The Commonwealth.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 315, 16 January 1902, Page 3

The Commonwealth.

By Telegraph—Press, Association—Copyrigh} Melbourne, Jan. 15. Mr Barton said that, despite recent utterances, on the whole, the attitude of tho Gorman Empire as a Power had been correct on principles of neutrality to the Empire. When Australia thought a spontaneous effort to send troops necessary, he was prepared to act. It was the intention of the Government to accede to any request for troops made within our capacity, and they would meet all charges, if necessary. Mr G. tl. Iteid, in tho course of his speech, said Great Britatn was fighting at I one time with one hand against tho Boers and tho other against tho malicious, hypocritical campaign of lies on tho Continent, partly tho result of a wholesale, unscrupulous system of bribery. It was high time we made clear to thoso peoplo and tho wholo world our position and attitude. Nover in tho history of the world had a libel boon carried to such a sinister extent. The prestige of the Empire must be supported. What it was that enabled us to stand so heartily by the old flag was because conspicuous amongst the national emblems of tho earth that flag had more often been found sheltering justice and affording protection to human liberty than any other flog. Mr Watson considered there was no necessity for tho resolutions. No war in the history of nations had been con- < ducted with greater humanity. The re- 4 mark'applied to both sides. There wa3 ( no neejj to depart from Great Britain’s 1 traditional policy of disregarding pinpricks. Mr McDonald, of Queensland, objected e to sending a contingent. The Govern- I! ment had acted outside tho Constitution. *' Tho war itself was unjust. He opposed £ Australia sending a single soldier. A majority of membors warmly sup- 11 ported Mr Barton’s resolution, which was J carried by 45 votes to 5. '' Mr Barton called for cheers for tho King and Empire, which woro heartily given, and the House adjourned.