Executive of the criminals' own methods of indiscriminate robbery, arson, and murder. (Cheers.)
 * Speech in the Euston Theatre, London during the Irish War of Independence (19 February 1921), quoted in Speeches by The Earl of Oxford and Asquith, K.G. (1927), p. 287

 * They are confronted in Ireland with a situation which is largely due to their own lack of insight and of sympathy, confronted with a situation which needed strong and firm handling, strong and firm, but at the same time and above all, just, even-handed, and dispassionate. They have let loose this orgy of reprisals which confuse the innocent and the guilty in a common tumult of lawless violence. They deny, they prevaricate, they cloak and screen and block the avenues to truth in a childish belief that when order has been restored, a cowed and subjugated people will spread out grateful hands to grasp the boon of pinchbeck Home Rule. I say deliberately that never in the lifetime of the oldest among us has Great Britain sunk so low in the moral scale of nations. That, at any rate, when most of the members of the Coalition are forgotten, will be an achievement which will be remembered in history.
 * Speech in the Euston Theatre, London (19 February 1921), quoted in Speeches by The Earl of Oxford and Asquith, K.G. (1927), p. 289

 * The Income Tax at 6s., 5s., 4s. 6d.—I go further, and say, even at 4s.—is, in my opinion, a bad and pernicious form of capital levy... The effect of such an Income Tax...is not merely to curtail the enjoyments and comforts of a large number of our middle classes. Its effect is to dry up the stream which fertilises the whole field of employment and of industry. I should have thought that no class of the community is more directly interested in a reduction of the Income Tax to—I will not say the pre-War standard, for that is out of sight now, and an utter impossibility—but to a reasonable and moderate standard, than those people who gain their living by the work of their hands. It is not a class question at all. It affects the interests of the whole business world and the whole future of British trade.
 * Speech in the House of Commons (17 April 1923)

 * [I]f a Labour Government is ever to be tried in this country, as it will be, sooner or later, it could hardly be tried under safer conditions.
 * Speech to the National Liberal Club after the general election resulted in a hung Parliament (18 December 1923), quoted in The Times (19 December 1923), p. 16

 * It is said, however, that this is not an ordinary case of the transfer of power from one party to another. It means, for the first time, the installation of a Socialist Government in the seats of the mighty. Few people who have not had the melancholy privilege of reading my postbag for the last month will realise what this prospect means to a large and by no means negligible mass of our fellow subjects. I have had a very large experience of the vagaries of postal correspondence. I have never come across more virulent manifestations of an epidemic of political hysteria... I have been in turn, during these weeks, cajoled, wheedled, almost caressed, taunted, threatened, brow-beaten, and all but blackmailed to step in as the "saviour of society."
 * Speech in the House of Commons shortly before the Labour Party formed its first government (17 January 1924)

 * The socialization or nationalization of production and distribution and the extinction of what is called Capitalism—by whatever name the ideal, and the process for its attainment, is called—would starve the resources, and, in time, drain away the life-blood of the great productive industries which depend for their efficiency on the free play of initiative and enterprise. And Labour is becoming more and more a class organization, an expression and embodiment of what is called “class-consciousness.” That again was significantly illustrated in the general strike, which was directed by organized Labour, and which was countenanced—it is true, in a somewhat shamefaced fashion—by the Parliamentary Labour Party leaders.
 * Speech in Greenock (15 October 1926), quoted in Speeches by The Earl of Oxford and Asquith, K.G. (1927), p. 309

Undated

 * What is the use of talking of Empire if here, at its very centre, there is always to be found a mass of people stunted in education, prey to intemperance, huddled and congested beyond the possibility of realising in any true sense either social or domestic life
 * Jenkins R, Mr. Balfour s Poodle, p.11

Quotes about Asquith

 * To me personally he was always most friendly—very easy of access, with a marvellous memory and a loyalty to his colleagues which it is impossible to over-praise. But as the chief of a War Cabinet he was not quite in his element. He was an excellent chairman, quick to understand any point raised, unfailingly courteous to all his colleagues, but apparently regarding it as no part of his duty to initiate solutions of any difficulty or to make suggestions for a new departure in policy. The result was that Cabinet discussions under him were models of propriety and decorum but a little wanting in that liveliness and resource necessary to cope with the prodigious difficulties with which we faced.
 * Viscount Cecil of Chelwood, All the Way (1949), p. 135

 * As Prime Minister, Asquith had his faults. His training had been that of a barrister, whose business it is to support the case in his brief by all fair means. That is not enough for a Prime Minister, particularly in war-time. He must be prepared to originate policy and insist on its adoption. Nor are the issues so clear as they are in legal proceedings. Decisions have to be made not as to what was right in the past, but rather as to what is likely to happen and what ought to happen in the future. That means the adoption of definite plans and their energetic support, even if at first their success seems doubtful. In the qualities needed for action of that kind, Asquith was deficient. No one could better weigh arguments submitted to him or had more extensive and accurate knowledge of the facts of any problem. As Chairman of the Cabinet, or any other committee, he was excellent. It was in what may be called instinctive leadership—the faculty of being right and of forcing through his views—that he did not succeed so well. I remember Bonar Law saying to me of Lloyd George that he was a difficult man to oppose. I don't think I should ever have said that of Asquith. But I should have said that he was an almost perfect man to serve. His loyalty, his straightforwardness, his power of reasoning and his astonishingly accurate memory, together with his gift for clear and forcible expression, made him a delightful chief, an admirable administrator and a notable Parliamentarian.
 * Viscount Cecil of Chelwood, All the Way (1949), pp. 187-188

 * He has taken his choice, and he has by that choice constituted his own immortality. He will go down to history as the last Prime Minister of a Liberal Administration. He has sung the swan song of the Liberal party. When next the country is called upon for a decision, if it wants a Socialist Government, it will vote for a Socialist; if it does not want a Socialist Government, it will vote for a Unionist. It will not vote again for those who denatured its mandate and betrayed its trust.
 * Austen Chamberlain, speech in the House of Commons (21 January 1924)

 * It was reserved for Mr. Asquith to cast away a second opportunity. After the general election men of all parties turned cordially and even eagerly to a veteran statesman whose sterling qualities, though tried by both extremes of fortune, have always commanded respect. But Mr. Asquith would not help. He proclaimed himself first and last a party man. Assuming airs of superiority for which there was little warrant, Mr. Asquith and his friends declared that all common action with Conservatives was improper, immoral, degrading in the last degree, and not to be thought of in any circumstances. Farther than that, they would place and keep a Socialist minority in office and beg in the most humane manner for any crumb which might fall from their table. Under this guidance the Liberal party deliberately cast away their opportunity of rendering an immense service to the public, and delivered themselves over bound hand and foot to their implacable Socialist foes. How swift are time’s revenges? Only a few months have passed, but now they can appreciate the almost fatal consequences of their failure to place country before party at a fateful juncture.
 * Winston Churchill, "Present Dangers of the Socialist Movement," 7 May 1924

 * The impression of Mr. Asquith that remains with me is of a man of great dignity, somewhat aloof and Olympian. He belonged to the Victorian age. He would have thought it ill-bred to discuss current politics at the dinner-table, or to criticise other politicians. The guests who were staying in his house, especially those who claimed to know him best, would tell you what he was thinking, but his own conversation never gave a clue. I have an entry in my diary for June 25th 1916, when I was staying at The Wharf: "They say the Prime Minister is worried about having made Lloyd George Secretary of State for War. He thinks it is the mistake of his life." Perhaps it was.
 * Duff Cooper, Old Men Forget (1953), p. 54

 * In my first year in the House of Commons, Mr. Asquith was leader of the Liberal Party and I give him pride of place among the parliamentary debaters of that time. His speeches were models of lucidity and brevity, with the English language at its best. In an age when prolixity was already becoming a substitute for conviction, he never wasted a word.
 * Anthony Eden, The Eden Memoirs: Facing the Dictators (1962), pp. 5-6

 * I always regretted then, as I regret now, that I never knew Asquith... Although party feelings were strained in those pre-war years and he necessarily stood out as the principal actor to most of what party loyalty impelled us to condemn, I never listened to him making a speech without being greatly impressed by the strength of the qualities that he could command. Complete mastery of his case, and perfect choice of language appropriate to its deployment before an intelligent and critical audience, went with what looked like an equally complete indifference, once his decision had been taken, to the opposition that might be aroused. However unwillingly, such qualities extorted admiration from his most bitter opponents. But whether because of this sort of feeling or in spite of it, he always remained for me a figure aloof, alarming and unapproachable.
 * Lord Halifax, Fulness of Days (1957), p. 82

