DISPELLING ILLUSIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1916, Page 4

DISPELLING ILLUSIONS.

In his address to the Primrose League, Earl Curzon performed a useful service by exposing and banishing quite a number of illusions that have been utilised for the purpose of alienating support from and confidence iu the British Government. Those who wish to throw stones for political or other purposes can generally find some sort of material wherewith to vent their spleen. The habit is presumably a relic of primitive days when every man's hand was against his neighbor. Civilisation has made the process more subtle and less deadly, Jmt the actuating spirit is the same, as is the intention. It seems incomprehensible that at a time when all petty grievances should be swallowed up in the one great work that should be absorbing the whole resources of the Empire, there should be found those who delight in trying to hamper the Government of the day in conjuring up all sorts of what Lord Curzon deseribes as illusions. Sensible people take no notice of such insect stings, but there are vast numbers who are ready to credit any and every outrageous insinuations that are in circulation, and it is only a high authority like Lord Curzon, who makes it his business to let the truth be known, that cart influence the mass of credulous people in getting rid of false impressions. I* referring to absolutely untrue and malicious statements as illusions, LoTd Curzon exercised considerable charity, and his studied moderation should prove far more effective that if he had used harsh words. The points mentioned by him are certainly deserving of the earnest attention of every citizen of the Empire, for they engender absolute confidence in the singleness of purpose that animates the Imperial executive. Briefly, he emphasises the fact that the War Committee has a free hand; that the military and naval advisers have the confidence of the Government and are neither over-ruled nor is their advice ignored; and, lastly, that the Government, individually and collectively, are working for the g'od of the country and are conscious that they only hold office so long as they retain the confidence of the country. In stating that the greatest contribution Britain is making is the exhibition by the nation as a whole of unimpaired solidarity and stubborn tenacity, this distinguished peer struck exactly the right note for this time of crisis. That is the feeling which should bo pre-eminent throughout the Empire, for it cannot fail to c«nvince the enemy that the word peace will remain expunged from the British vocabulary until the work of the Allies has been brought to a successful conclusion.