Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1801. BRITAIN'S STRENGTH.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 23 February 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1801. BRITAIN'S STRENGTH.

Britain's isolation and Britain's

triumphs are now being discussed by the European Press. Two years ago and there was scarce a power but was jibing England and prophesying her early decline if not immediate fall. To-day thero is not a Power in Europe, but what is seeking to gain the good wishes and support of Britain. Proud Allion always feared is now feared and respected. And the change has been wrought by her own right hand, by a practical illustration of her might when occasion required. The clerical organ of Vienna, the Vaterland, which cannot be regarded as a friendly exponent of public opinion, so far as England is concerned, and which warmly espoused the cause of the Boer in the war now proceeding, says that it is with deep mortification that President Kruger must contemplate in the quiet town of The Hague the melancholy turn which events have taken. There was a time when the Boers were privately encouraged to resist the demands of Great Britain, and when every satisfaction was felt at the difficulties encountered by proud Albion in those regions where she had reckoned upon a speedy victory. But British arms and British statecraft succeeded in promptly turning the tables, so that England now finds herself in a more powerful and brilliant position than ever, and is receiving the homage of the world, whereas Mr. Kruger in his sad fate meets with nothing but cool sympathy. The more idea that a word on behalf of the South African Republics might bo taken amiss by England frightens all of the Powers." Thou passing on to the pronounced championship of Portugal by England, the same journal says : " That it is perfectly clear what has brought those two countries together. Portugal has valuable possessions in Africa which she does not understand how to turn to account. Since tho French have held Madagascar it is of tho greatest conscquonce for England that Portuguese territory in South-East Africa should bo protected against a possiblo French attack. English statesmen know that some day or other a struggle between England and French for predominance in Africa will bo unavoidable, and they are taking their precautions for that eventuality by securing all points which may then bo of importance. Tho advantage derived by Portugal from her alliance with England is safety for her colonies in Africa and Asia." What a marvellous chaugo is here shown; indicatory of Britain's proven strength. Hor whelps have indeed gathered round the old Lion, and it is more owing to this cause than aught else that Europe again, as she has had ample cause in tne past, realises that Britaiu —a widely spread but united Empire-is still able to take care of herself, and hold her own against any probable combination that may be formed against her.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. Tin: Westport Chamber of Commerce is a real live concern. Members answer to the call, and keep their resolutions well before the public. At a meeting hold last night, the following resolution was carried :—" That the Chamber respectfully recommends to the Government for favorable consideration the advisability of offering to the Homo Government a suitable area of coal country, say, the country between tho sea and the hills from Sergeant's Hill northwards, for Admiralty purposes, the offer to be contingent on the country being systematically worked." The wisdom of the serpent and innocence of the dove is apparent in this resolution. With child-like prattle, Mr I lay field (the President) practically nays the locality is willing to make a present to the Admiralty of a coal mine if they will work it systematically. Of course, it. is a nice way of asking the frnpetial Government to come and open np another of the J'uller eoa! mine:;, the opening of which would he a grx&t benefit to Westport. We certainly admire the way in which the offer in made ; the hook is nicely halted, and we hope the Admiralty will be ;:afe!y landed.

Tiik Industrial conflict, in Europe will be one of the Great. Events of the! present century. The struggle will not he for territory, for kindly rights, nor because one in high authority has been insulted by another in an equally high position. The struggle will be in Labors cause-the equalising of wages in the Old World. In Belgium where wages ate low the struggle has already begun —begun as it did in Britain fifty years ago with strikes. The London Times of December 21st says : A serious conflict has arisen at Antwerp between the shipowners and dockers on the question of Sunday labor and night work in connection with the loading and discharging of vessels. The men claim double rates of pay on these occasions, but the shipowners, among them the North-' German Lloyd and Red Star Line, refuse to grant more than an extra 50 per cent. On Tuesday morning the dockers and their sympathisers formed a procession numbering about 13,000 persons and paraded the principal street of the city to the accompanimeut of bugle and drum. Already several leading firms have been compelled to send their goods to Rotterdam for shipment. A vessel belonging to the Red Star Line under engagement to leave on Tuesday was unable to proceed on her journey. These strikes sadly disarrange trade and cause much suffering, but in Belgium/where tho cause of labor is yet weak they are perhaps the only way as was once the case in England of drawing attention to the matter and forcing legislation thereon.

These strikesarethefirststepping stone in Labor's onward parth. In time, as in New Zealand, strikes will be unnecessary. But to attain this position the toilers of Europe have much yet to endure, much yet to accomplish.