 * The Liberals whom Asquith led formed one of the most talented administrations in British history, dominated in 1914 by such figures as Lloyd George, Chancellor of the Exchequer; Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty; Richard Haldane, a former reforming war minister, now Lord Chancellor. The prime minister himself was a survivor of an earlier era, old enough to have seen, as a boy of twelve in 1864, the bodies of five murderers dangling from the gallows outside Newgate, their heads concealed by white hoods. A lawyer of modest middle-class origins, 'a Roman reserve was always natural to Asquith,' in the words of his biographer. He fought against any expression of his stronger feelings.' George Dangerfield went further, asserting that Asquith lacked imagination and compassion; that, for all his high intelligence, he failed convincingly to address any of the great crises which overtook Britain during his years of office 'He was ingenious but not subtle, he could improvise quite brilliantly on somebody else's theme, He was moderately imperialist, moderately progressive, moderately humorous, and being the most fastidious of Liberal politicians, only moderately evasive.' If this judgment was cynical, it was plain that by August 1914 Asquith was a tired old man.
 * Max Hastings, Catastrophe 1914: Europe Goes to War (2013) p. 23

 * If the British Empire was viewed around the world as rich and powerful, the Asquith government was seen as chronically weak. It was conspicuously failing to quell violent industrial action or the Ulster madness. It seemed unable effectively to address even the suffragette movement, whose clamorous campaign for votes for women had become deafening. Militants were smashing windows all over London; using acid to burn slogans on golf club greens; hunger-striking in prison. In June 1913 Emily Davison was killed after being struck by the King's horse in Derby. In the first seven months of 1914, 107 buildings were set on fire by suffragettes. Asquith's critics ignored an obvious point: no man could have contained or suppressed the huge social and political forces shaking Britain. George Dangerfield wrote: 'Very few prime ministers in history have been afflicted by so many plagues and in so short a space of time.' The prominent Irish Home Ruler John Dillon wrote Wilfrid Scawen Blunt: 'the country is menaced with revolution.' Domestic strife made a powerful impression on opinion abroad: a great democracy was seen to be sinking into decadence and decay. Britain's allies, France and Russia, were dismayed. Its prospective enemies, notably in Germany, found it hard to imagine that a country convulsed in such a fashion - with even its little army riven by fraction - could threaten their continental power and ambitions.
 * Max Hastings, Catastrophe 1914: Europe Goes to War (2013) p. 25

 * Asquith drunk can make a better speech than any one of us, sober.
 * Andrew Bonar Law (c. December 1911), quoted in John Vincent (ed.), The Crawford Papers: The Journals of David Lindsay, Twenty-seventh Earl of Crawford and Tenth Earl of Balcarres (1871–1940), During the Years 1892 to 1940 (1984), p. 259

 * I recollect Lord Morley once saying to me: “Asquith ought to have been a judge. He would have made a great one. I remember,” he said, “a conversation I had recently with Arthur Acland about early days when Acland, Asquith and I used to meet together often to discuss politics, and I said what a pleasant fellow he was. Acland replied, ‘Yes, but did you ever hear him make any suggestion of his own?’ I had to confess that although he discussed every proposition advanced by others with great intelligence and force, he never submitted any ideas of his own for our consideration.” Asquith undoubtedly had not only the mind, but the temperament of a judge.
 * David Lloyd George, War Memoirs, Volume I (1938), p. 601

 * He gave dignified but not rousing and vigorous leadership to the nation. But a War Minister must also have vision, imagination and initiative—he must show untiring assiduity, must exercise constant oversight and supervision of every sphere of war activity, must possess driving force to energise this activity, must be in continuous consultation with experts, official and unofficial, as to the best means of utilising the resources of the country in conjunction with Allies for the achievement of victory. If to this can be added a flair for conducting a great fight, then you have an ideal War Minister. Mr. Asquith at his best did not answer sufficiently to this description to make him a successful Chief Minister in a war which demanded all these qualities strained to the utmost. But apart from these shortcomings the nerve of the Prime Minister at this time was clearly giving out, and he gave the impression of a man who was overwhelmed, distracted and enfeebled not merely by the weight, but by the variety and complexity of his burdens. Whether he was ever fitted for the position of a War Minister in the greatest struggle in the history of the world may be open to doubt, but that he was quite unfitted at this juncture to undertake so supreme a task was not open to any question or challenge on the part of anyone who came constantly in contact with him at the time.
 * David Lloyd George, War Memoirs, Volume I (1938), pp. 602-603

 * Asquith's will became visibly flabbier, tardier and more flaccid under the strain of the War. Then came the personal tragedy which shattered his nerve. The death of his brilliant son, Raymond, came upon him with stunning effect, and he visibly reeled under the blow. It came at a time when he needed all the calm poise and firmness of mind which man can command. For a crisis had arisen where statesmanship had to intervene, decide and direct. It was a misfortune for Britain that the great statesman who had the supreme responsibility was less equal to his task than he had ever been in the whole course of his distinguished career.
 * David Lloyd George, War Memoirs, Volume I (1938), p. 603

 * He had no vision, no power or desire of prevision, no ounce of drive in his composition, not a spark of initiative, no power of leadership of any sort or kind. He gave the Cabinet no lead; he never bound our work together; Cabinets were mere wastes of time; he was the worst chairman I ever sat under at any committee; he kept no sort of order at Cabinet councils nor even attempted to bring us to a decision; he hardly ever expressed any opinion himself. The desire on all occasions to avoid a decision was an absolute disease with him. That the Cabinet was always too late in everything it did, the supply of munitions, the reconstitution of the General Staff, the supply of men, the supply of food, was his fault.
 * Lord Selborne, notes (June 1916), quoted in John D. Fair, British Interparty Conferences: A Study of the Procedure of Conciliation in British Politics, 1867–1921 (1980), p. 322

 * [H]is interventions on critical occasions more than ever confirmed his reputation as the most formidable debater in the House. Campbell-Bannerman called him the “sledge-hammer,” and on critical occasions when Asquith happened not to be in the House, he used to say to the Whips, “send for the sledge-hammer.”
 * John Alfred Spender and Cyril Asquith, Life of Herbert Henry Asquith, Lord Oxford and Asquith: Volume I (1932), p. 181

 * Asquith had a kind heart and was unfailingly gracious to such as gave him no contrary cause, even to those who did, for he was blessed or laden with kindness or weakness when sterner stuff was required. Lucid and restrained, he found it as difficult to be severe as other Prime Ministers with whom I have worked more intimately. I saw more of him after Gosse's introduction, being often invited to his modest and pleasant home in the country at Sutton Courtney. (I shrink from such conventional epithets, but one must be truthful.) His second marriage had pushed him into Society, though he was free from its snobbery... Asquith enjoyed his position but less gratingly than most of his kind. Hospitable, even matey after dinner, he drew nobody out, but one found oneself getting into good company as the port ran its laps... Asquith inspired no enthusiasm but an honest desire to be useful except on fine Sundays. Not that foreign affairs cropped up often in the country, and when they did he seemed too patient. Like Pitt, he put patience first in statecraft instead of third, after vision and the courage to apply it. How often has that British mistake been made! He seemed especially tolerant of German complaints about encirclement by a putrefying Russia, a petrified France and an armless Britain. Home affairs were his cup of tea, and I cared little for the beverage, beyond wondering where he would find 500 duds to swamp the House of Lords. In the House of Commons the Home Rule Bill caused some of the most violent scenes on record. We are not really self-controlled. Feelings ran higher than I had thought possible in Britain, and there was rant of civil war in Ireland, which Asquith bore affably in a family circle endowed with some of his gifts.
 * Lord Vansittart, The Mist Procession (1958), pp. 114-115

title: H. H. Asquith


text:
Hiram Johnson

Hiram Warren Johnson (September 2, 1866 – August 6, 1945) was an American attorney and politician who served as the 23rd governor of California from 1911 to 1917. Johnson achieved national prominence in the early 20th century. He was elected in 1916 by the state legislature as the United States Senator from California, where he was repeatedly re-elected and served until 1945.

