The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1903 MODERN POLITICAL METHODS.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume LIII, Issue 2747, 6 February 1903, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1903 MODERN POLITICAL METHODS.

It is interesting to note that His Majesty King Edward VII has conferred th« Order of the Garter on the Shah of Persia, and the "Times"

protests against such a proceeding as not being a suitable one at the present juncture. The argument is that England wants to show by other methods than complimentary embassies that she is determined to maintain her footing in Persia. In these days, when the kid glove plays such an important part in political disputes, a protest against such a method seems strange. As our civilisation becomes more general the old direct system of enforcing authority is abandoned. One Great Power does not say to another " You must yield to me in this matter or there will be war." On the other hand, it confers all manners of favours on the oflending state, and while showing the most agreeable side, hints that the reverse side is as emphatic in its lack of pleasantness. The state takes the attention shown for what it is worth and understands quite clearly that acceptance is really compliance with the wishes of the Great Power.

There is something very dignified and decorus in this manner of smoothing over difficulties —it entails no loss of life and little loss of money. Also, both parties dupe themselves into the belief that courtesy alone dictates these overtures and a feeling of brotherly love is the outcome. This perhaps, is the greatest advantage of the kid glove method that the grains of good feeling at the root of the act expand so as to conceal the prime cause. Apart from its purely political aspect, the investiture of the Shah with the Order of the Garter is very significant indeed. The Order of the Garter is the highest order of knighthood in England—the summit ot the ambition of men whose mission it was to to kill and convert the alien Persian. The advance of modern thought has brought with it such consideration tor other people's beliefs that England has made the Shah of Persia a member of the highest order of knighthood. This is a link in the chain of civilisation which should forge much happiness and good feeling for both Persia and England.