The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1916. SECURITY MORE IMPORTANT THAN OPULENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1916. SECURITY MORE IMPORTANT THAN OPULENCE.

In the course of his reply to the British Chambers of Commerce, Mr, Bonar Law is reported to have said that there were throe principles upon which he and Mr. Runciman were agreed in respect of the forthcoming Allies' Economic Conference in Paris, the first principle being that "security was more important than opulence," the second, that future generations must not forget how the Germans have carried on the war, and whether it pays or does not pay he did not believe the British people will ever allow the Germans to again exploit the markets of the Empire as they did before the war; the Jiird, they were not agreed that there will be a preferential system for the colonies, but "there is a feeling that the solidarity of the Empire and the admiration for the Colonies is such that freetraders and protectionists alike may approach the subject with a real desire to meet the wishes of the colonies, for behind the question is Imperial union, and that will never be secured as a result of party quarrels in Britain or elsewhere." To all of which there will be a chorus of "Hear, hear!" from the colonies. The first principle, if given effect to, will largely govern the other principles. To obtain security the Governments of the Empire will have to put commercialism in the background so far as Germany is concerned. The policy of the Home Government lias in the past been largely dictated by commercial interests which were, more concerned with securing dividends than preserving the world's peace. Free-trade suited their book. Under it they could purchase from Germany and sell at a bigger profit than was possible with British goods. By this means the Germans practically had the monopoly of several British industries, including some "key" industries, such as the manufacture of dies and certain classes of machinery. The Germans, however, were too cute to give equal facilities in Germany to British manufacturers. They wanted but the raw materials from Britain; anything manufactured was practically prohibited. Britain's vigorous protection policy enabled Germany to increase its trade to such an extent that it would have surpassed Britain's in a year or two. The trade expansion gave her the money with which to build up an army and navy planned to subjugate the world. She is going to be thwarted in that fell design as we all feel certain, but only by the exercise of a prodigious effort and an enormous sacrifice of life and .vealth. But unless the Allies lay their economic plans well and securely, Germany may come again and endeavor to subjugate the world. The people of the British Empire must see, in the first place, that its policy shall not, as in the past, be dictated by commercialism. Security must be the first consideration. It will not, however, be an easy matter to change Britain's free trade pclicy. Vested interests are very powerful, and they will exercise every influence to maintainv the present fiscal policy. Already they are making their voices heard. We have the Levers and the Cadburys and the powerful newspapers they control loudly crying out against making a change, but the people mnßt look beyond the interests of the big money bags; they must see that the peace of the world shall not again be disturbed by any ambitious power. Strike at Germany's trade and you strike at her very vitals, and this, in self protection, the British Empire must do. Such a policy may entail a very heavy immediate loss to certain trading interests, but in the words of Mr. Bonar Law, "security is msre important than opulence." The Levers and the Cadburys and all the rest of them Vi 11 have to be watehed and put in their places. We have to remember that it is to them and similar interests we owe Britain's unpreparedness for war with Germany. They preached peace at any price and set »ut to make friends with the Germans, f»ndly believing that the days of war had departed, that finance and trade would be an effective bar to any great nation disturbing the world's peace. They lulled the good folk of Britain, to a state of false security—and we are all now paying the price of their selfishness and wrong doctrines. We must not allow them to occupy the saddle again and dictate the policy of the whole Empire. If Mr. Bonar Law's ideas are translated into action there will be little fear of their doing so. To protect ourselves we must lay out economic foundation anew, the central idea being to penalise Germany for many generations to come. It will not be easy, for selfish commercialism, has to be fought all along the line, but the destruction that has been wrought in lives and property and wealth by Germany will serve as a reminder of our past mistaken policy and as a guide for our attitude towards her in future.

