GERMAN WARSHIPS IN NORTH SEA

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 86, 7 September 1914, Page 5

GERMAN WARSHIPS IN NORTH SEA

British Cruiser Sunk

Paris is Comparatively Neglected

Germans Move to South and East

Russian Successes

Heavy Fighting rear Antwerp

Belgians Flood the Country

Terrible Slaughter in Austria

STATESMEN'S SPEECHES IN BRITAIN,

GREAT GUILDHALL MEETING. GERMANY ALONE RESPONSIBLE FOR WAR. TRIBUTES TO OVERSEA DOMINIONS. A FIGHT FOR NATIONAL EXISTENCE.

By Cable.— Press Association.—Copyright.—Received Gth, 5.5 p.m. ~ . Loudon, September 5 (morning). Mr Asquilh, addressing a huge crowd at the Guildhall, and turning to the situation in Europe, -aid that the new and better relations with France and Russia have matured iuto settled confidence and goodwill, but at no lime had it been directed against other Powers. When the Austrian ultimatum was delivered to Servia, Sir Edward Grey was pursuing the pacific policy adopted throughout the Balkan crisis. He proposed a mediating conference, and, had it been accepted, t h e whole of this terrible slaughter would have been avoided. Germany was alone responsible for the war and its illimitable suffering. Germany found the origin of this world-wide catastrophe.

" "We persevered to the end for peace by everv expedient of diplomacy, even straining our most cherished friendships and obli gations, and it was only when we realised that the choice lay between honor aud dishonor, treachery and good faith, that we decided for war.

_ " Does anyone throughout the Empire regret that decision? I believe not. 1 would rather see Britain blotted from the pages of history'than acquiesce "in the triumph of force over freedom in Belgium. "We must steel ourselves to the task in the spirit of our forefathers in their struggle against Napoleon's domiuion. It would be criminal to under-estimate the magnitude of the forces against us, and equally indefensible to belittle our resources.

"Belgium's glorious example has shown what a small Statr ] can do. In France aud Russia, Great Britain has as Allies two of \ the greatest Powers in the world. She has on the seas t'tie strongest j and most magnificent fleet that was ever seen. The expeditionary force has shown by its glorious achievements that its physical and ] moral qualities have never been surpassed. We rely on the Navy with absolute confidence to guard our shores and seal up the enemy's battleships in her own ports, whence they furtively steal to bow their murderous.snares, menacing neutral shipping more than the British fleet. British ships have bun tea the German mercantile marine from the S eas, and kept the food supply routes open. When the few remaining cruisers still at large have been disposed of, the British security will be as complete as in a time of unbroken peace. "Our self-governing Dominions throughout the Empire, without solicitation, demonstrated with .spontaneous unanimity unparalleled in history their determination to affirm brotherhood with us, and to make our cause their own. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, anil Newfoundland asseit, not as obligation but as a privilege, their right and willingness to contribute money, material, and, better than all, the strength, sinews, fortunes, and lives of their best men. India also claimed her share of the common task. Every class and creed in the British nation, princes and people, Hindus and Mohammedans, vie in noble rivalry. We welcome their association side by side, shoulder to shoulder with the Home Dominion's troops under the flag, which is a symbol to all of an unity that a world in anus cannot dissever or disssolve.

" Since Lord Kitchener issued his call for recruits, betwceu 250,000 and :i0»).(l00 had responded, of which London had given 42,000. When we are watching the fluctuations of 'fortune in the early stapes of this protracted struggl.-. we must learn to take long views, and cultivate patience, endurance, and steadfastness. Let us realise that we are fighting us an united Empire in a cause worthy of the highest traditions of our race, and maintain an undefeated and unbroken front. The Younger I'itt in that very hall had declared ' England has saved herself by her exertion, and will, I trust, gave Efiiope by her example.' The England of those days secured the freedom of Europe. Let us go and do likewise."

Mr Bonar Law said the key to peace or war was in Berlin. The Kaiser need only have whispered "J'eaue." and there would have been no wjjr; but he drew the sword. We are fighting for our national existence, and the moral forces of humanity—for rigiil against might. Mr Churchill said: "'Great Britain can rely witb quiet, confidence on the strength and efficiency of the Navy, which gave the time and means to create the powerful military forces that would be necessary before the war ended. We have only to endure ts conquer." The meeting was one of the most stirring in the city's history. Thefe was an immense audience, and enormous crowds waited outside. Mr Asqu'ith, Mr Bonar Law, Mr Churchill, and Mr Balfour and the Primate received ovations. The Lord Mayor presided. carried resolutions in support of all measures for