The Spectator at war: Rational optimism

From ‘News of the Week‘, The Spectator, 29 May 1915:

The past fortnight, partly perhaps owing to the uncertainty of the political situation, has been marked by a great deal of anxiety and pessimism of a very unworthy kind. Yet there is no real cause for grumblings and lamentings, but strong cause for the reverse. We have been optimistic throughout the war, but we admit that at periods like that of the last days of October ours was optimism based on faith, faith in the invincible courage and great-heartedness of the British people. Now, however, our optimism is based upon facts. Provided that we hold on and do not flinch from the last and most painful pull upon the rope, nothing can prevent our winning. To say this is not to say that we shall not have plenty of suffering and misery, plenty of terrible moments, plenty of disasters, if you will But all these evils will be superficial.