The Evening Star TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1870.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2294, 13 September 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1870.

On the receipt of the news of the rumor of war between France and Prussia last month, we pointed out the risk there is of being visited one day by a hostile cruiser, in the event of England being drawn into a war. We have no doubt those who read the warning acquiesced in the truth of what was stated, very quietly turned to something else, and forgot it. If they thought at all about it afterwards, they pronounced it something that only very remotely concerned them—an event that might never happen in their time, and therefore a matter that might bo left to the authorities, or to those that came after them, to provide against. It is perfectly true that it is a question for the authorities, Provincial and Colonial, to consider, and to consider carefully ; but it is one that they, like the people, do not trouble themselves about until it is forced upon their attention. It is no use now to urge what we have so frequently pointed out, that in time of peace Great Britain’s duty towards her Colonies was, by general convention of all countries, to exclude them from participation in European quarrels. The opportunity is past, and we have now to look to our own safety. We are under no serious alarm about the matter; and should feel none if

there were not such signs of imbecile helplessness in, the bewilderment that seems to be running through society, which is aided by our, called by courtesy, “ leading journal.” Let us then ask ourselves what risks there are, and how to meet them. It was the task of the writer of this article some years ago, as shorthand writer to the Government of Victoria, to record a mass of evidence that it was not thought prudent t® publish to the world, respecting the danger to be apprehended from hostile attack, and the means of prevention. The opinions of engineers and naval and military officers were taken, and without breach of the required secresy, we may state that they were unanimous in the belief that more was to be feared from the daring dash of some cruiser, such as the Alabama or Shenandoah, than from any expedition on a large scale sent expressly for the purpose of attacking the Colonies. They pointed out that such vessels could, without danger to themselves, rush into our undefended ports, and make sad havoc with our shipping, lay the cities under contribution, and get away again with the booty. The Victorian Government before that time had obtained the services of one sloop of war, and adopted other measures for defence which we have no doubt are still persevered in. But Melbourne is more difficult to defend than Port Chalmers ; and since that time science has pointed out means which, properly used, would be more effectual in such a harbor as ours than any they could make use of. We have no doubt that a very few resolute men with proper appliances, and full knowledge how to use them, would effectually prevent an enemy’s vessel ever returning if she once ventured inside the harbor; and as for boat attacks, they ought to encounter such opposition ns to render the risk too great. But these opinions may or may not be well founded. Even if tine, they are only so in case the proper preparation is made. At present, so far as we are aware, there is none. Port Chalmers with its .shipping is at the mercy of any insignificant cruiser that happens to escape the notice of the British fleet on the Ausi tralian station, and has the daring to make the attack. We do not suppose that defensive measures would be very expensive—that is, for war appliances —for unfortunately all munitions of , war are costly. Clearly they ought to be provided at the expense of the Colony; for although the Maoris are ' local enemies, an outsider is a Colonial one. But under any circumstances they ought to be provided and if the Government is sluggish, the people ; must be alert. It is strongly talked i about to call out the Militia, and to keep the Volunteers in readiness. No ■ doubt these measures are very necesi sary, but the men must be put in possession of the necessary material for fighting. We have neither earthworks nor forts: we have good positions for both. It is scarcely possible to imagine > a port more capable of being defended. We hope the necessity will never arise, but most assuredly attack will be invited if we do not rouse ourselves to preparation. The Grand Jury blamed the Government for inviting the late gold , robbery, through not providing a safe. The voice of society and the world will condemn them, if through unwise par- ■ simony and shortsightedness they allow the principal port in New to be laid disgracefully under contribution by one of the smallest vessels of an enemy's fleet, manned by a mere handful of men. Are they too chickenhearted to look distant danger in the ! face? If so, let them give place to better men.