Bravo, Fisher?

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 22, 4 August 1911, Page 10

Bravo, Fisher?

Provided they prove to be true, Andrew Fisher's words' in the "Review of Reviews" are the greatest words he has uttered since he left Australia. In that now' notorious interview with Mr. Stead, Mr. Fisher is said to have said that no end of mischief has arisen from the use of the Avord Empire, and that Australia might under certain eventualities haul down the Union Jack and start on its oAvn. It is difficult to understand why people should get mad, because of Mr. Fisher's reasonable enough remarks. But,, say something your Jingo doesn't endorse to the fullest, and no rage so savage as his, no intolerance so intolerant, "no heresy-hunt so malicious. Your Jingo will have abject submissive service or none. You must be frenzied fanatic of Hempiah or are "little Englander," outcast, traitor. And that's why Mr. Fisher's utterances have had never a chance. From the outset they Avere hoAvled down. The very first cable gave the cue to the world's capitalistic Press of the line to be followed. - And so a terrific deal more than Mr. Fisher said gets read into Avhat he said (if he said it), and even the dailies of Maoriland are sweeping ' and awhining over the Australian Prime Minister's horrible treason and his wretched fall! Debacle breathless! NoaaV if Mr. Fisher didn't say what Mr. Stead says he did say he Avould be hopelessly lost to Australianism and Laborism alike. Everybody knoAvs that "an Australian sentiment" ends in Republicanism or is a holloAv mockery and sham. It is interesting to recall that an Australian sentiment Avas started on its march by Australian Republicans, and Avas later captured by the Protectionists and lastly by tho Imperialists,, these latter turning and twisting the great idea and ideal until— presto ! —it was merely Imperialism under.; another name. When the "Evening Post" (Wellington), for instance, talks of; an Australasian sentiment it doesn't mean the sentiment which Avants Australia to folloAV in America's footsteps and become a nation; no, it means a sentiment Avhich wants Australia to be forever, tied to its mother's apron-strings and the sneer of the globe. So it cries over Mr. Fisher's remarks, and labels them "Not Australian Sentiment." Nevertheless, Australia must some day.be a nation or never realise a national sentiment. And the same with Noav Zealand. The destiny of both ConimonAvealth and Dominion is Republicanism. Furthermore, no Labour movement, no democracy, can finish logically any-' Avhere else than in Republicanism. ; A Avorkiiifrclass representatiA-e is not for Republicanism is either fool or knaA*e. A national sentiment, yes ; but by all the Gods above us an honest one—-or we are undone as a people, and- shall never be nation. (Since the foregoing Avas Avritten it is cabled that Mr. Fisher, has.repudiated ■the sentiments of the alleged interview with Mr. .Stead. We had hoped for their endorsement. Nevertheless, our opinions as aboA'e remain our opinions. —Ed.) .