THE CURSE OF POLITICS.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 February 1918, Page 4

THE CURSE OF POLITICS.

In the great, clash that is imminent Switzerland is fearful of German intentions. The blood of this little land has been 'sucked by Germany right throughout the war, and how, the Swiss have utmost cause to believe that Hindenburg will not hesitate tfi invade their country to attack the French right flank; that there will be no more respect for the treaty made between tho two nations in 1815 than there was for that with Belgium; that it will be the next scrap of paper. Switzerland is alive with German agents, who are trying to engineer a

revolution. Is not the whole world reticulated with German underground avenues of corruption? The 8010 trial gives further indications of the ramifications of the German sewage system, even high places in France are affected -with its contaminating and corrupting influences. On the eve almost of the battle that is to decide the future of the world, this German influence is becoming rampant in Britain. Just as we in these far off dominions are assured that the last polish has been put on Allied readiness and efficiency, an attempt is being made to induce members of military command in the field to resign, and an effort is being made to oust the Government and so render Britain's plans chaotic. That arch-fool Repington has discovered another mare's , nest, a way he has when ' most important issues are in train and at stake. The London Times shunted him, but he found a resting place with the Chronicle, a pro-German journalistic rendevous, to where he should have been relegated three years ago. It appears that a great effort is being made to hamper both the British Government and the Military Command in the coming struggle, but we have at least | one most satisfying piece of evidence, it is that Britain is taking no chances with Germany's campaigns of corruption, either at home or at the front. I The 8010 trial has thrown much light j on the German spying and agency system, and Mr. Lloyd George tactfully tells us that France has entrusted the defence of Paris and all chief ports to the British soldiers and sailors. The most Vital parts of France arc now being guarded by our men, and all the while the Chronicle and Repington are proclaiming that the political atmo- ! sphere is agitated bv rumours of military resignations and with a ministeral crisis. While the arm of the Allied force is half lifted for the final, the decisive stroke, the most auspicious act of war the world has ever known, or ever may know, what can this sudden outbreak of pacifists and pro-Germans mean? It means that the continuity of the British Empire depends upon a thorough cleansing •of its augean stables from that mass of corrupting influences that would act as Russians have acted, and sell to the highest bidder. The Empire's governing system places men in high authority who are as dangerous to the Empire by their spinelessncss, as the openly avowed enemy is, if not more so, and it is- the linking together •of . such miserable factions in politics that constitute the Empire's greatest danger. Like the sale of Russia to Germany, it has come too late, at least, let us hope