As a governor, Johnson was a leading American progressive. He ran for vice president on Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive ticket in the 1912 presidential election. As a US senator, Johnson became a leading liberal isolationist, among those "Irreconcilables" who opposed the Treaty of Versailles and rejected the League of Nations. Later, Johnson was also a vocal opponent of the United Nations Charter.

Attributed

 * The first casualty when war comes is truth.
 * Widely attributed to Johnson, but without any confirmed citations of original source: "The first casualty when war comes is truth," remarked Hiram Johnson, "and whenever an individual nation seeks to coerce by force of arms another, it always acts, and insists that it acts in self-defense" (Locomotive Engineers Journal, February 1929, p. 109). Arthur Ponsonby earlier said: "When war is declared, Truth is the first casualty", but the first recorded use seems to be by Philip Snowden in his introduction to Truth and the War, by E. D. Morel. London, July 1916: "'Truth,' it has been said, 'is the first casualty of war.'" Samuel Johnson expressed a similar idea: "Among the calamities of war may be jointly numbered the diminution of the love of truth, by the falsehoods which interest dictates and credulity encourages." Cf. Aeschylus.

Quotes about Johnson

 * In fact a de facto state of war between Germany and the United States had existed since September 11, 1941, when Roosevelt had authorized American naval commanders who encountered German vessels to fire at them 'on sight'. This was possible because the tide of American public opinion had been running against the Axis powers, despite the best efforts of isolationists like Senator Hiram W. Johnson, neutralists like the lawyer and legal historian Charles Warren and crypto-fascists like the aviator Charles Lindbergh. Ordinary Americans did not want war. Many believed they had been duped into the last war by the machinations of British imperialists and North-Eastern business interests. They were strongly attracted to the neutralists' idea that by prohibiting military supplies or loans to combatant countries Congress could avoid another such entanglement. But they supported American rearmament from as early as 193 6. They clearly favoured Britain over Germany from 1938 onwards. Above all, Americans did not want to see an Axis victory - and by September 1939 a majority of voters saw that this was best insured against by supplying arms and material to Britain. The German victories of 1940 caused that view to spread. There was public support, too, for the sanctions imposed on Japan which set the course for Pearl Harbor.
 * Niall Ferguson, The War of the World: Twentieth-Century Conflict and the Descent of the West (2006), p. 526

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Hiram Johnson


text:
Ernst Kaltenbrunner

Obergruppenführer Ernst Kaltenbrunner (October 4, 1903 – October 16, 1946) was a high-ranking Austrian SS official during the Nazi era and a major perpetrator of the Holocaust. He was the subsequent Chief of the Reich Security Main Office (RSHA), which included the offices of Gestapo, Kripo and SD, from January 1943 until the end of World War II in Europe. Kaltenbrunner joined the Nazi Party in 1930 and the SS in 1931, and by 1935 he was considered a leader of the Austrian SS. In 1938, he assisted in the Anschluss and was given command of the SS and police force in Austria. In January 1943, Kaltenbrunner was appointed chief of the RSHA, succeeding Reinhard Heydrich, who was assassinated in May 1942.

A committed anti-Semite and fanatical Hitler loyalist, Kaltenbrunner oversaw a period in which the genocide of Jews intensified. He was the highest-ranking member of the SS to face trial at the first Nuremberg trials, where he was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Kaltenbrunner was sentenced to death and executed by hanging in October 1946.

Quotes

 * I have loved my German people and my fatherland with a warm heart. I have done my duty by the laws of my people and I am sorry this time my people were led by men who were not soldiers and that crimes were committed of which I had no knowledge. Germany, good luck.
 * Last words, 10/16/46. Quoted in "The Mammoth Book of Eyewitness World War II" - Page 564 - by Jon E. Lewis - History - 2002

 * All offices of the SD and the security police are to be informed that pogroms of the populace against English and American terror-fliers were not to be interfered with; on the contrary, this hostile mood is to be fostered.
 * Quoted in "Tyranny on Trial: The Evidence at Nuremberg" by Whitney R. Harris - Law - 1954 - Page 235

 * I do not feel guilty of any war crimes, I have only done my duty as an intelligence organ, and I refuse to serve as an ersatz for Himmler.
 * Quoted in "Nuremberg Diary" - Page 5 - by G. M. Gilbert - History - 1995

 * Please report to RF SS and to the Fuehrer that all arrangements against Jews, political and concentration camp internees in the Protectorate have been taken care of by me personally today.
 * Radio message to Gruppenführer Fegelein Hq. of the Führer through Sturmbannfuehrer Sansoni, Berlin. Quoted in "Trial of the Major War Criminals Before the International Military Tribunal" - Page 310 - Nuremberg, Germany - 1947

 * Oppression is the essence of power.
 * To Heinrich Himmler. Quoted in "The Rand McNally Encyclopedia of World War II" - by John Keegan, Sydney L. Mayer - History - 1977 - Page 137

 * Armenia was always a minority nation. The Armenians were annihilated by the Russians and then by the Turks.
 * To Leon Goldensohn, about the Armenian Genocide, 6/6/46, from "The Nuremberg Interviews" by Leon Goldensohn, Robert Gellately - History - 2004

 * Russia demanded Armenian territories, very cleverly using long-standing, bitter fights between Armenians and Turks.
 * To Leon Goldensohn, about the Armenian Genocide, 6/6/46, from "The Nuremberg Interviews" by Leon Goldensohn, Robert Gellately - History - 2004

 * When I saw the newspaper headline "Gas Chamber Expert Captured" and an American lieutenant explained it to me, I was pale in amazement. How can they say such things about me? I told you I was only in charge of the Intelligence Service from 1943 on. The British even admitted that they tried to assassinate me because of that, not because of having anything to do with atrocities, you can be sure of that.
 * 4/11/46. Quoted in "Nuremberg Diary" - Page 255 - by G. M. Gilbert - History - 1995

 * In the first place, I should like to state to the Tribunal that I am fully aware of the serious character of the charges against me. I know the hatred of the world is directed against me; that I particularly since Himmler, Müller, and Pohl are no longer alive, must here, alone, give an account to the world and the Tribunal. I realize that I shall have to tell the truth in this courtroom, in order to enable the Court and the world to fully recognize and understand what has been going on in Germany during this war and to judge it with fairness.
 * 4/11/46. Quoted in "Trial of the Major War Criminals Before the International Military Tribunal" - Page 232 - Nuremberg, Germany - 1947

 * I know only that in my belief in Adolf Hitler I put all my strength at the disposal of my people. As a German soldier I could only put myself at the service of the defense against those destructive forces which had once brought Germany close to the abyss, and which today, after the collapse of the Reich, are still threatening the world. If I have made mistakes in my work through a false conception of obedience, if I carried out orders, all of which, insofar as they are alleged to be cardinal orders, were issued before my time of office, then they are part of a fate which is stronger than myself and which is carrying me along with it. I am accused here because substitutes are needed for the missing Himmler and other elements which were completely contrary to me. Whether my point of view and explanation are accepted or rejected, I ask you not to connect the fate and honor of hundreds of thousands of the living and dead of the General SS, of the Waffen-SS, and of the civil servants who, believing in their ideal, bravely defended, their Reich to the last, with your just curse against Himmler. Like myself, they believed that they were acting according to law.
 * 8/31/46. Quoted in "Trial of the Major War Criminals Before the International Military Tribunal" - Page 381 - Nuremberg, Germany - 1947

 * Among the spiritual forces secretly working in the camp of Germany's enemies and their allies in this war, as in the last, stands Freemasonry, the danger of whose activities has been repeatedly stressed by the Fuehrer in his speeches. The present brochure, now made available to the German and European peoples in a 3rd edition, is intended to shed light on this enemy working in the shadows. Though an end has been put to the activities of Masonic organizations in most European countries, particular attention must still be paid to Freemasonry, and most particularly to its membership, as the implements of the political will of a supra-governmental power. The events of the summer of 1943 in Italy demonstrate once again the latent danger always represented by individual Freemasons, even after the destruction of their Masonic organizations. Although Freemasonry was prohibited in Italy as early as 1925, it has retained significant political influence in Italy through its membership, and has continued to exert that influence in secrecy. Freemasons thus stood in the first ranks of the Italian traitors who believed themselves capable of dealing Fascism a death blow at a critical juncture, shamelessly betraying the Italian nation. The intended object of the 3rd printing of this brochure is to provide a clearer knowledge of the danger of Masonic corruption, and to keep the will to self-defence alive.
 * Foreword in "Freemasonry: Ideology, Organization, and Policy," first published in 1944.

