The Globe. SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1878.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1299, 18 May 1878, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1878.

At a meeting held at Launceston in support of the volunteer movement, Governor Weld delivered an address well worthy the attention of every colonist. He dwelt upon the relations between England and her colonies in reference to defence, and upon the position, interest, and duties of his hearers in that regard. He maintained that it was the duty of every loyal subject of the Queen to take his share by head, by arm, by purse, or in whatever way his abilities, his avocations, his bodily powers, and his circumstances may permit, in the defence of his country. “ It is all very well ” he said “ to talk of loyalty; lip loyalty is cheap;this is the test we want of loyalty, and by this tost, if 1 mistake not, wo are prepared to stand.” He pointed out what Switzerland had done to defend herself ; what even her little forest cantons had done in the cause of liberty. “It is the duty,” ho said, ‘‘ of the mighty empire to which we belong to uphold her position amongst ;he nations of the world, not frpm tile mere vanity of _ lust of glory or of empire, though pride in the glory of onr omutry is good as strengthening the State, bnt because when a great and powerful uution is m the full strength

and vigour of its energies, it cannot stand still; it must either advance or decay, and because this great empire, whoso off-shoots gird round the world, has a high destiny to which she mus bo faithful 01 fall like Carthago.” It was the duty of colonists, he maintained, to co-operate with the protection afforded them. Ho then proceeded to discuss the question—wo may bo drawn into war by our connection with the empire, what do wo gain in return ? His answer is that wo gain an elevation from being citizens of a powerful empire, “ rich in deeds of great price with a glorious past,” and he fondly hoped, “ a yet more glorious future.” But wo gained not only that elevation and tho breadth of view that it gave, but also the substantial, the very substantial, benefit of immunity trom “ insult, plunder, annexation, or the alternative of a military and naval expenditure disproportionod to the means of a young country.” Governor Weld ridiculed the idea that out weakness would be our strength, and that were wo separated from England wo would be in no danger from foreign states. “Is nature changed ?” he asks. “Has history no lesson ? * * Of tho numerous weak states that existed in Europe at the commencement of this century, how many remain as yet uuabsorbed in despotisms, or in systems nominally free, but which to them, and to ns if wo knew them, would seem intolerable * * We, situated as those colonies are, in a position whore naval preponderance is all powerful, certainly cannot estimate too highly the advantages of being protected by the mighty Queen of tho Seas. No power, however great, can with impunity insult tho meanest settlement or outrage the humblest British colony, without being liable to bo called to account by tho greatest naval power in tho world. No hostile armament could attempt to attack or occupy the most insignificant of our colonies, without the almost certain prospect of being anticipated by a more powerful British fleet, and tho yet more certain one of ultimate destruction. Can any man argue that this is no advantage for ibo colonies P” He next refoi’s to the political advantage of the connection, on which, however, wo need not dwell, for few will be inclined, we think, to take exception to his statement, that he never heard a colonist maintain that ho would prefer to live in a small republic and elect his own president for a term of years, to living under a representative of the Crown and a free constitution. Nor need we discuss the question in its Imperial aspect, although his remarks on this point are worthy of perusal. Wo now come to that part of the speech which deals with the practical question of defence of the colonies. It may reasonably be expected, he thinks, that in a war England would bo able to prevent any powerful expedition being directed against the colonies. The danger to be provided against is an attack by swift cruisers or privateers, of a class for which a national subscription is now being raised in Russia. Some of those vessels might succeed in eluding the British cruisers for a while, and attack and levy subsidies, or in default plunder Brbish settlements that are not ready to resist them. Mr Weld pointed out that Russia is quite well aware of the value of the plunder to be obtained in these colonies, and that a Russian newspaper has already noted as a rich prize, the bullion in the various colonial banks. In addition, he points out the destruction to shipping, stores, Ac., which Avould follow and also the collapse of public works and public credit. He, therefore, urges the necessity of paying a small insurance against such a danger in the shape of some expenditure on defence. Ho also raises the question of defensive federation. There are certain strategical positions in Australia, tho possession of which by an enemy would in tho very highest degree affect the interests of all Australia, This subject has been brought before the colonies at various times already, and although there is little prospect of united action being taken for sometime to come, it is well to have it discussed. An Australian naval force, armed and equipped at the expense of all the colonies, may some day make its appearance. At any rate, it is to bo hoped that tho delegates at the Australian Conference will act on Governor Weld’s suggestion and consider the question of defensive federation. In the meantime, of course, it is tho duty of each colony to take tho best means in her power to protect her ports against foreign invasion. Tho speech concludes with some excellent advice to volunteers. “ I doubt not men’s bravery,” ho said, “ but I would most strongly impress upon volunteers that though our race is a fighting race, it is one singularly impatient of control, and therefore Isay that obedience and strict discipline and respect to officers is the first and most essential requisite. You may shoot well, you may drfil well, you may march well, but unless you bring to your work strict discipline and unquestioning and implicit obedience, you are a powerful piece of machinery under no control, and consequently utterly useless.” After pointing out various ways in which volunteering may bo promoted he concludes, “ difficulties will ax-iso, this and that may at first go wrong, patience, forbearance, and public spirit must smooth down obstacles and pave the way to success, a success I earnestly hope solid and permanent, and destined to influence the future character and destiny of those who are to come after you in Tasmania, who 1 trust will grow up selfreliant and consequently self-respecting, and look upon their defensive organisation not as the outcome of any sudden panic, hut with a just pride, as the fulfilment of a duty co-relative with tho possession of political freedom.”