THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 62, 11 September 1908, Page 8

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

A GRAVE WARNING

The Parliamentary correspondent of the Daily Mail wrote, a few weeks ago: — Extreme importance 's attached to that portion of Lord Cromer's speech in the House of Lor Is in which he opposed spending mono? on old age pensions and warned the Go\ - eminent of the paramount necessity that exists for making provision betimes for the forthcoming European conflict, in which this country would not improbably be involved. It is the leading topic of discussion m the lobbies. Members admit iliat it is what everyone has been saying in private; for months, but Lord Cromer i> the first who has' been bold enough to give it expression in public. Ifre full report. is as follows: "What,, l would ask, in the present condia x:i of fturope, is the main duty whiah devolves on the Government of <lis country? For my own part, 1 rr.\e no sort of hesitation in- reply ug to. this question. Their main duty ii to make provision betimes for the F;,: rO . pean conflict which may n^ improbably be forced on before . many years have elapsed. I say it is the duty of a Government gifted with both patriotism and foresight, who have means oi information at their disposal which is not available to the general public, to provide betimes for that danger — a danger of which I, in common, I believe, with most people who can speak with real authority on foreign affairs, am very firmly convinced. We are living in times when the influence of individuals, however highly placed, is limited. When national interests are involved and race passions are excited, there is always a risk, and more than a risk, that a collision between rival nations will take place, however pacific may be the intentions of their rulers. Our main duty, to my mind, is to husband our financial resources and to organise not only our naval but also our military forces in such a manner as to meet whatever the future may bring forth; and in estimating the need of preparation it should be borne in mind that troubles may possibly not come alone.