The Banquets – Sense of security entertained by the Government – Anxiety of the Leaders of the Opposition – Arraignment of Ministers

I did not want to get involved in the excitement about the banquets. ¹ I had both trivial and serious reasons for keeping away; some of these trivial reasons I frankly admit were bad, though honourable, and, if it had been a private matter, excellent—I mean my irritation at and distaste for the character and manoeuvres of those conducting the business; for I admit that one's private feelings about men are a bad guide in politics.