The Daily News. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1918. BRITISH VIRILITY AND JUSTICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1918. BRITISH VIRILITY AND JUSTICE.

The war lias given an emphatic answer to those who were wont to assert there were signs of British decadence. To-day her prowess in arms aiid administrative genius stand higher than ever in the eyes of the civilised world, while her command of the ocean highways is universally admitted to be supreme. It is iuspiring to study British achievements in the war, and her rise to the position of the leading military power is one of the miracles of the great conflict of arms that has raged for over four years past. Although the British authorities have made blundersit's a vexing and persistent way they have—yet their achievements have been a world wide marvel. Britain is intensely human, and it is human to err, but it is also human to accomplish. It has often been said that in all her wars Britain makes good in the end. That is what chiefly matters. That she has made good in the present war is self-evident, and it is her physical and intellectual virility that has been the deciding factor. It was Britain that stemmed the tide of the Gorman invasion of Prance, turned defence into victorious attack, broke through the Hindenburg line and paved the way to final triumph. It was Britain who organised her resources for producing munitions of war which made victory possible and it is the women of Britain who, by their magnificent work in every possible direction, set free the men to thwart the Prussian aim of world conquest and domination. It was Britain who cleared Palestine from the oppressive rule of the Turks, and laid the foundations of freedom and security. It was Britain who, in the time of her greatest stress and danger went to Italy's help and saved that nation from an AustroGerman defeat. It is Britain who is driving out the oppressors of the Balkan States and restoring the people to their territories. These are but a few of the many great contributions to the work of the war, but they clearly denote her strength, tenacity of purpose and dogged determination to ensure the triumph of the Allies' cause. If we turn to the features which denote Britain's just and wise dealings with the branches of the Imperial tree as exemplified in the marvellous unity which has been so conspicuous and resplendent in this great struggle, they stand out in bold relief, proclaiming to the world that Britain is fighting for principles which are not mere formulas, but living realities on which she acts in all her relations, not only with the people of the Empire, but with all those who come under protection or influence. And what a contrast this presents to German methods —as wide apart as love and loathing. That is why the distressed and oppressed nations appeal to her for salvation, nor do they ask in vain. Britain has no desire for a conquest that means aggrandisement, more territory, increased prestige and power. The British Empire as at present constituted is ample in extent and resources and the only reason for retaining the German colonies is that if they are returned they would serve as bases that would menace the world's security in the future; therefore they must not be given hack. The welcome accorded to the British forces by the inhabitants of Palestine demonstrates the feeling which exists among alien races for British protection. It has been said that the Turk is a gentleman as compared with the Hun. Be that as it may, it is quite certain the Turks are convinced that there is nothing but disaster for them until they escape from Germany's grip, and though the downfall of the Young Turks does not represent the throwing off of the German yoke, it is a proof of the widespread desire of the Turks for freedom. A neutral observer states: "It is not easy to exaggerate the hatred felt for the Germans by the people." The contrast presented by the sentiments expressed by the Turks for their German allies and their British enemies is very striking. It is certain that alarm and anger which prevailed during the.early stages of the British advance in Mesopotamia have now given place to very different feelings. The knowledge which has permeated into all parts of the Ottoman Empire, that wherever the British have passed, good government and a spirit of justice have replaced the old regime of exploitation and exaction, has profoundly influenced the opinion of the masses of the population. It is just the difference between civilising and brutalising, and the work of the British in freeing Mesopotamia from Turkish oppression and cruelty is one of the compensating features of the war. Free markets have been opened for the peasants at Bagdad and provided, Vlrii- jus1 reedom hold sway in

place of extortion and violence. It is the same story in every region that British influence and good government prevails. Britain is paying a heavy price for her crusade in favor of peace, freedom, justice and security, but the world is all the better and will certainly be far happier. The trail of the liun is marked by arrogance, bloodshed and remorseless cruelty, but the path of the British is ever leading to the betterment of the nations. In this war every ounce of her strength and resources has been placed on the scale on behalf of civilisation and freedom and she will emerge from the struggle with greater power than ever for maintaining the high ideals and humane principles that have made the Empire what it is to-day and will be for all time —a virile, peace-loving federation that stands four square to resist the doctrine of might.