A GREAT STATESMAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1922, Page 4

A GREAT STATESMAN.

The eulogy bestowed upon the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour by Mr. Lloyd George at the welcome luncheon tendered to Britain’s chief delegate to the Washington Conference, and the tumultuous welcome that Mr. Balfour received from the members of the House of Commons, testified most convincingly that what may be regarded ns the crowning achievement of a long and meritorious career in the service of his country, was really a great victory for the cause of the peace of the world. For nearly half a century Mr. Balfour has taken part in the public life of the Motherland, for he entered Parliament when he was twenty-six years of age, and is now m his seventy-third year. A finished scholar, a brilliant' and ornate debater, and one of England’s most gifted statesmen, he has won the honor and respect of the Empire, as well as of the civilised world. No greater tribute could be paid to the use with which he has put his remarkable gifts than the words uttered by Britain’s Premier: “He treated great problems in a great way.” The Empire and the world at large may justly be proud of the untiring and inspiring efforts Mr. Balfour so successfully put forth at the Washington Conference in the cause of humanity. He exemplified the truth of the saying that Britain, in her hours of need, never lacks the guidance of a strong and capable man of the moment. His example will live in history just as it will shed lustre on the fair name of the Empire for which Mr. Balfour was won added honor and respect, the animating force being his passionate love of his country and all that it stands for. In helping to clear the skies from the threatening clouds of troubles and wars, Mr. Balfour has eased the burdens of the people of the Empire and earned their lasting gratitude.