"BACK THE OLD COUNTRY."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 109, 7 June 1909, Page 2

"BACK THE OLD COUNTRY."

Sit I'AIM.MJ: NO WEAKNESS. aik.ssa<;k jo the utLoxiEs. TIIK ]|KSI'|«.SIJJ||JTJKS OK EUPUiE. LOUD IIOSKJJKKVs STUWtJXG SPEECH. A IMUJ'E UATHEKXIIi. I'UKSS DELEGATES OK THJi EMPJItE J)AX(2L r En'ED. liocoived June T, 1.13 11.111. London, June (i. i'or enthusiasm, and fur a function of x reprvsentJtive cuararicr, Me banquet :o tliu liu|terial Press delegates, whicu look plate in the largest UaU in London, was one of the most remarkable gatherings over hold in the Empire's capital, mid memorable for an oration holding thu hearers spellbound and transmitting n most striking and moving message to every corner of the Empire. Lord Jiurnhaui presided. All the dek'B*iteu and every leading journalist in Hie country were present. The guests included Oenerul lun ilaiuilton, Lord Xorthcliire, Mr. .Max Pembertoii, Sir Douglas Straight, Mr. Oeorge Parkin, and Lord Eubcr. The decorations were symbolic of the Empire, and the musical programme comprised national songs of Greater Ilritain. King Edward sent a warm response tn tliv delegates' loyal telegram, hoping that the delegates would long bc N spared to the people and the Empire. Lord liosebery's speech was the speech of the evening. it is generally pronounced as nothing less than wonderful, being perhaps his most brilliant effort. In welcoming the delegates, Lordliosebeiy emphasised the enormous importance of the gathering. He referred to the forthcoming Imperial Conference, lull he would say that the present lm pcrial gathering was of more importance still. Ministries were transient, wailu the power of great newspapers in gaining and embodying opinion immeasurably exceeded a statesman's. The best and simplest words on the present occasion were the only two essential word* —perhaps the sweetest —mortal could hear:- " Welcome Home." (Prolonged cheers). "This," he said, "is the motto on this occasion, ° Weloonie to your home.'" (Keiiewed cheers.) He proceeded to view, with delicate pathos and Hashes of humor and satire, the picture , that delegates arrived to see of uritai i,

past and present, including the prodigious but always inuditjuiitL' armada protecting its shores. " All of these, gentlemen," lie exclaimed, " are yours an much a« ours." Then he united what had t'jey brought. Thi' best they could bring was the knowledge about "themselves, theit communities, their aspirations and policies. Latterly, according to the favorite practice of a retired politician, he dreamed dreams and pictured Parliament voting supplies for two years, packing itself up in obsolete warships, now so readily scrapped, mid going on a trip to discover something about the Empire, .Meanwhile the .Motherland was governed as much as now by the heads of permanent departments, who were of some use, perhaps, in causing greater cuntidence in its welfare under such well-ordered control. (Lanughter.) The peers would naturally pay their own expenses for the tour. 'The"House of Commons votes the taxes and the lords pay them,

lie next dwell on the surprises met with in countries' visited under an imaginary lou r of discovery. "In democratic Canada," he proceeded, "the Premier is holding his own against thv bullets of innumerable elections, and, also, the possession of wealth is not a crime there. Next lie saw New Zealand carrying out, in total absence of tradition or complexity, the policies we are endeavoring to construct here. Then there is the astonished virility of Australia in sustaining seven Legislatures." Referring to South Africa, lie said it nHorded the greatest modern success of empire-building. He would avoid Uganda lest he disturbed the privacy of the ex-President. Finally, after a tribute to Mr. Henniker Heaton's activity in. regard to ' cheap telegram* and postage, Lord Rosebery, altering his mood, described with extraordinary impicssivencxs the state of Kurope, with its calai surface but its overpowering preparation for war. He added that Dritniu was determined to spend, if need lie, the last shilling on Dreadnoughts, lie was not sure if even that was enough. Possibly their duty w»h to carry to the dominions a message that the same personal duty anil responsibility in regard to defence rest upon every citizen,

Iff omplnisiseil the deplorable condition of Europe rattling into barbarianism, "pressure," he added, "being put on tliis little England to defend itself, its liberties mid yours. Take this meisage also back:

"The Did Country is right at heart. There is' no failing or weakness in her. She rejoices oyer the renewing youth of her giant dominions beyond the seas. For her own salvation she must look to herself, and, that failing, she will look to you." THE DELEGATES' DOINGS. Received June 0, 4 p.m. London, June 5. The Commonwealth delegates to tbd Imperial Press Conference have nppohted Messrs. Thomas and Kirwan their chairman and secretary respectively. The South African and Canadian delegates intend to submit a scheme tor the creation of an Imperial News Agency, with a central olfiec in London. to distribute news throughout the Empire. Lively interest is manifested il the proposal. Harold Ucghie's stirring ode of welcome to the delegates tills a column of The Times. Owing to only three hours being allotted each day for business, and the overwhelming entertainments day and night, the conference resume* at the end of the month after the provincial tour.