LLOYD GEORGE ON ARMAMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 225, 21 March 1912, Page 4

LLOYD GEORGE ON ARMAMENTS.

Lloyd George is not a favorite with the cable agencies. Consequently we did not get very much about his wonderful speech in answer to Mr. Bonar Law last month. Talking about armam'ertts' "the little champion" said: "If you really want to effect an economy you must arrest the growth of arma,ments. Last year our expenditure for the army and navy was' 72 millions—a gigantic sum, a hideous sum when you begin to reflect how much there has to be done to remove human misery. Are we at the end of it? There are men applying great brains, working assiduously to devise new machinery of slaughter .and, however these machines may differ, they have all one contfnpfi "characteristic—that the newest is the costliest. Until you remove national' envies and jealousies and fears and'suspioions you will never arrest, the growth of armaments. That is the first thing to do, and I believe that this is the most advantageous moment to consider it, in spite of a good many conditions which are adverse. I believe it' is'in. the interests of France, Germany, Russia and ourselves that there should be a better understanding between the nations. I believe that' with candor, frankness and boldness it' is obtainable. The world would be better and richer for it. Taxes might be reduced.- All.tho money that would be saved on armaments could be devoted to developing the resources of the country and improving the conditions of the people. Money spent upon education, upon housing, upon lifting the lot of the people is a better and' a more assured investment than' any which can be produced. The corner-stone of sound finance is. peace on . earth and goodwill amongst men.