Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 83, 6 August 1915, Page 5

Great Britain

BALFOUR'S FJNE SPIRIT. THE ENEMY'S MISCALCULATIONS United Press Association London, August •">. , The Earl of Crewe presided .it a great gathering at the Opera House, Kingsway. The Primate, many peer-) and members of the House of Commons, diplomatists, and Hon. Tbos. Mackenzie were present. Mr Balfour said the resolve of the nation to pursue this great controversy to an end was stronger than ever, and our confidence in the ultimate issue was even surer than in the e.irli-'i days. Despite all their painstaking

' ability, there was no miscalculation the enemy had not made, except regarding the value of ammunition and great guns. Therein the Germans | were more right than their opponents. ' but their calculation of the forces who would oppose them was wrong. Everything was based on the first knock -one blow, which they had prepared for relatively unequipped and unprepared , enemies. The Germans were completely wrong in believing that the elan of the French soldiery had been dimmed by the memory of the 1870 defeats. The enemy which had miscalculated for 1 a year may miscalculate until the end ' of the war. There was no spectacle more moving to generous spectators than that presented by the contest between men and munitions now going ' on in the east of Europe. Was eve'' • greater heroism shown, or a Power's resistance more splendidly exhibited J We can look forward with supreme confidence to the time when the artificial mechanical inequalities between Russia and Austro-Germany will be swept away, and the moment of final triumph readied. "Regarding Britain's part," said Mi Balfour, "I look back to the few hours before the declaration of war, v. hen it hung in the balance whether Britain should join those by whom she was bound, not in treaty, but in friendship. Tn supporting in the Commons the rights of humanity, the world watched with doubt and fear, but a right decision was made. You will search the records of history in vain to find a more critical decision. Regarding the future of humanity, 1 believe that the decision of the British Government saved civilisation. Without the British Navy 1 do not believe the struggle would have been possible for our Allies. Britain never professed to have a great standing army, but the Allies gladly accepted the help of 160,000 men. Yet the casualties to our gallant men are already thrice the original force. What had been done was only part of what we are going to do. We have not yet shot our bolt, or put forth our. lull strength. We, who. from , time immemorial have been the champions of .freedom, knew we had engaged ourselves to a sacred cause." Mr Balfour moved a resolution that the people of London record their inflexible determination to continue the struggle to a victorious end. Sir H. Borden, in seconding, said the Empire was better worth dying for now than it was a year ago. The Karl of Crewe applauded and detailed the services of the Canadians in Elanders and the Australians and New Zealandersat the Dardanelles. THE DOMINIONS' PART. London, August 5. Mr Bonar Law, addressing a great meeting at Folkestone, said: "My hope and prayer is that the result of the war Avill make it impossible for one man, or a group of men, to ever again plunge the world into war." After a glowing tribute to the Australians and New Zealariders, he said that when the time came for peace negotiations, he believed that,as a result of,the war, the time would come —and come soon—when the whole of the self-governing oniinioris. in proportion to their population and resources, would take a part in the duties and honor of governing the British Empire. Mr Bonar Law added that it was unfair to suggest that Britain is only playing at war. If ho could only state the number of men now in traininig the figure would delight Britain's friends and surprise her enemies. I SIR GEORGE REID'S WISH. I (Received 9.0 a.m.) ' London, August .">. ' Sir George Reicl expresses the earn- < est desire that the question of his < official position should not be associated in any way with party politics. NEW ZEALAND WOUNDED. (Received 9.5 a.m.) London, August o. \ The Hon. Thomas Mackenzie visited I the St. Thomas' hospital, where there ' are thirteen Xew Zealand wounded. \ With one exception, all are progress- , ing. • \ - i THE SUPPLY OF SANDBAGS. (Received 9.0 a.m.) Calcutta, August •">. .Mr Clark, member for Commerce on j the Viceroy's Council, discussed with leading jute merchants the supply of sandbags. It is believed that the , Allies' wants will be met without special Government measures, or without affecting the outside interests dependent on the jute trade. \

MR LLOYD GEORGE.

AN ADDRESS TO WELSHMEN. "OUR DUTY IS CLEAR." United Peess Association. (Received 12..")■"> p.m.) London, August 5. Mr Lloyd George addressed ten thousand Welshmen at the liangor Fisteddfodd. He said there was no anxiety as to the ultimate issue of the terrible conflict. We view the dark clouds rolling up in the east with anxiety, not with dread. He could see a ray of hope <>n the horizon. namely, the regeneration of the great Russian people. Our enemies could ■not understand what they wore doing in the Fast. Their mighty cannoning and hammering was shattering the liars lettering the soul of Russia. Austria and Prussia, were doing to-day for Russia what their ancestors did for France. They we're hammering a sword that will destroy tlieni. Our duty was clear. The weight of the world was on Britain's shoulders. II overweighted, we sink out of sight. and freedom goes.