MR LLOYD GEORGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1923, Page 3

MR LLOYD GEORGE.

MOVEMENTS IN' EE ROPE. BOLSHEVISM, EASCISM ANI) MILITARISM. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. Tlio following ami all of Mr Lloyd George's articles, are copyright by United Press in America and all conntries, copyright in Australasia by the Australian Press, Copyright, in Britain by the Daily Chronicle. (Reproduction in full or part prohibited). LONDON, Sept. 20. Mr Lloyd (icorge writes: “The Spanish coup d’etat is part of the geenral reaction against Democracy which has arisen since the war. It started with the Bolshevik revolution, swept over Italy and captured Bulgaria. The latest phase is i( military insurrection in Spain. “In essence, Bolshevism and Fascism arc a revolt against parliamentary methods of government. In some quarters there is growing discontent with parliamentarism, because ol its dilatoriness, confusion of aims, pettiness, costly inefficiencies, and constant failure to attain its ideals. Ardent reformers arc always, in the end, disappointed with the system yields to the tonnage of oratory. Most reformers get discouraged, but, now and again, a man arises who gets angry, rudely brushes aside the people’s representatives, and resorts to direct action. Hint accounts for Russia.

“In other quarters there is a deepening distrust of Democracy because it is a menace to existing interests and comforts; because ol it ssupposed readiness to make unwise concessions to popular clamour; because, in fact, it is too anxious to please. I hat was the complaint of Signor Mussolini. He would probably claim Caesar as his prototype, hut Cromwell was the first modern Fascist.” Mr Lloyd (leorge quotes Carlyles description of “Bride’s purge” as giving the whole substance of Fascism. THE FIRST FASCIST.

“In this historic deed the whole attitude of Fascism is described sympathetically by Carlyle, the greatest exponent and advocate of the doctrine. The first great modern Fascist was Lenin, who substituted force lor popular election in a democratic state. The Russian revolution had already overthrown an ancient regime led by Kcionsky. The Socialist, l.enin. was contemptuous of the \ olgas ol rhetoric, i.l' endless talk, which never froze, which could not fight, and could not make peace. Vet the regime had behind it the overwhelming majority of the chosen representatives ol the Russian people. Bolshevism is more than a gigantic plundering of the propel tied classes. It teaches the proletariat to sacrifice life, comfort, and liberty gt the behest of the Soviet leaders. It is tin* spirit which animates Fascism m Italy, and, while it continues, Bolshevism will rule in Russia a'ncl Fascism govern in Italy. Signor Mussolini does not deny that, although the objects of Bolshevism and Fascism are different, in their methods they l.pve much m common. “If the old established p-oh-tieal machines were too skilfully handled in Italy to enable Fascism to secure a. majority in Parliament., so much the worse for the Parliament,’ said Mussolini, and so IOO.ODD Fascists marched on SPAIN FOLLOWS EX AMI LE. Mr Llovd (leorge continuedl do not deny the people spid Mussed,n, was their “Jus Murmurandi" but tins must, not he exaggerated. This is a rea , Cromwellian attitude. Spain now follows the example of Russia, Italv and Bulgaria. There was a liberal Oomuincut -in power, which. .HU ged by all constitutional use, enjoyed the <ou ideoee of Parliament., hut it did not eujov the confidence of all classes in the country. W'liat Tarty Oovcrnmeut does, and the Opposition was poue fullv entrenched in the army c om,mind. In Spain, the army has successfully arrogated to itself the functions of tne pnrlinmentary majority. W >"t " l! ' ,c the next country to go? Ihcao coup-, so far, have been successful. In Gt many, the enemies of democracy »«<• no the watch, perhaps on the pounce. This spreading of reaction against d--mocracy needs careful watch:mg. DIRECT ACTION. A few years ago British I ipdt Unions temporarily captivated by the idea called it direct action, meremen g the number of conservatives looking towards unconstitutional methods f - "S 'pgainst Changes which denc*rncv mnv soon demand. I n r- . lesson cf* the war is that democracy .- stitutions hear a pro’onge n.it &&&&#&- } (ratal " itl. Ui. 'l™ rf try- Z> 3 nvc r Disraeli’s Franchise Alt. st holds good :— “Let us educate «... masters."