IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2486, 16 June 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Under the system of party politics, the defences and armaments of Knglaod have been managed on a haphazard principle ; the department working night and day when danger happens to threaten, and the people remaining stolidly indifferent when the outlook seems to he peaceful. The desire for economy blinds some, and party struggles many more, to the possibility of sudden peril from the outside, while not a few comfort themselves with the traditional idea that England must win. She is not likely to win, however, by special exemption from the ordinary conditions of success, and it is satisfactory to see that the necesaity for preparing against contingencies is now being recognised. We hear that it is proposed to equip a third army corps and introduce a scheme of mobilisation ; and Mr Stanhope assured the deputation which waited upon him the other day, that the coaling stations would be fortified and garrisoned. It is only to be hoped that the English, in awaking from their neglect of the routes of commerce, will not fall into an unworthy panic, or begin a work which may be stopped as soon as the present agitation ceases. On the one hnnd, there does not appear to be any immediate danger before her; and, on the other, it is imperative to be thoroughly prepared. Boulanger is still some distance from power, and Russia is not likely to enter rashly into a struggle against the alliance j and yefc affairs in France, and Russian diplomacy in the East, call for constant vigilance. Wβ may hope that some of the energy which is spent on party warfare will be directed to the Imperial defences. If the Imperial Government enters thoroughly into the work every subject of the Crown throughout the world will feel greater confidence in our power to resist attack, and less fear that an attack will be delivered.—Argus.