The Daily News. SATURDAY, JULY 5. LLOYD GEORGE'S HOUR OF TRIUMPH.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 July 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, JULY 5. LLOYD GEORGE'S HOUR OF TRIUMPH.

There have been many historymaking scenes in the British House of Commons, but none of such farreaching importance as that when Mr. Lloyd George presented the peace terms for ratification. Almost five years previously the nation and the House were at high tension when the momentous decision was arrived at to declare war on Germany, and now the terms of peace are formally submitted for ratification. What the Empire has borne and suffered in the meanwhile is fairly well known, and it is significant that the British Premier, in his forceful and lucid statement, studiously avoided reference to matters of a sentimental nature, and spoke in terms of the loftiest statesmanship. The generous tribute paid to his patience, courage and energy by Sir Edward Carson will meet with universal approval, especially in regard to the verdict of history being that Mr. Lloyd George was "the man above all others who had preserved the liberties of Europe." The Premier admitted that the terms were in in any rosuects terribl. but so were tl;f deeds of the Germans, and their consequences. If the terms am stern they are just, and there r.re many who will agree with Mr. Lloyd. George's contention that if the whole cost of the war had been thrown nn Germany it would have accorded with every principle of civil jurisprudence. Those pacifists who were so obtrusively blatant at. the time of conscription will do well to note that the successful efforts of British and Allied soldiers have brought about the disarmament of the most powerful military nation in the world, but the fight, for this victory lmd to take place, and to-day, as the result or force, the mass of the Geimau people will be untrained citizens instead of armed warrior?, and it has been rendered impossible for the Germans to raise large armies wherewith to oppress and plunder the weaker nations. Conscription has crushed militarism, and paved the way for peace. In the interests of justice and humanity it is reassuring to learn that immediate steps are to be

taken for the extradition of the ex-Kaiser, and to arraign him hefore an international tribunal, which will weigh well the evidence of his crimes, and pass sentence according to their impartial judgment. That the trial of Wilhelm will be absolutely fair may be taken for granted, as will be the trial of submarine commander,} and others to whom, outrages can be traced. The reasons given by Mr. Lloyd George for the retention of the German colonies tire unanswerable, for it would, as lie said, have been folly to havp pivpn the Germans a renewed op| ;v.'tiinity for mischief, and it was only justice to the natives to protect tliem from reprisals. It is obvious tliat the responsibilities of the Empire under the mandates will be increased enormously by the addition of something like 800.01 "0 square miles of territory, but this responsibility will be faced in the same spirit that has made the Empire what it is to-day. Nothing could be more logical than the way in which Mr. Lloyd George justified the Anglo-American guarantee for the protection of France, and it should be generally conceded that this guarantee was a generous recognition of French -

tion in the war, and a tliorou... necessary measure under the curcumstances whereby for the past half a century France has been victimised by Germany. The guarantee not only reflects great credit on Britain and America, but in its operation will provide a powerful backing for the League of Nations, which is valueless unless supported by strong nations prepared to stop aggression at a moment's notice. The Premier aptly described the league as a great n.nd hopeful experiment, not that lie expects it to stop warfare altogether, but that it will be justified if it prevents a single war; but he rightly considers that Germany's admission to the league until she has demonstrated that she has broken with the past, and that the fires of war had purified her soul, would be a misake. Of Mr. Lloyd George's sympathy witli Labor there is no question, and the way in which he dealt with the Labor Conference DroDosals embodied in the League morits the world-wide admiration of all sections of Labor. When referring to the Empire's part in the war he had a congenial theme that stands forth as an effort of which we may all be justly proud. The raising of nearly 8,000,000 men, £5,500,000,000 in war loans, and the existence of a casualty list of over three millions—exclusive of over 15,000 sailors lulled—is evidence of what it has cost to arrive at peace. The tribute to the Navy and mercantile marine is also vveil deserved, while the plea for unity, concord and patriotism should find a responsive echo in every heart. We cannot conclude more fittingly than by quoting the British Premier's inspiring words: "Let us rejoice like men who are under no delusion that our troubles are past, and that the spirit which enabled us to overcome will also enable us cheerfully to face the future."