NOTES OF THE DAY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1786, 26 June 1913, Page 4

NOTES OF THE DAY.

The French President (M. Poincaiie), who is at present on ,a visit to England, is a distinguished scholar ancl man of letters as well as a statesman. In this- respect he resembles' Me. Woodrow Wilson, the President of the, United States, who was taken from an important university position to fill the highest 'office in the great- American Republic. In an article jvhich recently appeared in ]1 very man, Mr. Charles Sarolea states that M. Poincare is a genuine democrat; but he is also a resolute anti-Socialist. He believes in the French Revolution, but stops at 1789; he does not go so far as 1793.. He does not think the Republic can be saved by a Reign of Terror. What the French call le juste milieu, and what Matthew Arnold would have called "sweetness and light," are amongst the most obvious qualities of his writings. He is a man of .principle; not a mere opportunist. "The foundation of all politics," he writes, f "is ethical. Politics arc founded on'a belief in goodness, in justice, in the love of truth, in the respect of human conscience, in the destinies of our country. Politics which arc worthy of the name cannot live from day to day on empirical measures and contradictory expedients." M. Eoincare's toreign policy, according to Mr. Sarolea, is expected to be mainly directed against the encroachments of Germany, combined with a firm but conciliatory attitude in international affairs and a strict, adherence to the Triple Entente. He is sure of a very _ hearty welcome wherever ho goes in England, and his visit will help to ensure the fulfilment of the hope expressed by King George at a banquet to M. Poincare and M. Pichon (Minister of Foreign Affairs) _ that the relations between Britain and France will continue with unimpaired intimacy and vitality.

The new Federal Cabinet, which has now been, formed by Mit. Joseph Cook, is said to be a strong and representative one. Me. Cook himself is, of course, Prime Minister, and he has a vigorous colleague in Silt John Forkest, who takes the of Treasurer. Of the other members' of the Ministry, the most interest-' ing appointment is that of Mr. W. H. levine, K.C., who has been selected for the office of AttorneyGeneral. Some years ago _ Mk. Irvine was Premier of Victoria, in which position he proved himself to be the possessor of high gifts of statesmanship and great force of character. It was feared that owing to pressure of private business ho would find it- impossible to accept office, but fortunately for the country he has seen his way to join the new Ministry. It is now stated that Parliament will assemble early in July. No official announcement has yet been made as to the order of business, but it is stated by. the Melbourne A<jc that '.'the proposal that the -session should be devoted to fiscal an (I electoral legislation finds much favour with members from all States. By- fulfilling Mr. Cook's fiscal anomalies and Tariff Board pledges to the doctors early in the session,, it is ' argued, the party would be able to present a united front to \the Labour Oppositicn, and obtain breathing time within which to .prepare a drastic and effective Electoral Reform Bill.. As a matter of expediency this course of action is supported in quarters hitherto suspected of .some slight coldness on the subject of the maintenance and promotion , of national industries by increased protection." A somewhat .similar view is taken by Sir RoiiW .Best, who in a recent speech, advocated a non-party attitude with regard to protection, and favoured prominence being given In the electoral reform proposals. He regards these two questions as great national issues, and thinks that, if a spirit of ."sweet reasonableness" obtains, a largo amount of natiunal business could be successfully undertaken; but if party Government on rigid lines is insisted upon, a position may arise,.that may seriously strain the Constitution.

Tiif. member for Pahiatna, Mii. .1. 11. Escott, dealt in an interesting manner with a nuii'.be)' of mailers of general inteix'st in his address to his constituents on Monday night. Though a new member, he showed that he has a clcar gvaap of the

political questions of the day, and answered very effectively some of the criticism which has been directed against the policy and administration of the Government. _He had some suggestions to offer for the improvement of our education methods, and expressed the opinion that the whole system wants to be carefully overhauled. Many people besides Mr. Escott hold this view, and the Minister for Education (the Hon. J.wies Allen) has already indicated that he has a number of important reforms under consideration. Mr. Escott spoke from personal knowledge when lie referred to the urgent need of better means of transit in the backblocks, and his vigorous pica for good roads should assist to stimulate the Minister for Public Works, if that gentleman needs stimulating.