 * I have talked to you in the past but we have always exchanged pleasantries. And it has always been assumed that I am Kaltenbrunner, the big bad man next to Himmler and the successor of Himmler. But I think you can see by this time, after having treated my brain hemorrhages, both in the hospital and here in my cell, that I am not the disagreeable, uncouth fellow the public probably thinks because of all the atrocities committed under Himmler's rule, and of which I am totally innocent.
 * To Leon Goldensohn, 3/22/46, from "The Nuremberg Interviews" by Leon Goldensohn, Robert Gellately - History - 2004

 * I am thought of as another Himmler. I'm not. The papers make me out as a criminal. I never killed anyone.
 * To Leon Goldensohn, 4/8/46, from "The Nuremberg Interviews" by Leon Goldensohn, Robert Gellately - History - 2004

 * There is no human law or law of God or national law that states that any healthy being has to permit the snake to eat the mouse - but on the other hand, it is perfectly justified to defend the mouse.
 * To Leon Goldensohn, 6/6/46, from "The Nuremberg Interviews" by Leon Goldensohn, Robert Gellately - Page 151 - History - 2004

 * The quicker humanity advances, the more important it is to be the one who deals the first blow.
 * To Leon Goldensohn, 6/6/46, from "The Nuremberg Interviews" by Leon Goldensohn, Robert Gellately - Page 151 - History - 2004

 * I was appointed by Hitler to succeed Canaris because it was well known and proven that my abilities were greater than those of Canaris.
 * To Leon Goldensohn, 6/6/46, from "The Nuremberg Interviews" by Leon Goldensohn, Robert Gellately - History - 2004

 * (While smiling, and jokingly) You haven't come to see me for three weeks. I wondered whether you had become disgusted with us war criminals - particularly me, the so-called archcriminal of them all.
 * To Leon Goldensohn, 6/6/46, from "The Nuremberg Interviews" by Leon Goldensohn, Robert Gellately - History - 2004

 * It is precisely the immediate and thorough eradication of the Jews in Italy which is the special interest of the present internal political situation and the general security in Italy.
 * To Herbert Kappler, October 11. Quoted in "The Battle for Rome" - Page 77 - by Robert Katz - History - 2003

 * The colonel in charge of the London prison that I was in has told me that I would be hanged in any case, no matter what the outcome would be. Since I am fully aware of that, all I want to do is to clear up on the fundamental things that are wrong here.
 * Quoted in "Nazi Conspiracy and Aggression" - by International Military Tribunal - 1946

 * Don't even step out of your garden gate until this matter has been clarified.
 * To Dr. Peter Kleist. Quoted in " The Last 100 Days" - by John Toland - 1966

 * (While playing solitaire and sipping cognac) It's all a lot of crap. The game is up.
 * To Adolf Eichmann, about the war, at a mountain villa in Austria. Quoted in "The Last 100 Days" - by John Toland - 1966

 * Ich bekenne mich nicht schuldig. (I do not believe that I have made myself guilty.)
 * 12/10/45. Quoted in "Nürnberg: Tribunal der Sieger" - Page 95 - by Werner Maser - Nuremberg, Germany - 1979

 * Where do you think I was today? I stood straight in front of him (Himmler) for a whole hour and talked, and he... he played with a puzzle the whole time – you know, this glass cube with three balls on the inside... When I finished, he took off his pince-nez, wiped it with a handkerchief – he has a skull even on his handkerchief – and said, "Listen, Ernst! Have you by any chance, ever had a dream, where you're riding in the back of a ragged truck to who knows where, and some monsters are sitting around you?" I didn’t say anything. Then he smiled and said, "Ernst, you know, I know as well as you that no astral exists. But what do you think, if you, and even Canaris, have your own people in 'Annenerbe', shouldn’t I have my own people there as well?" I did not understand what he meant. "Think Ernst, think!" he said. I kept silent. Then he smiled and asked, "Whose man do you think is Kröger?" …Yes, Emma... It seems I'm too simple for all these intrigues... But I know that while the Führer needs me, my heart will keep beating...You know, Emma... Sometimes it seems to me, that it's not me who is alive, but it's the Führer who is living inside me...
 * To Emma, recorded by secret spy listening device WS-M/13 located in Kaltenbrunner's bedroom, 1/14/1935. Quoted in "Kröger's Revelation" - by Viktor Pelevin - 1991 - Page 277

 * The Prosecution holds me responsible for the concentration camps, for the destruction of Jewish life, for Einsatzgruppen and other things. All of this is neither in accord with the evidence nor with the truth. The accusers as well as the accused are exposed to the dangers of a summary proceeding. It is correct that I had to take over the Reich Security Main Office. There was no guilt in that in itself. Such offices exist in governments of other nations too. However, the task and activity assigned to me in 1943 consisted almost exclusively in the reorganization of the German political and military intelligence service, though not as Heydrich's successor. Almost a year after his death I had to accept this post under orders and as an officer at a time when suspicion fell on Admiral Canaris of having collaborated with the enemy for years. In a short time I ascertained the treason of Canaris and his accomplices to the most frightful extent.
 * 8/31/46. Quoted in "Trial of the Major War Criminals Before the International Military Tribunal" - Nuremberg, Germany - 1947

Quotes about Kaltenbrunner

 * As early as January 1934, Dr. Kaltenbrunner was jailed by the Dollfuss Government on account of his Nazi views and sent with other leading National Socialists into the concentration camp Kaisersteinbruch. He caused and led a hunger strike and forced the government to dismiss 490 National Socialist prisoners. In the following year he was jailed again, because of suspicion of high treason, and committed to the court martial of Wels (Upper Danube). After an investigation of many months, the accusation of high treason collapsed; but he was sentenced to 6 months' imprisonment for subversive activities. After the spring of 1935, Dr. Kaltenbrunner was the leader of the Austrian SS, the right to practice his profession having been suspended because of his National Socialist views. It rebounds to his credit that in this important position he succeeded through energetic leadership in maintaining the unity of the Austrian SS, which he had built up, in spite of all persecution, and succeeded in committing it successfully at the right moment.
 * Die Deutsche Polizei, the magazine of the Security Police and SD, on May 15, 1943.

 * Kaltenbrunner came and things became worse from day to day. More and more we learned that perhaps the impulsive actions of a murderer like Heydrich were not so bad as the cold, legal logic of a lawyer who took over the administration of such a dangerous instrument as the Gestapo.
 * Yes. I know that Heydrich, in a certain sense, really had something akin to a bad conscience when he committed his crimes. At any rate, he did not like it when those things were discussed openly in Gestapo circles. Nebe, who as Chief of the Criminal Police had the same rank as the Chief of the Gestapo, Mueller, always told me that Heydrich took care to conceal his crimes. With the entry of Kaltenbrunner into that organization, this practice ceased. All those things were now openly discussed among the department chiefs of the Gestapo. By now the war had started, of course. These gentlemen lunched together, and Nebe often came to me from such luncheons so completely exhausted that he had a nervous breakdown. On two occasions Nebe had to be sent on long sick leave because he simply could not stand the open cynicism with which mass murder, and the technique of mass murder, were discussed.
 * Testimony of Dr. Hans Gisevius during the Nuremberg Trials. April 25, 1946.

 * A security chief who was of the impression that the policing functions of his Gestapo and SD were somewhat on the order of directing traffic;
 * Kaltenbrunner, the grand inquisitor, took up the bloody mantle of Heydrich to stifle opposition and terrorize compliance, and buttressed the power of National Socialism on a foundation of guiltless corpses.
 * Justice Robert Jackson. July 26, 1946

 * You will remember his description of those horrible luncheon parties at which Kaltenbrunner discussed every detail of the gas chambers and of the technique of mass murder.
 * Sir Hartley Shawcross, British prosecutor at Nuremberg. July 27, 1946

title: Ernst Kaltenbrunner


text:
Otto Lilienthal

Karl Wilhelm Otto Lilienthal (23 May 1848 – 10 August 1896), the German "Glider King," was a pioneer of human aviation.

