LORD CREWE'S DISPATCH.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 467, 27 March 1909, Page 4

LORD CREWE'S DISPATCH.

Tiie first thing to bo observed in the dispatch in which Lord Chewe accepts, on behalf of tho British Government, New Zealand's offer of a Dreadnought, with another to follow, if required, is the difference of its language from much of that which has been current in this country during tho past week. Our politicians, and a very large section of tho public, have got into tho foolish and unpleasant habit of associating patriotism with inflated bombast and grotesque hyperbole. • The custom was established by Mn. Seddon, who not only held the advantage of being first with a new fashion, but who was somehow able to carry off successfully phrases that would have been ridiculous coming from a lesser man. It is not in the least necessary to "talk tall" to show one's own patriotism or arouse patriotism in others. The set phrases of Imperialist enthusiasm are taking on an artificial air; and are beginning to savour a little of insincerity; the constant insistence on our loyalty is becoming offensive. We think it was Me. Kipling who said that ho hated to hear men talk of loyalty; that loyalty should bo taken for granted. Loud Crewe's, dispatch, although it is a pattern of propriety, and quito free from gush or bombast, is as cordial an acknowledgment of tho New Zealand offer as could be desired. Wo are not told whether the whole of tho dispatch has been made public—that part of the expected dispatch might be confidential was implied in a statement by tho Prime Minister which we printed yesterday— but even from tho version published today it is possible to infer a desire on the part of the British Government which does not appear upon the surface. Tho offer "so generously and patriotically made" is "most gratefully accepted," but a "full" dispatch is to bo sent by mail, "as his Majesty's Government desires to consult with the Government of New Zealand as to the time at which it may become appropriate to give effect to thoir public-spirited proposal." Finally, it is stated that "so far as the coming financial year is concerned, tho provisions and powers for which sanction is boing asked in tho Naval Estimates now before Parliament afford ample security."

It is not a' far-fetched interpretation of the dispatch to conclude that the British Government may be desirous of suggesting to our own, Government that the proposed gift, or the liability which it represents, may, with greater advantage to the Imperial eud for which it has been undortakon, be devoted to another but kindred purpose. The London Times has been prompt to declare that to postpone acceptance of New Zealand's offer will bo to "chill onthusiasm and loyalty." We are afraid that this is the voice of political partisanship rather than that of pure Imperial zeal. It is a poor compliment to' New Zealand's loyalty to suggest that it is so fragile and delicate a growth as to wither unless its most extravagant blossomings are greeted with profuse enthusiasm. Whether postponement will, chill the New Zealand public's enthusiasm is another matter. The only enthusiasm in the matter that we consider really vital has not yet been manifested: namely, enthusiasm for sober and economical preparation for tho future. No great loss of any kind will be sustained, and a great gain will have been made, if the negotiations between tho Governments result in tho conversion of tho Dreadnought offer into an undertaking to push ahead with an adequate system of local defence.