IMPERIALISM.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9048, 14 March 1908, Page 5

IMPERIALISM.

SPEECH BY LORD ROSEBERY,

Received March 13, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, March 13. Lord Rosebery, presiding at the Liberal Club, ,«aid he was for friendly relations with net one, but all, the great Powers of Europe. That should be found the principle of Britain's policy, but that did not do away with the necessity for constant vigilance for the maintenance of her vast superiority at sea and constant readiness and vigilance regarding her armaments on land. If Britain allowed her armaments to sink below a certain level she would be liable to periodical, and sometimes absurd, panics unworthy of a great nation, and dangerous to the very heart of the Empire. (Cheers.) The second reason for maintaining Imperialism was that it was necessary to hold high that flag, keeping it pure and unalloyed from that Imperialism which, having protection as its basis, sees in protection the surest guarantees of the Empire. "I speak with great respect uf the self governing colonies," said Lord Rosebery, "and do noc criticise their tariffs, which from their standpoint, are doubtless expedient and even necessary, but from the standpoint of the Empire those tariffs are not of assistance but are impediments to the union of the Empire. I for one will never consent except under pressure of over-powering necessity *o a new and more universal tariff springing from the centre of the Empire."