"RE=BARBARISATION"

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 532, 12 June 1909, Page 5

"RE=BARBARISATION"

v IS IT NONSENSE? SPEECHES AT PRESS CONFERENCE. JOURNALS AND PEACE. (BT TELEGRAM—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (Roc. June 11, 10 p.m.) ' London, Juno 11, The Imperial Press Conforenco discussed at to-day's sitting the subject of "Literature and Journalism." Lore. Morley, Secretary for India, observed that much had recently been, said about the rc-baxbariaation of Europe. Ho asked to what extent the press had shnrcd in creating tho processes which so threaten Europe. Had the influence of the Home and colonial press been systematically used on behalf of the peace of the nations ?. [I<ord Rosebery, in his speech at the first banquet to the Press Conference delegates, touched on the possibility of the unprecedented preparations for war in Europe leading back to barbarism.] . . ' Mr. Churchill, President of the Board of Trade, admitted that we were living in anxious times. Ho humorously added, aftor the discussions which, had oponed out the most appalling prospects of an approaching Armageddon,, he thought tho members of tho Conference showed great courage in calmly sitting down to discuss litcraturo and journalism. ' . . ' : Lord Minor described the.idea of rebarbarisation of Europo as dreadful nonsense. He believed that disputes nowadays were lo3s frequently settled by war than at any previous period. Ouo reason of this was that European nations were now mostly organised on the system of national armies,, and citizen armies would make for peace. Mr. W.. S. Douglas (Auckland) said the. Conference had been discussing the supremo question of defence. The colonies realised that a catnstropho' meant ruin to this great Empire, and they were ready to supply the Motherland with men, ships, and money. "Tell us," said Mr. Douglas, "what you want us to do, and we wil| do it." (Cheers.) Turning to the subject of discussion, Mr. Douglas said that newspapers missed being literature through want of time. Their primary purpose was not the cultivation of literary stylo, but tho presentation of news had never before been so well and promptly dono as to-day. He believed the press at Home and-, in the colonies'were honestly to maintain tho traditions already won.; He maintained that the press was to remain, a great and beneficent force. V Speeches were also mado by Mr. A. Birrell (Secretary for Ireland), Mr. W. L. Courtney (editor, of tho "Fortnightly' Review"), Sir Edward Russell (editor of. the / "Liverpool Daily Post"), Dr. Englebing (editor of the Pretoria "Volkstem"),.'' and Mr. Banerji (editor of tho Calcutta "Bengali"). The Conference has adjourned till June 25. ■When it reassembles, tho discussion on the question of defence will bo resumed. Newspapers of every party continue to de l vote many columns ' to the proceedings at the Imperial Press/ Conference. Leading articles on. the subjects dealt with appear daily. ' ' '' ' ' Many of the delegates would have preferred to .restrict to-day's discussion on "Litciature and Journalism" in order to continue the debate on Imperial defence. . ■■:• .v; :•! w >.»■■■; :■''* : ■■■ ■ :-'i .-lo;..;-;.'.. >>i : '■' ' •.ENTERTAINMENTS.'- •"• ■' ; '■■'' London, Jiine, 10. AVhile the press delegates wero being en;tertained at the.Mansion- House, the ladies of tho party were given a luncheon by the ..Victoria'. Leaguo at the Hydo Park Hotel. .The Countesses, of Jersey,. Crewe and Northcote, Miss Balfour, and MesdamesHarcourt, Lyttelton, Gladstone, and Austen Chamberlain acted as hostesses. The Labour party entertained the delegates at tea on tho terrace of the House of Commons. No speeches were delivered. Later,-' the delegates, with their ladies, I motored to the Raielagh Club, at - Barn Elms, where they were' banqueted by Mrs. C. A. Pearson. ' '.'• . .. ' , : Mr. Poarson, who had done much ; work in organising the conference, was absent undergoing an. operation to- his eyes. .Tho beautiful grounds wero illuminated. : ; OTHER RECEPTIONS. ■; v (Reo. Juno 11, 10.55' p.m.) London, June 11. The Duke of Wellington gavo a garden party to the delegates at Apsley House', Pic- , cadilly, W. Those present included the Ambassadors, and foreign officers competing in the cavalry, events 'at the Olympia Horse ; Sliow;-': • ■'■';■.'■■■' ;■ ■ '--■■ '■•'■ : '■■ v '.. In the ovening, Mr. Balfour, Lord Crewe, Lord Northcote, Lord Hindlip, and Viscount Midleton gave small dinner parties to the delegates'and, their ladies.' '. '.'■ . '..' Later on the Duchess of Sutherland gave a reception at Stafford House, St. James's, S.W., where 2000 people were present. . •' ■ ■ • ■'■ .' ■ ' ■■ * _. ■ . Vs •. , :