THE CRIMSON TIE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 236, 24 June 1918, Page 6

THE CRIMSON TIE

■ BINDING THE EMPIRE A NOTABLE GATHERING SPEECHES BY OVERSEA STATESMEN tßec. June 23, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 22. Lord Finlay, Lord Chancellor, presided over a brilliant assemblage at tho Empire Parliamentary Association's supper in tho Eoyal Galleries of the House of Lords. Mr. Asquith, tho Marquis of Crowe, Lord Curzon, Mr. A. i. Baliour, Air. Bonar Law, Mr. W. Long, Lord Milner, General Smuts, Lord Selborne, and many Lords and members 01 tho House ol Commons were present.

Stirring Spesch by Mr. Lloyd Goorge, Mr. Lloyd George proposed the toast "Cabinet Colleagues irom the Dominions," who he said, represented the ma3t democratic communities m- tho world. "Wβ know the shrewdness,, courage and sagacity they brought to bear on problems of Empire. When many had borne the incessant strain for months and years on one issue it was a relief to have the support of other minds which were fresli and sincere. This was supplied by men from the Dominions. The names of' Mr. Hughes and Mr. Massey wiys as well known in the United Kingdom as in their own lands. These representatives of thb consciousness of Empire represented a real help to our country in its real need. AVo know their poople are fighting for the cause of freedom and sight. We also know that they came more eagerly and more readily because they knew the, Old Country had championed their rights. The Old Country was proud and grateful to their kinsmen representatives who came to participate in the couuoils of Empire arid to establish the best methods of right and justice on earth. In this war Britain's Empire had disappointed her foes sadly, bitterly • and a,ngrily. Think whafwould have happened to tho world had Britain's Empire not. been there! It held the seas for ouiselves and our Allies'.

The Resource of the Navy. "Nothing in' the history of sea warfare can comparo to the resource, skill, and daring with which our Navy aud mariners conquered the sharks of the high sens. The work of the Navy is an old ebory, but what we had done on land is something new.' There- has never been anything quite like it. In four years the Empire raised six million men tor'-sea and land. Our nearest Dominion is a thousand miles away, yet it has sent a million men. Germany regarded these men as raw levies easily to bo swept away by her trained legions. Yet for the last three months these men have held up Germany's masses. This was a great achievement. Likewise India is guarding the approaches to the Eastern Empire, and will guard them to the end. Germany thought the ties which bound the Empire- were paper ties, which would turn to black duet at the fiist scorch of the fires of war. The most potent ties which bind .tho Empire ure those of sympathy, of common ideas and common aims. All that we hold best in tho world is Bafcr to-day by reason of tho existence of tho British Empire," The Cabinet Council, Mi\ Lloyd George said, was tho outcome of previous conferences, and had been accelerated into being by the war. It would be the forerunner of a euccession of Councils, which for generations t<> como would wield the power of tho greatest collection of nations the world had ever seen.

Mr. Hughos's Speech. Mr. W. it. Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia, who followed, said:— "Looking back over llio past four years we are proud to think that the Empire, despito its dread trials, is 'toJay more firmly united (On the vital issues of tho war than ever. The greatest battl'o of all the ages is now waging, on tho issue of which hangs the fate of the Empire and tho world. The next few weeks may decide whether we are to be bondmen or free—whether liberty and justice will prevail or be crushed beneath tho juggernaut of military despotism. We are all weary and worn with tho war, yet the Empire stands firm and united, and resolved to conquer and assured of victory; resolved to have peace enduringly based on liberty and justice. "When the tocsin sounded the children of the Dominions took a, great stop, which confounded the onemy'fi calculations and inspired every Briton's soul, and even now constitutes one of the outstanding features of the war. The Empire was in (longer, and the free sons of the Dominions sprang to arms in the Empire's defence. Before, that Empire was to them an empty word, something vague, almost lifeless. But in tho hour of trial tho Empire assumed a new and inspiring shape. What was dead became gloriously alive. Tho Dominions and India played a jiavi in tho war of which they have"a right to be proud. In regard to valour, initiative and endurance, let their deeds speak for them.

Holding the Empire Together. "No man could soy how or in what form the Einpiro would hold together. We firmly and fervently believe it will not only 'A/id, together, but bo more closely cemented together by trial, tribulation, and sacrifice. Our Empire will I'liuui-e becaube it rests on a granite foundation, because it is in very truth a league of free nations, each marching io its deatiny in its own way, but linked by the ties of blood, groat ideals, and material interests. A clearer understanding of tho problems confronting us will do much to make the Empire's future certain. We from tho Dominions have realised the last few years how little we understood Britain, and even to a fuller extent how littlo Britain understood us. This must pass away. We have realised Ikhv HtUe .vi- understood and wi.su little part we played in the greater international policies which involved us, like you, in the war and which threatened our existence. That day has gone. We shall share in the common hazard and must mee.t on equal terms to discuss the measures necessary to our safety. Our men who have gone forth to fight for the Empire will demand a voice in the councils of tho Empire. The old order must change, making us a veritable commonwealth of nations to ensure peace, justice, and liberty in the world for ever.

Not Dismayed. The Empire and the Allies aro not dismayed, but f.ro as resolute as ever to faco the military despotism's jnighly legions. We do not underestimate 'Germany's power, but await the onslaught with perfect confidence. The moral of our armies was never better. We must face the facts and not live in a paradise of fools. But neither must wo permit any weakening in our will to conquer. If we stand firm, victory is ours. Let those bubbling of peace be silent, also those doing Germany's work by trying to sap the nation's courage. There may bo much suffering and sacrifice ahead, but if we faco the future with confidence and determination then a lasting victory be ours."

SPEEGH BY MR. MASSEY. Mr. W. F. TJiissey, Prime Minister of New Zealand, predicted 'that good results would follow the Imperial War Cabinet and Conference, lie believed when the restoration period was reached the Dominions' representatives would bn able to furnish suggestions which would not occur to British Minister.) whose experience was confined to England. Notwithstanding, many 'disappointments since the outbreak of tha war, we were not downhearted, because we had confidence in each other and in the Allies. Wo might presently bo iaced with a war of attrition. If so. tho power of our Empire more than equalled the enemy's. It was a million times better to carry on the war for a generation than to allow Germany to dominate the world. He

thought the darkest hour had passed. Now there were indications of'a glorious da,wn.—Ans.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. ' THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE ENGAGED ON ECONOMIC DISCUSSIONSi (Bee. Juno 23, 5.5 p.m.) - london, June 22. Ihe Imperial Confcvenco is engaged on economic discussions. The Australasian dolegates aro disappointed at the Conference's progress. Mr. Massey complains of the endleps debate, with, no signs of decision. Tho complete remodelling of the Colonial Office is amongst the most urgent subjects of dismission. The visiting Premiers are busying themselves with the military situation, and .ire constantly conferring with Mr. i;loyd George and General Smuts.— United Service.