Quotes

 * All flight is based upon producing air pressure, all flight energy consists in overcoming air pressure.
 * Der Vogelflug als Grundlage der Fliegekunst (1889); English edition: Birdflight As The Basis of Aviation (1911)

 * I, too, have made it a lifelong task of mine to add a cultural element to my work, which should result in uniting countries and reconciling their people. Our experience of today's civilisation suffers from the fact that it only happens on the surface of the earth. We have invented barricades between our countries, custom regulations and constraints and complicated traffic laws and these are only possible because we are not in control of the 'kingdom of the air', and not as 'free as a bird'. Numerous technicians in every state are doing their utmost to achieve the dream of free, unlimited flight and it is precisely here where changes can be made which would have a radical effect on our whole way of life. The borders between countries would lose their significance, because they could not be closed off from each other. Linguistic differences would disappear, as human mobility increased. National defence would cease to devour the best resources of nations as it would become impossible in itself. And the necessity of resolving disagreements among nations in some other way than by bloody battles would, in its turn, lead us to eternal peace. We are getting closer to this goal. When we will reach it, I do not know.
 * Letter to Moritz von Egidy (c. January 1894) - Original German text online

The Romance of Aeronautics (1912)

 * Quotations of Lilienthal from The Romance of Aeronautics: An Interesting Account of the Growth & Achievements of All Kinds of Aerial Craft (1912) by Charles Cyril Turner, Ch. VII Lilienthal and Pilcher

 * Artificial flight may be defined as that form of aviation in which a man flies at will in any direction by means of an apparatus attached to his body, the use of which requires personal skill. Artificial flight by a single individual is the proper beginning for all species of artificial flight, as the necessary conditions can most easily be fulfilled when man flies individually.
 * Variant translation: Artificial flight may be defined as that form of aviation in which a man flies at will in any direction, by means of an apparatus attached to his body, the use of which requires the dexterity of the user.

 * The increasing size of the apparatus makes the construction more difficult in securing lightness in the machine; therefore the building of small apparatus is to be recommended.

 * The difficulty of rising into the air increases rapidly with the size of the apparatus. The uplifting of a single person, therefore, is more easily attained than that of a large flying machine loaded with several persons.

 * Gradual development of flight should begin with the simplest apparatus and movements, and without time complication of dynamic means.

 * The sailing flight of birds is the only form of flight which is carried on for some length of time without the expenditure of power.

 * The contrivances which are necessary to counteract the wind effects can only be understood by actual practice in the wind.

 * The supporting powers of time air and of the wind depend on the shape of the surfaces used, and the best forms can only be evolved by free flight through the air.

 * The maintenance of equilibrium in forward flight is a matter of practice, and can only be learned by repeated personal experiment.

 * Experience alone can teach us the best forms of construction for sailing apparatus in order that they may be of sufficient strength, very light, and most easily managed.

 * By practice and experience a man can (if the wind be of the right strength) imitate the complete sailing flight of birds by availing himself of the slight upward trend of some winds, by performing circling sweeps, and by allowing the air to carry him.

 * Actual practice in individual flight presents the best prospects for developing our capacity until it leads to perfected free flight.

Misattributed

 * To design a flying machine is nothing. To build one is something. But to fly is everything.
 * Widely attributed to Lilienthal, this was actually an 1898 statement by Ferdinand Ferber dedicated to Lilienthal, published in L'Aviation; ses debuts son developpement [Aviation, its debut and devopment] (1908), translated into German as Die Kunst zu Fliegen [The Art of Flight] (1910)

Quotes about Lilienthal

 * Particular honour belongs to those who believed in the possibility of mechanical flight when all the world was against them; not the visionaries because they hoped for it merely, but those who by sheer force of intellect perceived the means by which it could be accomplished and directed their experiments along the right path. … The name of Lilienthal is now among the most honoured, but curiously his own countrymen were the last to recognize the value of his work.
 * Charles Cyril Turner in [https://books.google.com/books?id=mn8ZwCMHg0AC&pg=PA83#v=onepage&q&f=false The Romance of Aeronautics: An Interesting Account of the Growth & Achievements of All Kinds of Aerial Craft (1912), Ch. VII : Lilienthal and Pilcher, p. 83

 * Of all the men who attacked the flying problem in the 19th century, Otto Lilienthal was easily the most important. … It is true that attempts at gliding had been made hundreds of years before him, and that in the nineteenth century, Cayley, Spencer, Wenham, Mouillard, and many others were reported to have made feeble attempts to glide, but their failures were so complete that nothing of value resulted.
 * Wilbur Wright in Aero Club of America Bulletin (September 1912)

title: Otto Lilienthal


text:
User talk:64.252.73.199

~ UDScott 17:47, 25 May 2007 (UTC)

title: User talk:64.252.73.199


text:
Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry in Singapore is a series that follows the cat and mouse duo, Tom and Jerry explore in Singapore after leaving New York. It’s a much younger version of themselves.

The tales of the stink that came from the avocado (1940)

 * Mammy-Two-Shoes: Tomas! You have gone to war out of that avocado That you had! It’s stinking up in that apartment! See you need to return to regular cat food. Chunky chunky tuna that I had brought three dollars. (she offers one to Tom, but he merrily unaccepted. He returns to eating his avocado, smacking his lips as he eats) Thomas! What is wrong with you not accepting that food! You see, Michael Jordan Had that chunky chunky tuna that you had when he was about three years old! If you eat that avocado two times twice a day, you’ll become one large avocado! And I’m not joking, either! Now half is chunky chunky tuna before I get mad! (Pushes the chunky chunky tuna out the window, causing it to land straight on a garbage bin and scare off a dog that was trying to get some meat. Mammy glares at Tom and pick some up on the scruff of his neck, Much to Jerry’s amusement, who could not bear the odor) Now, that’s it. You’ve made me angry today, Thomas! Come on we’re going straight outside and you’re gonna have a good thing about what you did! And take this tuna out with you! (Tom is tossed out and he makes a pouty face, before taking one bite of the chunky chunky tuna but grabs a nearby avocado and begins to eat it)

 * Jerry: [Rushing as fast as he can away from Tom, before landing in an avocado bin that bakes avocados] For goodness sake! I don’t like this avocado! What kind of taste is this?!! It smells worse than stinky cheese, And I’m going to pass out before-! (He suddenly stops and discovers that chunky chunky tuna and begins to eat it, while Tom is shocked that Jerry actually enjoys the chunky chunky tuna) Say, this is so good like sushi! I could eat this all day!

(Mammy two shoes comes out to see Tom throwing a fit about eating, no avocados while the avocado man took the avocados for cleaning)
 * ’’’Mammy’’’: Thomas, how many times did I tell you about not to worry about those avocados? You know they have that stinky odor! That’s it, no more avocado for you until you can eat what is in front of you! Now go to that timeout corner and sleep in there for the entire night before I get mad! (Tom walks shamefully before suddenly tripping and discovering that the avocado is mixed with a chunky chunky tuna. He begins to eat it Smiles before continuing to eat some more), Thomas, you do love that kind of meal do you? Well for dinner, we’re having roasted chunky chunky tuna with roasted avocados! Do you mind if you want some roasted avocados for dinner tonight? (Shakes his head and walks with time of his life in the chunky chunky tuna cans. Mammy looks confused) Gee, Was it something that I said that cat?

colorful chase (1942)

 * Jerry: Ptooey! Talk about being covered in this type of paint! Never knew they had made this in San Francisco! [Tom Comes out with a painting of him, and Jerry being posed as a statue of Joseph Barbera. Jerry looks and lets out a smile] Good. Now I’m lucky this doesn’t taste sour like that broccoli pizza they had in San Francisco. It was even worse that they had Hawaiian Pizza The first time we went to Hawaii!
 * [Tom agrees and goes to sit down the painting]

suffering dogs! (1942)

 * Mammy-Two-Shoes: Well, what do we know? We just discovered that this pug knows dog has been snooping around in the alley taking rotten fish, and starving all night! Poor doggy. Don’t worry, you’ll be welcome here if you like. Say hello to Tom, my can, and Jerry, the mouse. You’d be lucky that you were doggy. I’m going to prepare some delicious fried rice and pork While you can meet your new roommates! You’re gonna share a bed with Tom. Now I’ll be in the kitchen cooking your dinner if you need me!

