The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1916. IMPERIAL FEDERATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1916. IMPERIAL FEDERATION.

The departure of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth (Mr. Hughes) from Britain draws attention to the strenuous campaign that he has been conducting in the Motherland during- his somewhat prolonged visit. It lias become the fashion in some quarters to endeavor to belittle Mr. Hughes, and to make insinuations against his bona fides in the task upon whidli he entered. His intense outspokenness and virile methods of speech are s 0 unusual that they have created an impression on some minds that his aim was rather that of 6elf-advertisement Mian being of use to the Empire. This is the inevitable misfortune that has to be faced by every leading man of strong individuality and keen mental faculties. Few people not acquainted with the peculiar characteristics of public political life in Britain can adequately realise the barriers which euoh a personality as Mr. Hughes had to break down in order to open the ground for the germination of new ideas on Imperial questions, and it was only because he knew that only forceful and direct methods would succeed that he put his whole soul and strength into what may be regarded as a patriotic effort directed, firstly, to effecting an actual and not a sentimental bond of union between the Motherland and the rest of the Empire: and, secondly, to open the eyes of the statesmen of Britain to the reality of the German menace in every sphere of the Empire's life, both now and in the future. There is Ho room for doubt that Mr. Hugfhes' Visit to England will be productive of great benefit in the future to the Empire. ills tireless energy, remarkable ability, far-seeing statesmanship and fervid eloquence have combined to create an impression that should be productive of the best results. Nothing but intense methods could effectually galvanise into life these new principles wlliich the lamentably conservative stoicism of the average public man in Britain would otherwise either ignore or put aside for future consideration. Time, however, presses, as Mr. Hughes well knew, hence the necessity for delivering , sledge-hammer blows 011 effete doctrines and party shibboleths. With him the Empire was paramount, and the time for united action could not be delayed, and, like a mighty clarion, his voice rang out throughout the Homeland in impassioned appeals to perform the plain duty that now faced Greater Britain. 'IV;'liaps his greatest fear was that the upathy of the statesmen as well as of the people would still keep them in the veil-worn groove that marks the line of least resistance. • He knows, as wo do, that some of the Allies before the \*ar were so completely enmeshed in Germany's toils that they had iost all but the shadow of nationality, and that they still feared peace would again find them 111 the enemy's economic grip, and he rightly pleaded that they should not look to Britain in vain, ''Slam the door on Germany's hopes of resuming friendly relations after the war!" is his insistent crv. Mr. Hughes has man-

fully fought 'liis way to his present honorable position, and has acquired a deep insight into Ihuman nature and business ramifications. Just as "war is war," so ''business is business," and we all know t.hat the desire for gain is deeply implanted in the constitution of human nature. It is this business instinct that causes men to conveniently bury in oblivion disagreeable facts that would otherwise intrude upon their consciences. For flio sake of making profits there are many who would be ready to forget Germany's infamous record and resume business 011 the pre-war footing. This assertion may be humiliating, but unfortunately it is true. In order to protect the world at large in the future from German domination —commercial or military—it is imperative for the Empire and the Allies to unite in a common binding agreement to "slam the door' 1 against German trade, and that was i ; prime reason for convening the receiu Economic Conference at Paris. Britain's first duty is to federalise the Empire so that Greater Britain may be actually a vifal force in all Imperial concerns. In liis filial speech before leaving England, Mr. Hughes made the political relations between Britain and the dominions after the war ihis chief topic. From first to last he lias been thoroughly consistent on this subject. He claims that our Empire is "no Empire," because it is not bound by any logical, legal tie, and the time for the necessary change lhas arrived. It stands to reason that a constitutionally linked-up chain of Empire must be forged if we are to maintain its solidarity and greatness in the future. The war has emphasised the urgent need of a new era in Imperial affairs wfierein the dominions as a matter of right and expediency will have a voice in all matters directly or indirectly affecting them. The first step is to arrive at a general agreement regarding an Imperial trade policy, and that is well on the way to adoption. Other steps in the desired direction may be expected to follow the fprmation of this inter-Imperial economic and political alliance until, in t'he fullness of time, wc arrive at a complete and harmonious system which will enhance the power of the Empire and infuse those new ideals and aspirations which make for universal pfosperity, peace and freedom.