FEELING IN AUSTRALIA.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13378, 20 March 1909, Page 9

FEELING IN AUSTRALIA.

SUGGESTED OFFER OF DREADNOUGHTS. SYDNEY, March 19. Public mon take a serious view of the naval situation disclosed by Mr McKenna's statement anel its bearing on Australia. Mr Fisher, tho Federal Premier, states that at the Premiers' Conference at Hobart he drew attention tt> the present state of European politics, and pointcel out that tho danger cf invasion might demand that tho whole of the resources of the country be used. The "Daily Telegraph" suggests that in the event of tension over tho naval t-itttation becoming sharper. Australia anel Canada as leatlers amongstcolonial countries, shoultl each offer the Atlmiralty the cost of a Dreadnought What a sig::i!icint intimation this would be to the nations that these comparatively rich young Dominions would be quick to reinforce the Motherland in any emergency! The cost *_ou!d be relatively small, and the force of example would be tremendous.

Tiie '•Herald." reoogni-sing the significance of the position to Australia, say.-i:—"While we can bo grateful that the Mother Country is facing the facts with traditional courage, we must in decency sing small until wo can feel vr ■ are doing our fair share towards keeping the national home together."

CABLE NEWS.