THE WAR AND THE COLONIES.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 864, 12 November 1870, Page 3

THE WAR AND THE COLONIES.

A London correspondent writes to the Melbourne Telegraph: —There are no misgivings here of Colonial loyalty. It seems to be taken for granted that Australia will under any circumstances, remain faithful to the mother, country. Of ■course, there are some exceptions to the rule— who insist that, as we were «ager to cast off the Colonies in times of peace, it is not for us to demand their allegiance in times of war. The colonists are the best, judges of this. But of one shing we feel certain, whether indepen* dent or not, they will never forget they are the offspring of Britain. We doubt not their loyalty; our fear is that, should we become involved in war, we may be powerless to protect them. In the einergency which has arisen, the colonists will Jiave to rely, to a considerable extent, on themselves for protection. There exists here a strong impression that, should Australia be attacked in any way by the ship of a hostile power, the United States would speedily come to the rescue. This or may not, be a probability, but it shows what is thought by si me people here. Fenianism is, 'however, danger to be apprehended, not that its followers are numerous enough to inflict real harm, but that they are able to create alarm and confusion. Should JFenianism rear its |head here, short work will be made of it. The English are in no mood for child's play. Perhaps it is this that has rendered the organization so quiet of late. How far will the possible interference of England in European affairs tend to affect the supply of gold from Australia ? In the event of England declaring war against any Power, the Australian gold ships would form a .tempting prize to the enemy. Some of the continental newspapers have been discussing these matters, and inferring therefrem that England will be compelled to stand alo ;f from Belgium in the hour of need. The prevalence of this idea of England's supposed unwillingness or inability to interpose by force of arms on behalf of Belgium constitutes our greatest danger; for it may lead to the spirit of provocation being pushed too far for the English to bear with patience —and when this is the case the results may easily be imagined.