The Spectator at war: Time for change

From ‘The Problem of Public Assistance’, The Spectator, 31 July 1915:

In one respect big reforms are actually easier in times of national emergency than in times of peace, for the collective purpose of the nation is in the crisis of a great war more firmly set, and therefore better able to overcome sectional and private vested interests. On the other hand, it is somewhat difficult to secure adequate consideration for any important new proposal at a time when public attention is absorbed in the movements of a great war. On the whole, the former consideration is in the present matter perhaps the more important. For although of necessity the public is engaged in watching the war, it also has begun to realize, that, if the war is to be successfully waged, reform at home is as essential as efficiency in the field.