THE COLONIES AND THE WAR.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11152, 19 December 1901, Page 5

THE COLONIES AND THE WAR.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S DECISION. NO INTENTION TO SEND MORE TROOPS. MR BARTON DENOUNCE©. NEW ZEALAND'S PROMPTITUDE RECOGNISED. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received December 18th, 9.45 a-m.) , SYDNEY, December 18. The "Sydney Morning Herald" cays:— "Mr Seddon has distinguished himself in being first in the field with the offer of another contingent. The offer cornea as a tamely answer to the taunts of certain Continental newspapers. The chorus of journalistic approval with which Mr Seddon's offer, and his accompanying remarks, have been received, enables us to realise that the time has come when the Commonwealth, should follow New Zealand's example. The reason why Australian volunteers have not been offering" before is that the State authorities are not competent to move, as at the outbreak of the war. The matter now can only be taken effectively in hand by the Commonwealth Executive, and it is natural that Ministers should wait for a definite expression of opinion before committing the States. Mr Seddon. is entitled to every credit for his prompti.tude, but, needleae to say, neither New South Wales nor any other State wonld exhibit the slightest hesitation in sending more men to the front. No one ' who knows anything of the feeling Australians, would tolerate the suspicion for a moment that there would be any... more difficulty in raising fresh troops here tJhan in Canada. The willingness of the War Office to accept our aid is the greatest compliment that can be paid us. It is to be hoped the Federal Ministers will see their way to taking action at an early date."