(As she leaves to go to the kitchen, the dog sniffs around Tom and Jerry, who make a face)
 * ’’’Bulldog’’’: Hello, Bonjour! Welcome to the ze France Bonjour le house! You know my name be well France, bulldog, but everybody called me Judgy. Me looking for a new home to stay in. Mia got kicked out in mean owners. Ye need new place. Ye want supper?
 * ’’’Tom’’’: no thanks. My owner, mammy two shoes is making chili. Thomas Barrie Cat.
 * ’’’Jerry’’’: And my name is Jerry the perfect, amazing all brown mouse!

(Mammy comes in after the bulldog saves Jerry, who has fallen in the fishbowl)
 * ’’’Mammy’’’: My goodness! What has happened here bulldog, what are you doing giving CPR to that mouse did you fall into that fishbowl by mistake, Thomas! You’re supposed to be watching that mouse and watching television all day listening to some 70s old cartoon! That mouse nearly drowned in that fishbowl!! That’s it! From now on, you’re going to not be sleeping under the table from now on! You’re gonna listen to some Aesop fables And learn what a real pad does! Now my site until dinner is ready! (Waterlogged and gives raspberry to, who immediately picks him up and gives him a spanking) How many times do I have to tell you not to make a raspberry at me!!! That’s it, you’re not getting dinner tonight! You’re gonna have some cold and watery beans with bread! Now, Dry that mouse with the fan! And don’t make me angry again!

(Transitions to waking up next to the fan)

The story of Edgar Allan Crow (1943)

 * Bulldog: The story begins here. One faithful night, in the old blowing and cold snow Of the southern east back in the 60s, a young Crow got injured nearby of the southern Plains. His injuries may not ye fatal. But, luckily, he got rescued by a young and wealthy man that took him in. They lived over a fence, similar to Bunnicula, Who lived about 45 years. But sadly, he passed away of a broken heart after his owner passed away. And, in this story, like Dracula, You can hear his growing from the roof like a Rooster.

(After Tom and Jerry have came to the Graveyard, They host a pretend funeral for Edgar Allan Crow)
 * ’’’Tom’’’: We are all here gather today for The funeral of Edgar Allen, the crow that lived over an old wealthy house in the fence. The crow was found injured by a nearby fence, but was taken in by a man. Although you can count the Bulldogs intentions, though it may be Confusing. (Jerry: You’re doing great!) So, he lived more than 45 years like Dracula, the harmless old vampire. But sadly, he passed away of a broken heart and found in the elebeam of the dragon. Now let’s take a moment of silence and let’s play Amazing Grace To honor our precious friend.
 * ’’’Jerry’’’: Hmmm…. Not a bad funeral, to say the least. But wait, where is the real crow?

(Just a nearby crow is perched on a tree branch, and Tom and Jerry look up amused to see the crow. The immediately swipe him and rush to show him to the bulldog)

Peter pumpkin pie eater (1943)

 * Jerry: [Laying unconscious and faking his death] Tom… Tom… My friend?
 * Tom: Yeah?
 * Jerry: [whispers] i’m afraid that I got swatted by flyswatter and may not leave very very long. You can tell Peter pumpkin pie eater that he can eat the pies we have in the fridge, and may may, explain the life, of the legendary tail that I used to find an local library, Moana and Fox, A loyal friend of pie pumpkin eater….. [He collapses and stick his tongue unconscious in the bed]
 * Tom: Jerry? Jerry, my dear friend, speak to me.
 * Jerry: And you... [A piece of crumbed cheese from the side of the bed] You can let Peter pie pumpkin eater That he can do whatever he wants, like sleep in your bed, France stories, work on magical fairytales, and that Snow White Will appear on his streams forever more…! I do know it’s a very very case that I may have. And I could not tell you anymore farewell, my friend.
 * Tom: Oh... Jerry, please please don’t leave me. You’re best friend a cat could ever ask for! Oh, Jerry! Wake up, pal!
 * Jerry: Hey, I’m not dead! I was just freaking! Hey, look you’ve got pumpkin either in that trap! Say, I bet mammy will be just a surprise when we tell her that we caught Peter pumpkin eater once and for all! [whispers again]
 * Tom: [Wipes away some tears and turn to Peter pumpkin eater, who is trapped in the net that his feet set] Woah-wee! Looks like we’d be happy to take a pumpkin back to where it was before!

 * Pumpkin eater: [After being sent to a pumpkin farm and teased at many pumpkins for his books, Especially Spookley] Why, I should’ve known! I don’t like this pumpkin farm! I don’t like this pumpkin pie farmer! I don’t like how it smell smells too bad here! What’s this? Armpit breath! Goodness, gracious of sugar, honey, iced tea! I would rather look for any solutions like sugar, salt, and more! Hey, is that something that I see? (He discovers a cat named mistletoe walking towards him to sleep near the farm) Oh, no! Cats and pumpkins and bears, oh my! I’m doomed! Doomed tell you! HELP! KITTY CAT! BROWN MOUSE! WHERE ARE YOU?! I am gone! I tell you I am gone! I’m going home! Say, aren’t you a cute little fella? Goochy Goochy… (Screams in pain when the cat bites him, and groans, ending the episode)

The Zoot Cat (1944)

 * Tom: [knocks on the door, and rings the doorbell] Yoo-hoo! HEY, TOOTS! [drops the box and hides behind he pillar on the porch]
 * [Toots opens the door and is pleasantly surprised at the box which she opens]
 * Jerry: Uh, what's cookin' Toots?

 * Toots: Jackson!
 * Tom: What's jumpin' chick?
 * [Jerry reappears and his eyes turn into Tom's suit. Tom then lights a cigar which causes the girl cat to exclaim]
 * Toots: You're really a sharp character! [Tom is showing off his suit, which still has a coat hanger in the back] A mellow little fellow. [the chain around his neck is a bathtub plug] Now you collar my jive. [he measured his trousers with the tape measure] You're on the right side, you alligator, you. Slip me some skin, my friend.
 * Tom: Well, all reet, well, all root, well, all right.
 * Toots: Let's dig a little righteous jive. Do you hear me? Latch on, Jackson. We're off.

The Million Dollar Cat (1944)

 * Tom: (while chasing after the bus after his fancy mansion has burnt down) Gee. I'm throwing away a million dollars. BUT I'M HAPPY! [he hopped into the van with Jerry and they drive off]

The Bodyguard (1944)

 * Judgy: we have to be careful so we don’t not break this valuable stuff. Remember, this vase was made in the year 1912 way before cats existed on the earth. Now, we need to act confident with these bagpipes. When I say you pick up these bagpipes, pick them up. See, I’m holding up a bagpipe myself. [Tom Pick up an accordion and begins to play The accordion, much to Jerry’s displeasure] Not that kind. It’s worse than the time we lost this old dusty. accordion.

(After Tom gets hurt and is put in a cast leg, mammy two shoes is offering him a lemon pie)
 * ’’’Mammy two shoes’’’: While you were out, I found you and carried you to safety. And guess who broke your fault? It was Butch! He saved you right before you could fall on that hard ground but your leg sort of accidentally hit something, I don’t know who it was, but I’m gonna have a talk about this. And I guess your friends would like to pay you a visit. You can have this lemon pie while your leg heals for Four weeks.

(Grabs a piece of pie and gives it to Jerry and the bulldog)
 * ’’’Jerry’’’: Gee, Tom. We are lucky that Butch came in and broke your fall. (Takes a bite out of the lemon tart)
 * ’’’Bulldog’’’: And to think, to celebrate, I’ll play this bagpipe whenever you get the blues! (Tom Relaxes as he eats a Sunday with the bulldog playing the bagpipes)

Mouse Trouble (1944)

 * Tom: [after he finds himself in a place where dogs are playing cards] Don't you believe it!

Quiet Please! (1945)

 * Butch: Hey, can’t you see trying to do some yoga?! I’m trying to relax and be calm and chill, but all you’re doing is trying to bake and tripping on I’m fast asleep, and mouse and cat need to scream! Scream, I tell you! Scram! S-C-R-A-M. Now get out of here![Tom and Jerry run as fast as they can hiding inside a trashcan] Good riddance. Time for sleepy time.[He begins to doze off and fall asleep when all of a sudden he smells something. It turns out to be turkey] Oh, is that turkey? Or is that my tail?

