The Evening Star THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1871.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2473, 19 January 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1871.

We aro glad to find from the fuller repoft received via California of the correspondence between the Russian and English Governments that its tone is not so warlike as the telegraphic callings led ns to believe. We were in some measure prepared to expect this through the very slight effect^ the misunderstanding had upon the English money market. But while the two Courts profess every desire to avoid war, we must not forget that this is always the case in national quarrels, and that in the most amicable spirit each antagonist is prepared to cut the other’s throat upon a mere point of etiquette. It is evident that the old Tory notion of England’s supreme influence in European affairs has not been expelled from the Cabinet. Eail Granville is for taking a firm stand, as he chooses to term it j and although, as we last month pointed out as piobable, what Russia asks might be safely enough granted, he would make no concession. • It is quite refreshing to find that some of the leading statesmen in England are opposed to this unreasonable dogmatism, and that they point out that the complaint of Russia ought to be considered. However, there is sufficient of uncertainty in all European national doings to lead us in these Colonies to see the necessity for looking about us ; and if we are aroused by an alarm, false or well-timed, to put ourselves in an efficient posture of defence, good will be effected. For the first time, so far as we are aware during the present election, the question was brought under the notice of Mr Reynolds by one of the electors. His answer shewed that, although he admitted the necessity for defensive measures, he was not in a position to state what had been done, and, beyond an individual opinion, what ought to be done. Mr Bathgate, too, spoke of the necessity for preparation. We have twice this week urged upon the Mayor to do his duty in the matter, but we see no sign of Jiis moving. It is possible, through the novelty of the situation, it may be somewhat perplexing what to do first. We will therefore try to mark out a course. The Mayors at Home, in cases of emergency like the present, put themselves at once in immediate communication with the Government and with the military authorities. The object of communicating with the General Government is to know ;

Ist. What steps they have taken, so that there might he no clashing of arrangements, ffiul. 'What aid they can give, and the nature of it—whether money or means, or both, 3rd, What advice they are prepared to offer as to the preparations to be made. The military authorities are consulted in order that they may suggest the necessary steps to be taken, and that a foundation may be laid for cordial understanding and co-operation with them. Having thus, after due consideration with the Council in Committee, resolved what to do, the matured plans are laid before the inhabitants in public meeting, and such measures resolved upon as the nature of the emergency requires. This seems to us a very easy and proper course, and it is one that would display neither fear nor undue alarm. And we think it the more necessary, for it was broadly stated last night, apparently by one who knew, that at this present moment the Volunteer Forces of Otago and Southland are under the command of an amateur officer, who cannot even handle them properly on parade, and that he is dependent upon Major Atkinson or his assistant to carry him through his fair weather duties. For our own parts, avc express no opinion on that point; but if it be true, the most judicious plans might be defeated, and our Volunteers murdered because of the incompetence of their leader. To this we will not be a party. It may be of no moment when all is plain sailing; but when there is even the slightest indication of a storm, public safety requires that we shall be put iu proper trim to meet it. If proper measures are taken, every inhabitant oi Dunedin will feel better satisfied, because more secure and selt-rcliant. It is idle to say it is the duty of the General Government to take steps, and not ourselves. WJiat is a Municipal Government for, but to see that proper measures are taken for the protection of persons and property ? If the General or Provincial Government does not move, the Municipal Government must move them ; and if, neglecting to do so, damage befals the City, the Mayor cannot be absolved from the charge of having neglected one of his chief functions.