The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1923. ASSETS OF EMPIRE.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 April 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1923. ASSETS OF EMPIRE.

Out of the hurly-burly of \fars the Empire has won two very pronounced assots. General Smuts in South Africa has delivered this week, a very - notable Imperial speech, and his remarks suggest how whole-heartedly he is attached to the Empire, and realises how much the great nation may achieve lor the world’s peace. In the same epochmarking speech he made reference to the Free State leader of Ireland, who also is attached to the Empire no less convincingly than General Smuts—and for the like reason—England has kept her pm'd. During the period of i-bq Orem AYVt; (iejp>t>l HnpE~ Vrra <4 tjWf

help to Britain. He was at Home, and played a very conspicuous part. He helped to solidify the Empire and apart from his own work, he strove to bring about the friendly alliance of Ireland with the Empire. Although he did not see his hopes realised while actively engaged in the task, yet in the fullness of time, the seed sown brought forth ripe fruit. In Mr Gossgrovo, Irels.m has a leader comparable with Messrs Griffith ami Collins in their loyalty to their plighted word. The Invaltv of Mr C ossgtove is founded on the realisation that- Britain Inis kept her part of the compact, and that is satisfaction enough for him to keep the harg .in on his part. To do so.' he and his lnval comrades have had to pass through the infilling lires of a great conflict in their own country. Perhaps ut this distance we can hut faintly realise "hat a trial it has been, but at last there are signs of the rebellion failing. The capture of some of the more desperate of the leaders promises to bring an end to the clever leadership which has kept Ireland in such a state of war as to have a draining oll'cet on its resources and prospects. The condition of affairs must have produced many dark and hopeless days during which the leaders of the newly recognised nation have had a most dillicult task set them. Tbit courage end confidence has been with them, anti supported by the knowledge that Ureal Britain was. keeping faith, they have carried Ireland through the great ordeal and now there is the opening of another and brighter day. Their example of loyalty should not ho lost upon the Empire, nor the reason for it. So. to.), with (Jeneral Smuts, he is tin ositstanding figure whose le.ent vigorous speech should not only ting round the Empire, hut he heard also in tne Courts of Europe where to-day so many strange events upsetting the world peace, are coining to pass. (Jeneral Smuts’ speech seems to he in parlietilir a warning to p rance that however great the justification for her present action in stalking tough shod over dormany, the end does not justify the means. Money is not everything if Europe’s fortunes are to l:e rebuilt. Tin so

broken fortunes can he restored best by good "ill and esteem. What can it pH .Jit T riiiii c to gain her linancial desires by the point of the bayonet, it behind t he: e is a trail of had blood and po.sitite hate. It can he hut the appearance of peace, ready to allatne ut the years to come, when the opportunities for vengeance again present t licin-vli i's. However much "e may

execrate Germany for her past misdeeds and for her terrible orgies in prance and Belgium, and wherever the lioche soldier took free license, the eonduet of the relentless enemy should not be imitated as faithfully as France seems determined to do so. (Jeneral Smuts is at the moment a messenger c.t Empire, who courageously voices the

sentiment', of the nation in regard to what is considered the lest course to achieve the peace of the world. He is undoubtedly a great asset whose worth and work must he most highly valmsl.