Solid Serenade (1946)

 * Tom: [in a mock Charles Boyer voice while holding Jerry, who himself is wrestling with a tuna fish.]] Say, teach that Fishel lesson’ [The fish is a shoved down a toilet and then brought it back again] Throw him around and dump him in oil!. [Jerry dunk him in medicine oil] Now, toss him into the soup bin! '’[Thomas him into the superb]'' Now, show em! (Tries to run away, but Jerry grabbed him and starts ringing him around if he was a Rope. He throws him down and the fish tumbles out of the soup completely covered in soup. It turns out to be a fish they have found on videotape) Not bad for that VHS, huh? I watch this movie all day!

Part Time Pal (1947)

 * [First lines]
 * Mammy Two Shoes: say, look what that mouse has done a my kitchen! He ate half of that turkey leg. I had saved for Thomas! Then he tunneled his way through that white bread! (With a sudden, she sees that half of cake has gotten eaten) And, he even ate all of my chocolate cake! That’s it! Tom is going to be a big trouble! (She marches into the room where Tom and Jerry are enjoying their breakfast) Hey, look at yourself. You’re enjoying that nice fresh. Then you’re enjoying that nice fresh creamy creamy creamy cottage cheese that I have gotten. And also, you are enjoying your fresh milk cream, are you? (Tom and Jerry, not and with breakfast) Well, you’re happy. BECAUSE I AIN’T!!!!! (Tom and Jerry hold onto each other) There is one that has been eating my food and destroying my kitchen! And they are two of you! So, if you don’t figure something out, you’re out of here and you’re spending the night in the cold alleyway! Do I make myself clear huh? You too spoiled, pamper, rotten pants? (Tom and Jerry quickly run and look for the mouse) Never mind. I’m gonna have to take them to school.

 * Mammy Two Shoes: Land sakes, Time for me to grow grocery shopping in that old market. It’s supermarket day and it only lasts for four days.

 * Tom: [Holding as fast as he can in a while, Jerry is griping on tight to him] One, for the money. [Nearly slips off the branch with Jerry, gripping onto his tail] Two, for the show. [He gets ready to swing onto the cliff] Three to get ready. [Jerry uses a bear or trap, snapping heart onto his tail, causing Tom to leap up flying like a Dolphin.] And four to go!

A Mouse in the House (1947)

 * [First lines]
 * Mammy-Two-Shoes: Land sakes! That pesky mouse been havin' a jam session right here in my bread box! And look at the raided refrigerator! And the nibblings on my chocolate cake! Boy, what is this? A holiday for mice? And me with 2 cats in the house! [begins a search for the cats Tom and Butch] Boy when I lay my hands on those two good-for-nothin', lazy... [finds Tom and Butch resting] Oh...well, gentlemen. I'm glad to see you is enjoyin' your little siesta. [Tom and Butch nod in confirmation] You is comfortable, ain't you? [both confirm] And is both getting plenty of nice fresh cream? [both confirm] Well, I'm glad youse is satisfied... [enters a state of anger] 'CAUSE I AIN'T! [Tom and Butch gasp before holding on to one another in fear] There's a mouse in the house! And there's 2 cats! But there's only gonna be 1 cat in this house in the morning. And that's the cat that catches that mouse! Now get goin'!

 * [Last lines; after Tom and Butch accidentally smacked Mammy Two-Shoe's but with the frying pan and the coal shovel, which they thought they were in disguise to catch Jerry]
 * Mammy-Two-Shows: [angrily grabs Tom and Butch by their tails] Hold on there, you crazy cats! [viciously attacks the cats off-screen] Take this, you good-for-nothin', reckless, low-down! Here! Take that! [throws Butch onto the wall] And this and that! [throws Tom, which pushes Butch, out of the house]
 * [Jerry dusts his hands, thinking he has won, but then sees Mammy tapping her foot, causing the mouse to slowly exit the house himself. The cartoon begins to iris out, but not before Jerry waves goodbye at Mammy before closing the door and dashes away, meaning that he, Tom and Butch have all lost in the end. The screen then irises out completely, ending the cartoon on a downer note]

The Truce Hurts (1948)

 * Spike: Hey, wait a minute! What's all this fighting getting in us, huh? Cats can love dogs, can't they? [Tom nods yes] And mice can get along with cats, can't they? [Jerry shakes his head no, but then nods yes] Well then, let's bury the hatchet. Let's be pals. Buddies. Whadaya say, huh?

Old Rockin' Chair Tom (1948)

 * Mammy-Two-Shoes: Thomas, if you is a mouse catcher, I'm Lana Turner, which I ain't. The trouble with you is you is gettin' too old to catch mice. So I has decided to bring in a new and younger cat. Step up here and meet a real mouse catcher. Oh, Lightning!

 * Mammy-Two-Shoes: That's right, Lightning, take good care of poor old Uncle Tom. Well, goodnight, Lightning, see you in the morning. Hehehe. Love that cat.

Mouse Cleaning (1948)

 * Mammy-Two-Shoes: Hold on there, you no-good cat! Just look what you've done that I clean the floor! Get out there! Take this mop, now start clean!

Heavenly Puss (1949)

 * Gatekeeper: Thomas. Just a minute. [after reading Tom's evil biography] Hmm, apparently, your whole life was spent persecuting an innocent little mouse. With a record like that, I can't let you through. I'm sorry, Tom. However, the Heavenly Express doesn't leave for an hour. [then hands Tom a certificate of forgiveness] If, within that time, you can obtain the signature of that little mouse on this certificate of forgiveness, you will be permitted to pass. But if you fail, it's this... [a television screen shows an image of hell, where Spike is personified as the Devil]
 * Devil: [after a diabolical laugh] Let me have him! Send him down! Give him to me now! [laughs again]
 * [Tom looks on in fear]
 * Gatekeeper: Remember, you have only an hour.

Love That Pup (1949)

 * Spike: [to Tom] Hey, you! That's my boy you got in your hand! Listen, pussycat. If I catch you bothering my boy again, I'll tear you apart! Now, beat it!

 * Spike: Where's my boy?! [Tom shrugs] If he's under that barrel, I'll skin ya alive!

Jerry and the Lion (1950)

 * [First lines]
 * Radio Announcer: Attention. Attention everyone. We interrupt this program to bring you this warning. A ferocious lion has just escaped from the circus. I repeat, a ferocious lion has just escaped from the circus. You are advised to bar your windows and doors immediately.

The Framed Cat (1950)

 * Spike: Hey, you! Whatcha doin' with my bone? [Tom points at himself] Yeah, you! Listen, pussycat! If I catch you taking my bone again... [wallops Tom on the head] there's gonna be trouble! Understand?! [throws Tom into the tree. Tom sticks his tongue out at Spike who hits Tom with his bone, causing the cat to bite his tongue]

Jerry's Cousin (1951)

 * Cousin Muscles: [grabs Tom and eyes him closely] Listen Pussycat! Don't let me catch you pickin' on my little cousin while I'm around, y'understand? Now beat it! [throws Tom into a vase]

Sleepy-Time Tom (1951)

 * Mammy-Two-Shoes: Was you sleepin'?! You hadn't better be.

The Two Mouseketeers (1952)

 * Tuffy: He, attention-la! Vous pourez faire mal a quelqu'un, Monsieur Pussycat!...Pussycat?! Au secours! Au secours! Le pussycat! Le pussycat! C'est vraiment le pussycat! [calmly] Bonjour, Monsieur Pussycat. ["Hey, watch it! You could hurt someone, Mister Pussycat. Pussy Cat?! Help! Help! The pussycat! The pussycat! It's really the pussycat! Hello, Mr. Pussycat.]

 * Tuffy: Touche, Pussycat!

Smitten Kitten (1952)

 * Devil Mouse: There goes your little playmate. Every time he sees a dame, he falls in love. Every time he falls in love it means trouble for you.

Triplet Trouble (1952)

 * Mammy-Two-Shoes: Thomas! Oh, Thomas! Come in here and see what we got. Ain't they cute, Tom? And you get to take care of them. Now, you be good to them, and I'll run down to the store for some nice, fresh cream.

