Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 10, 12 May 1915, Page 5

Great Britain

THE EMPIRE’S WAR.

AN AUSTRALIAN HONORED. MR WATSON SPEAKS FOR AUSTRALIA. (Received 11.15 a.m.E, London, May 11. At the Empire Parliamentary Association’s luncheon to Mr J. C. Watson at the House of Commons amongst those present were Sir George Reid, the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, Lord Sydenham, Lord Islington, Lord Em- ■ mott. Sir Gilbert Parker, and many members of the Commons. Sir W. Harcourt, who presided, said: ‘‘Air j Watson must be proud to be here and | to learn of the prowess of the Australians and Xew Zealanders in the Dardanelles,though unhappily the loss was concurrent with their great achievement. I can assure Australia that we shall not forget.” j Mr Watson, in reply, said the Australians were pre-eminently a peaceful ! people ,concerned in the development of an immense territory. The present I war was not the Mother Country’s war, but it was “our” war. From that point of view Australia approached it. He was gratified that our troops had upheld the glory and tradition of the flag. He quoted the Hon. Mr Fisher’s words that the “last man and last shilling” was at the Empire’s call. Australians regretted the necessity for prosecuting the war, but knew it must be prosecuted to the last degree. A suggestion had been made that we should appeal to the better nature of Germany to bring the war to a conclusion, but the sinking of the Lusitania was the best answer to such suggestion. It was impossible to bring things home to a nation cradled in militarism .without breaking the back of the military power. Any peace without this 'would be a'most suicidal policy on the part of the Allies. Fie urged Sir W. Harcourt to expedite an informal gathering of overseas representatives, before the conclusion of the war. There could he no possible harm and a great deal of good might be accomplished bygetting the mind of the men from overseas in respect to war problems which had almost arisen now. Statesmen of the Empire were not likely to subject the Imperial Government to any embarrassment. Mr Watson sails for America tomorrow. NO GERMANS NEED ATTEND. b. (Received 9 a.m.) London, May IE The Metal Exchange Committee urged Germans to remain away during the war. JAPANESE INTEREST IN CHINA. (Received 5.55 a.m.) London, May 11. Sir Edward Grey, in reply to a question, said there was no understanding between Britain and Japan regarding their spheres of influence in minerals and railways in China. MISCELLANEOUS. United Pbebn Association. L udon, May 10. Mr Lloyd George explained the Bill dealing with the drink question. The Government proposed the Bill should he administered by a central hoard, which would advise the Government on the question of areas. In the latter, efficient local committees of employers and workmen already existed. The supply of liquor would he in the hands of the Government and could only he obtained through the local committees. The Government was prepared to appoint a committee to inquire into the White Paper’s statements relative to the drinking habits of the working classes. Mr Henderson said the Labor Party would do everything to make the Act effective. There is a growing agitation for the internment of alien enemies, whether I nationalised or not. The police are j interning all Germans at Liverpool, land have warned all nationalised Gormans to leave the district. The committee of the London Stock Exchange on Saturday advised Gormans not to attend. Owing to anti-German riots at Liver- ' pool the public-houses have been or--1 | dered to close at G p.m. I In response to the North-East Coast Armaments Committee’s appeal the I Jockey Club abandoned its fixtures m that area. i A White Paper published contains ; I reports of the United States officials | who visited the camps of British prisoners interned as civilians in Ger- ' many. The reports indicate an improvement in treatment. Pn-.oners made many copmalints of the quality of the food, accommodation, and sanitary arrangements. A memorial service to the Canadians was held in St. Paul’s Cathedral, i j which was crow ded. Among those pro(sent were Mr Kipling, Mr Bonar Law, ■ Mr Harcourt, Lord Lansdowin, and I many soldiers in khaki, a considerable proportion of whom are wounded. The Dead March in Saul was played, and tho bu gles sounded the Last Post'-and the Canadian National Anthem. There were some thrilling episodes. The Bishop of London quoted passages of a record officer’s account of the battle of Ypres. I The raid at Southend has stimulated recruiting in London. There has been a brisk response to the naw poster: “William tho murderer; lend a hand to bring him to justice.” -