DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 95, 26 August 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

THE COLONIAL ATTITUDE. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyriuht] J United Press Association.] London, August 25. I The Morning Post complains of tho chaotic condition of the sea defences and points out that Australia alone is carrying out her part of the scheme whereby Australia, New Zealand and Canada were to co-operate with England in the Empire's defence in tho Pacific. England has not fulfilled ...her,

promise regarding the China station. She had retained the battleship New Zealand for the defence of the North Sea, New .. .Zealand , ,alqne„, .enters, heartily into the policy of a central navy. Even she would prefer her ship in her own neighborhood. We were faced hard and fast with the fact that Australia is a Dominion having l the most to show for its naval policy. Possibly the local naval idea is unsound from a strategic standpoint, but Australia is doing what she proposed with thoroughness, proving that a local navy is the idea which gets things done. The pride of possession of a navy is an incentive which a

contribution to the central funo. will not supply. Perhaps it is well to reconcile ourselves to the idea that the Empire is based, not on centralisation, but on an alliance for defence. The only feasible policy is co-operation in shaping a policy in the interests of all the Empire's partners. The plai, of 1909 is worthy of re-consideration land re-adoption.

SPEECH ON IMPERIALISM. (Received 9 a.m.) Capetown, August 25. Ex-Premier Schreiner, in a notable speech at a banquet, said he hoped the Imperial Council would become an established fact. The problems of the Empire could then be laid before a common council of the Motherland and the Dominions, who could get to know more of each others' needs and circumstances, which was essential

to the up-keep of the spirits of Empire. South Africa was true to an ideal Empire, and, though possessing her own peculiar problems, recognised her responsibilities. In regard to the Navy, Mr Schreiner emphasised that the separate navies of Canada and Australia did not indicate a desire to divide in Imperial matters. THE AUSTRALIAN WARSHIPS. The warships are receiving crowds of sightseers, who were conveyed in special trains from far inland.