 * Mammy-Two-Shoes: Thomas! What's the idea picking on them poor little kittens?! If you don't take good care of them little angels while I'm gone, I'll pulverize you to pieces! You hear me?!

Fit to Be Tied (1952)

 * Spike: I learned this one on television! ''[spins and slams Tom]

The Dog House (1952)

 * Spike: Wait a minute, pussycat! Ever since I was a pup, I've wanted a little place of my own. And I still want it. But, if one more thing happens to my little dream house...there's going to be murder! [throws Tom]

The Missing Mouse (1953)

 * [First lines]
 * Radio Announcer: Your attention please! We interrupt this broadcast to bring you this urgent warning. A white mouse has just escaped from the experimental laboratories! Before escaping, he consumed enough of a new secret explosive to blow up an entire city! If you see this white mouse, telephone officials at once! And whatever you do, remember! The slightest jar will explode this white mouse and destroy the entire city! Be careful! Please, be careful!

Johann Mouse (1953)

 * Narrator: :[first lines] This is the story of a waltzing mouse. His name was Johann and he lived in Vienna in the home of Johann Strauss.

That's My Pup! (1953)

 * Spike: [to Tyke] You know, son, now that you're grown up, it's time we have a heart to heart talk about the facts of life. First of all, you're a dog. And there's three things are dogs gonna know how to do. First: a dog's gonna know how to be man's best friend. That comes in two easy positions: the begging position with the big sad, soulful eyes, and the lyin' at the master's feet position also with the big sad, soulful eyes. Now the second thing that dog has to know is to how to bury bones. [buries his bone] Why? I don't know. I can never find them, after I bury them. [laughs] But that's what dogs are supposed to do. Third, and most important: all dogs gonna know how to chase cats. Which happens to be my specialty. Now, if we had a cat.

 * Spike: Listen, pussycat, my boy's learning to chase cats, and I don't want you to give him any trouble about it, understand? Every time he starts barking, you start climbing. Is that clear? [he nods] Okay, then, let's go.

Life with Tom (1953)

 * Radio Announcer: Yes, the whole world laughing at that hilarious new novel "Life with Tom". This book, by the new, brilliant author, Jerry Mouse, is on sale everywhere. Get your copy of "Life with Tom"! It's a SCREAM!

Hic-cup Pup (1954)

 * Spike: Hey! What's the idea waking up my boy?! [Tyke hiccups] Look at that! You gave him the hiccups too! Every time his sleep get disturbed, he gets the hiccups. [pats Tyke gently] There, there, son. [to Tom] If you wake my boy again, there's gonna be trouble!

 * Spike: Now he's got me doin' it! I'll moider that [hiccups] cat!

Pup on a Picnic (1955)

 * Spike: I don't know what's the matter with that cat, son, but he'd better keep away from our lunch, right?

Down Beat Bear (1956)

 * [Last lines]
 * Radio Announcer: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is your host at Melody Time bringing you six hours of continuous dance music.

Barbecue Brawl (1956)

 * Spike: [to Tyke] Son, now you know why dogs hate cats.

 * Spike: What's the matter with that crazy cat? He'd better not spoil our barbecue.

Mucho Mouse (1957)

 * Jerry: [to Tom, who is a bull] Haha! Toro! C'mon!

Tot Watchers (1958)

 * [Last lines]
 * Police Officer: A baby crawlin' down the street?! Now who would be after believin' that?!
 * [Just then, to their surprise, the baby crawls past the police car and away into the distance, as the cartoon ends]

title: Tom and Jerry


text:
Edmund Wilson

Edmund Wilson (8 May 1895 – 12 June 1972) was an American writer and literary critic.

Quotes

 * There is really no way of considering a book independently of one's special sensations in reading it on a particular occasion. In this as in everything else one must allow a certain relativity. In a sense, one can never read the book that the author originally wrote, and one can never read the same book twice.
 * The Triple Thinkers (1938), Preface, p. ix, [ 1948 Oxford University Press edition ]

 * Education, the last hope of the liberal in all periods.
 * To the Finland Station : A Study in the Acting and Writing of History (1940), Part I, Ch. 5: Michelet Between Nationalism and Socialism, p. 36, [ 1972 Farrar Straus & Giroux edition, ISBN 1568495749/1145 ]

 * It may be that there is nothing more demoralizing than a small but adequate income.
 * Memoirs of Hecate County (1946), Ch. 4, p. 136, [ New York Review Books Classics (2004) ]

 * Marxism is the opium of the intellectuals.
 * Memoirs of Hecate County (1946), Ch. 5, p. 340, [ New York Review Books Classics (2004) ]; Karl Marx, in his Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right (1843-4), wrote "Religion…is the opium of the people" ("Die Religion…ist das Opium des Volkes"). Wilson was not the first writer to turn Marx’s statement on its head: Evelyn Waugh published a review of Harold Laski's Faith, Reason and Civilization in The Tablet, 22nd April 1944, under the headline "Marxism, the Opiate of the People". In 1955 the French philosopher Raymond Aron wrote a book on Marxism called L'Opium des intellectuels, thus Wilson's line is often attributed to him.

As for me, if we must read about imaginary kingdoms, give me James Branch Cabell's Poictesme. He at least writes for grown-up people, and he does not present the drama of life as a showdown between Good People and Goblins. He can cover more ground in an episode that lasts only three pages than Tolkien is able to in one of this twenty-page chapters, and he can create a more disquieting impression by a reference to something that is never described than Tolkien through his whole demonology.
 * I believe, that certain people — especially, perhaps, in Britain — have a lifelong appetite for juvenile trash. … You can see it in the tone they fall into when they talk about Tolkien in print: they bubble, they squeal, they coo; they go on about Malory and Spenser — both of whom have a charm and a distinction that Tolkien has never touched.
 * "Oo, Those Awful Orcs!" : A review of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Nation (14 April 1956)

 * The more I have thought about Figures of Earth — and its sequel The Silver Stallion — the more remarkable they have come to seem. Looking back, one can now understand the abrupt fluctuations of Cabell's fame. … Published when Cabell was forty-two, the chronicle of Manuel the Redeemer was not a book for the Young nor was it a book in the mood of the twenties. The story of the ambitious man of action who is cowardly, malignant and treacherous and who does not even enjoy very much what his crimes and double-dealing have won him, but who is rapidly, after his death, transformed into a great leader, a public benefactor and a saint, has the fatal disadvantage for a novel that the reader finds no inducement to identify himself with its central figure. Yet I am now not sure that this merciless chronicle in which all the values are negative except the naked human will, is not one of the best things of its kind in literature — on a plane, perhaps, with Flaubert and Swift.
 * "James Branch Cabell 1897 - 1958" (1958), later published in The Bit Between My Teeth: A Literary Chronicle Of 1950-1965 (1966), p. 322

Quotes about Wilson

 * He was, as painted, aristocratic, beyond any writer I've met, but in a Jeffersonian-American way that brooked no artificial distinctions. There was no cheap way you could impress him...  It was a particular strength of his as a critic that he was not even impressed by the Dead as such.  He could write of living authors in precisely the same tones, and applying the same standards, as he used for the Classics.
 * Wilfrid Sheed, The Good Word & Other Words (1978), Part I, ch. 1: "Edmund Wilson, 1895-1972," p. 6, [ 1980 Penguin edition ISBN 0-14-005497-9 ]

 * Wilson was not, in the academic sense, a scholar or historian. He was an enormous reader, one of those readers who are perpetually on the scent from book to book. He was the old-style man of letters, but galvanized and with the iron of purpose in him.
 * V. S. Pritchett, The Tale Bearers: English and American Writers (1980), "Edmund Wilson: Towards Revolution," p. 141, [ Random House, ISBN 0-394-74683-X ]

 * He was the perfect autodidact. He wanted to know it all.
 * Gore Vidal, "Edmund Wilson: This Critic and This Gin and These Shoes," The New York Review of Books (25 September 1980), later published in The Second American Revolution and Other Essays, 1976-1982 (1982), p. 32, [ 1983 Vintage edition ISBN 0-394-71379-6 ]

 * Wilson is not like other critics; some critics are boring even when they are original; he fascinates even when he is wrong.
 * Alfred Kazin, in Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia of American Literature (1991), p. 1146

title: Edmund Wilson