But not everyone supported the war. It was merely that, with the tide of events bearing down, they did not want to be the first to stick their heads out.
Members of the Liberal Party and the Anti-War Faction still dismissed the outcome with contempt.
"Hey! Brandon, this was truly a ridiculous meeting. George Hamilton-Gordon is an utter fool. It was precisely because of him that we were dragged into this war by a pack of warmongers."
Richard Cobden echoed him.
"Exactly. For the sake of some shepherds, they sold out Britain's workers and farmers."
John Brandon and Richard Cobden both belonged to the Manchester School. They were staunch advocates of Free Trade, and also adhered to pacifism and non-interventionism.
"This is only the beginning. Heaven knows what they'll do next in the name of victory."
Richard Cobden deeply agreed with John Brandon's words and added, "They used fear to persuade Parliament. Next, they'll use it to persuade the people. They'll stir up hatred in the newspapers, then elevate 'national interest' to a position of supreme inviolability.
When the time comes, whoever dares say no to them will be branded a 'traitor to Britain.'
How pathetic."
John Brandon nodded as well.
"What a pack of lunatics. I only hope they know what they're doing."
"Of course they know what they're doing. That's why they dragged us aboard too. All we can do now is pray Britain wins this war. Otherwise, those who shouted loudest for war will be the first to look for scapegoats."
"Quite right. I hear politics in the United States is true democracy."
Richard Cobden immediately shook his head.
"My cousin went to the United States. He said things there were dreadful too. A whole heap of parties oppose things merely for the sake of opposing them,