Are We Growing Timid P

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 207, 5 September 1904, Page 4

Are We Growing Timid P

Somo striking points are made in a letter signed "It.K.V." which appeared in the Times upon what are asserted to bo changes of recent growth in nat onal characteristics. The requirements of a nation that Is to win a war are, it is stated, three in number—money, brains, and bravery. It has been the custom to assume that what Englishmen lacked in the second 'qualification they made up by possession of the last t 0 an unusual degree. The writer believes this is a mistake that may some day lead to disaster.

"The fact really Is that wo have lost, as a nation, that absolute fearlessness that wo onco possessed." THere is a "rot" in the national spirit, a lack of self-sacrificing patriotism.

"What would be thought," It is asked, "if ono worn to meet tbe father of a young roan just killed in action, and woro to congratulate him <,n his son's death for his country, as they do in Japan, and have, no doubt, dono in England ? I afraid it would not toe prudent. The spirit Is not there, and until we go through the firo and learn to give death its proper value we shall remain so clogiged with prudence as to bo apparently afraid. "It is not too late to stop the 'rot,' but as every step backward must bo paid for, BO must this, arid pakl for with some sacrifice. "Let us teach our children, 'n school and out, that it is a glorious thing to die for England, and perhaps im time wo may return to our old ideas and the temperament of the Japanese in this war."-