The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1914. THE EMPIRE AT WAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 90, 6 August 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1914. THE EMPIRE AT WAR.

! With almost feelings of relief the confirmation of the news that Engj hinfi had declared war against Geri ina,l y was received last evening, for . there have been days of severest ton--11 sion and anxiety in which all have • | shared. Britain, strong in battle, , yet ever anxious for honorable peace, j could not cast aside her obligatioins | and stand discredited for ever. The j British Government has unflinchingj ly made plain that it is able to face its duty, and the Nation stands solidly behind the Ministry. Peace-at-any-price members of Cabinet, have wisely resigned: the Opposition and Irish Nationalists have offered loyal service and all fractious Party feeling lias been sunk in the interest of the great Empire. “We are Britons,” is the response from all in the hour of need. From every one of her Dominions and dependencies loyal approval of the Imperial action, and warmest offer of practical support is freely forthcoming. The Motherland has many children who have not forgotten her. With fullest sense of the great and awful responsibilities of entering upon such a war, and without arrogance or boasting, the Empire will do its duty, and all minor differences will be lost sight of while Britons stand together in defence of their freedom and integrity against a foreign foe. For over twenty years Germany has been the military menace of the world. Those at the head of her affairs, despite protestations of friendship towards England, have always jealously regarded Britain, and have long desired to deal her a crippling Mow. e do not lor one moment suppose that , such feeling extends to (he people oj Germany as a whole; farmers, merchants, and traders who have come, more or less, closely into contact with the people of Britain cannot look upon them with war hatred but under the misguided direction of i madly militant ruling class, for more

than quarter of a century Germany lias ground tin l face of her people, iml lias compelled other nations to ceep pace with her in the- wastefnlly wtravagant expenditure on military Did naval armament. What this 'earful st niggle 'now noon ns n il! cost he world in human life and treasure

is almost beyond conception. How long the clash of arms will affrigjht the world before peace is restored to Europe it is impossible to say. j Hut it is with fullest confidence that tbo Britons of to-day are as well able to bear the brunt of battle as were their fathers of old that we look forward to the struggle. With full assurance that the cause which has led England 'reluctantly—-but with■out fear or tremor—to take her stand in the forefront of the fighting is a righteous one, every true son and daughter of the Empire will act with fortitude and courage. Sacrifice there must be, but it will be bravely made.