THE WORD “EMPIRE”

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 14, 11 October 1921, Page 4

THE WORD “EMPIRE”

WHAT IT MEANS TO BRITONS ELECTORS’ NEW DUTY “Somehow or other,” said the Prime Minister (Right lion. AV. F. Massey) in speaking at the civic reception tendered to him yesterday, “an attempt has been made to prejudice the public against the use of the word ‘lmperia],’ the use of the word ‘Empire,’ and other such words. Ido not understand the reason for it. I think it was the Mayor or Councillor Norwood who stated that ‘Empire’ had not the same meaning from our point cf view as it had in the case of Germany, for instance, or I might go further and say in the case of those old empires that rose long I’go, and flourished and decaved. “The British Empire is out for the" peace of tho world. Britain —I predict this —will never bo found, attacking another country. Tho British Empire defends itself, and it is natural and right that it should keep in a position to defend its territory and its people, to defend its allies, and to defend the smaller nations if they require defence. That is the mission of tho Empire. It is the greatest factor lor peace in the world to-day. It would bo the worst thing that could happen for the world to-day if for any reason — through these conspiracies we hear of and know to exist —the Empire should be broken up. “There is no country more powerful or important that we are. The British Empire does not consist only of the United Kingdom and the Dominions and India. There is far more than that. I venture to say' that besides the population of tho countries I have mentioned there is a. huge population of British citizens spread over the different countries within the Empire, and it is our duty as an Empire to protect every one of them and, look after the welfare of every one of them. Supposing what I suggested did. happen—what would happen to the world if these 450 000,000 people were left without a ’governing centre to to look to for support and guidance? I am afraid to think what would happen However, there is the possibility, and it is our dutv and yo-ur duty to do everything possible keep (he Empire together and to strengthen it. (Applause.) "I am not going to talk party politics because I would not mix party politics with Empire matters I will just say this: a new duty has come to electors in every part of the Empire during the last few years When they go to tho polls to record their votes for a candidate—it does not matter who it is. or what party he belongs to—they must remember that indirectly the man elected (or the woman), the successful candidate, who may be Prime Minister some dav. will have a say not only in tho affairs of his own country, but. which is far more important m the affairs of the Empire. I hope they will remember that, and record their votes accordingly. I am, not speaking party, please understand.”