The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. "WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1908. BLOOD IS THICKER THAN "WATER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2267, 12 August 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. "WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1908. BLOOD IS THICKER THAN "WATER.

It is evident from tho reports of tho official ceremonies in Auckland that tho speeches delivered there have reached a very high standard, being keyed to a. note entirely in keeping with an epoch-making occasion, for it is undoubtedly a great occasion, not only for .Aucklanders, or even for the many thousands of visitors who are holding high carnival in the northern city, but indeed for tho whole of the Dominion. For the first time in its history the people of New Zealand have been 'brought faco to face with a really great- naval demonstration. Those who have been fortunate enough to witness it will return to their homes with entirely new' views on the question of naval and military expenditure, and their opinions will in all probability be decided enough to move public feeling in every district of both islands. The main theme running through' all tho speeches appears to have been the time-honored axiom that “blood is thicker than water.” One of the most striking announcements on tho wharf was a huge device hearing tho well-known words, and tho ‘Mayor of Auckland prefaced his remarks at the civic reception by the statement that “wo naturally reserved our warmest welcome for those who came of our own raco and 6polce our own tongue,” and in one form or another tho ties of blood and kinship wore made paramount in all the great nations. This is as it should be, and tho unanimity with which tho implied conclusions were accepted, nob only by New Zealand’s own representatives, but also by those of the British and American navies, makes tho gathering one of immense significance. As wc pointed out when discussing the question of American friendship recently, the nverago citizen of the United States is distinctly hostile to the British, and by no means shares the amicable feelings which are given expression to in all sincerity by tho heads of tlio great Republic. This unfriendliness is also exhibited, though to a lesser, degree, towards New Zealanders and Australians. In our case the attitude is chiefly duo to- ignorance and prejudice against all tilings (British, and it is in this connection that the fleet’s visit will have its chief value. Now Zealand lias always entertained a distinctly friendly feeling towards her kinsmen in tho United States, and the present occasion will make the fact known in an umistakeablo manner. Rear-Admiral Sperry is evidently a keen observer, and while accepting the hospitality of the Government officials as a welcome courtesy, was chiefly impressed by tho sending of 'Welcome banners from every town of importance in the Dominion. Those emblems, though simple enough in their way, were rightly accepted by our distinguished visitors as proof of the unanimous and spontaneous nature of the welcome with which the people of the Dominion greeted the navy 0 f the United Slates. The Americans are thorough patriots and are very proud of their fleet. Tho hospitality accorded our present visitors will create a profound impression throughout the United States, and when the thousands of naval officers and men return once more to their own country and tell their fellow countrymen ot their treatment in New Zealand the result, we have littlo doubt, will be to remove a great deal of the popular prejudice that exists towards subjects of King Edvard. Another strong point which was brought out so prominently that it must reserve special attention is tho emphatic declaration of RearAdmiral Sperry that tho navy stood

for peace and justice. The fact is ) ono that should bo thoroughly under- | stood by all, and it is undeniable that a dolinito alliance between tho United (States and Britain would make for tho poaco of the world far more than could any other international agreement. Ono has only to iiniigiiio Britain devoting its nttontiou to tho Atlantic side and the United States guarding the Pacific to realise how practical such an alliance might possibly prove in tho maintenance of a world-wide ponce. With the United States sponding £40,000,000 per annum on naval construction and Britain a larger amount, ono might reasonably aticipate that tho other nations of tho world, realising tho futility of opposing such gigantic forces, would refrain from tho present craze of increasing to an unlimited extent tlio expenditure in warlike preparations.