THE AMERICAN FLEET

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13170, 17 July 1908, Page 8

THE AMERICAN FLEET

DISCUSSION* IX PARLIAMENT.

(SPECIAL TO "THE TBESS.")

WELLINGTON, July 10.

Tbo Financial debate this evening developed into a brisk discussion on the proposed entertainment of tho American fleet. Mr J. C Thomson said he approved of the Government's proposal, not becauso of the commerciaJ advantage thejwoidd derive, but on higher ground?. There was no grander augury for the future of the world than the upraising and extending the strength of the desire of tho two great peoples of Great Britain and America for more cordial and hearty co-operation in the service of mankind. The people were of "he same stock, they were of one race, both had tho same glorious traditions, and both had descended from a great and illustrious parentage; they spoke the one language, the tonguo of Milton and Longieilow, of Shakespeare and Lowell; and Britain and America were growing one because a nation was made, ono oy the character of its common achievements. The vision before the two rsicts was a glorious one; it was that of an indivisible alliance. With tho alliance would come tho establishment ot a tribunal in tho settlement of international disputes, and the hastening) on of that time when the nations' ourse—war — ■would bo done away with, thus realising tho grand prophetic words spoken of old, "when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.." Those ■who refused to entertain their oou>ins he couJd only describe as little New Zealanders, lacking in vision, in ei.thusiasm, and in that broad outlook which saw beyond parochial limits. Mr Hanan also spoko in support of the action of the Government in regard to tho visit of the fleet, which he eaidl would be of great assistance in advertising the Dominion. Mr Wilford made another strong protest against tho expenditure on the welcoming of tho fleet. "We should draw the line between calm and cool reason and hysteria," he said, referring to the proposed Maori function at Rotorua. Ho said it was not necessary for him to dwell upon the feelings, entortained by Americans towards all coloured people, but he would ask the Prime Minister to prevent any Maori exhibition for the delectation of the American people. "Even if tho Prime Minister intends to spend the country's money in taking the American people to Rotorua, I hope that tho Maori girls will not dance their dances and!exhibit themselves before the American people." Hβ had, he said, been' charged with parochialism in this matter, but this was not justified. Ho agreed that if there was to be a welcome to tho fleet it should take place :it tho port of call, and he also recognised! that Auckland was tho meet suitable port of call. In regard to climate, natural beauties, and general surroundings, Auoldand had advantages over Wellington, which could not bo disputed. Hβ was, however, fighting for a principle. Ho did not object to tho American fleet being entertained by the Auckland people, but it was not necessary for Parliament to adjourn and for the country to spend thousands of pounds upon entertaining the fleet and) "carting them about." It would bo quite sufficient for the Prime Minister to go up and welcome tho Admiral. "Lot us." ho said, "try to bo hospitable without making fools of ourselves.' . Sir Joseph Ward (warmly): Who aro making fools of themselves? Mr Wilford : I suggest : that we aro likely to.make fools of ourselves. Sir Joseph Ward: They will probably bo suggesting that you are making a fool of yourself and not us. Mr Laurenson vigorously protested against Mr WilforcFe remarks, arid seidl they should ho thankful tliat ho was the only member in tho House who was objecting. It was a poor sign when they could not be unanimous on such an occasion as this., There had never been such a demonstration in tho Pacific before. Visitors were going to Auckland" from all parts of the Dominion to take part in welcoming their American cousins, who were the greatest branch of the English-speaking family. With the position that Japan was now taking up, and tho awakening of China, it was all the more necessary that they should bo friendly with America. Ho felt sure that the Americans would offer no slight to the Maoris.