BRITISH CABINET CRISIS. The annonceinent that the impending Cabinet crisis in Britain over the question of compulsory service has been overcome, and that the Government has, while meeting the demands of the military situation, satisfied all sections of opinion in the Cabinet, will certainly relieve the great tension which a possible reconstruction of the Ministry had caused. The gravity of the crisis was evidenced by the holding of a secret sitting of Parliament nt which there is every reason to believe the House was put in possession of the full facts concerning military requirements, and the difficulty, under present circumstances, of meeting the demands. Such an exceptional means as a.secret sitting not only emphasised the desire of the Government to solve the problem, but indicated that they were actuated by the dominant principle that nothing must interfere with the prosecution of the war. The decision arrived at is practically that advocated by' Mr. Henderson, for while compulsifin is to be enforced in regard to all single eligible men of eighteen years and upwards, general compulsion is not to be brought into action until the yield of recruits falls below a certain total, and then only by special resolution of the House. There are, therefore, two safeguards for the married men, but the vital question is whether, when the need arises, Parliament, will sanction compulsion. That is the one weak point in the compromise, but as the House is npw in possession of the facts, it is inconceivable that when the emergency arises—for it appears to be fairly certain it will happen—the responsibility should be shirked or abandoned. The ruling con"sidevation is the successful prosecution of the war, and it is clear that Germany must now recognise this, and all that it means. It is not surprising that keen disappointment is felt in Germany at the termination of the crisis, for it indicates clearly that the British are prepared to make every sacrifice so as to present a united front in their determination to win the war. Britain's example gives a lead to the whole Empire for it has shown that the spirit of dem >• cacy is capable of rising to the greatest heights of patriotism when faced with the task of freeing the world from the German menace. The example should be taken to heart and become a com-I-cllliig force.

HUN ATROCITIES -IN AFRICA. It was only a few days ago that public indignation and horror were aroused by the revelations of the Army Medical officers concerning the brutal and inhuman treatment by the German autherities of British prisoners at the Wittenburg camp. To-day there is added ancthor chapter to the long recital of tlie infamy of the Huns, but this time it comes from Capetown and consists of a repo't of the Commission, which investigated the atrocities perpetrated on British prisoners in German South-West Africa. These shocking revelations throw a fierce light on the savage character of the nation, which boasts of being the centre of culture, science, and civilisation, and it explains why the Huns ta'ce such a fiendish delight in the torture and murder of defenceless women and children. • It is the defenceless, whom, when in their p'swer, these savages who have discarded the veneer of civilsation wreak their vengeance, and satisfy their lust for the perpetration of abominable cruelties on their victims. The story published by the Natal Witness, a summary of which appears in to-day's cables, is one that makes the blood boil with anger at the culprits being still at large. As a matter of course an official denial will appear, but the Commissioners are not likely to have invented any of the gross atrocities, and their report may be accepted as thoroughly deserving of credit. Let it not be forgotten that it is the authors oi these and other outrages who are striving to dominate the world and set back the hands of/time for thousands of years. It is to stamp out such horrible blots on civilisation that Britain, her Allies, and the Dominions are giving up their manhood and their resource?, for now that we know the extent of the German brutality, it is imperative for our own protection that, such a rrtion shall not have the power to terrorise the world, turn our fair hinds into shambles, and make our people (he victims of their loathsome cruelties.

Everything is in readiness for the moiy sl.er picnic at tlio East End reserve today, and it promises to eclipse' all previous functions at this increasingly popular resort. A particularly attractive programme has been provided, and the young and old will find ample scope, for amusement. A. new bridge has been erected, giving access to the beach from Scrivener's store, where trams stop every ten minutes. All trains also stop at the reserve. In addition to the facilities for surf bathing, the river which runs through the reserve offers excellent facilities for swimmers, and in addition provides splendid boating over a stretch of lovely water as far as Devon Street. The charge for admission to the reserve will be (id, and for this nominal amount an open-air entertainment which has never been equalled will be provided. Mrs. floorge's orchestra of fifteen performers has been engaged and will supply music. The orchestra is recognised as one of the best in Taranald and the music will be "worth while." Patron 3 .are assured of an enlivening programme. Tn the evening there will be the usual dance in the pavilion, which has the best dancing floor in Taranaki. The music will be supplied by Mrs. George's fine orchestra, As yesterday's heavy rain has caused the lawns to become rather damp, patrons are invited to go down on to the sands or to the pavilion, rather than lounge on the wet grass. The East End committee aver that the reserve today will be the brightest and best and jplliest spot on earth. Bemember, only 6d admission for adults, and the youngsters get in free.