IMPERIAL PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 283, 24 August 1908, Page 7

IMPERIAL PROBLEMS

• ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE. THE U.S. FLEET AS AN OBJECTLESSON. SOME PRESS OPINIONS, (si telegram—rbess association—cormanT.) (Rec. August 23, 4.30 p.m.) New York, August 23. Somo American newspapers are inclined to : exploit the visit of the United States Flfaot, politically in a sense hostile to the AngloJapanese treaty. The "Sun" remarks: — "Australia says 'Hands across the sea,' meaning the sea to America,' not to the Motherland." Tho "Sun" adds:—"Tho occasion shows that Australians aro flying in the face of Imperial polioy." Other newspapers, declare that in the event of any ultimate quarrel between Britain and Japan, involving the integrity of Australasian territory, America would not interfere. London, August 22. The "Daily Telegraph" comments on the total absence of European battleships from the Pacific, and says:—"Admiral Sporry's ships are' ill object-lesson to Australians in the cost of battleships. Australia's' naval interests, at any rate for the present, can bast; bo secured by a generous contribution to tho maintenance of tho British Navy, which' is pbworful to protect her oven though no,; British battleships aro seen in an Australian port. Moreover, we have no right to doubt that the thorny Asiatic question can .be settled on porfectly honourablo terms. The great floots .on both sides of the; Pafcifio and the leagues of ocean separating them imposed a reasonable temper on those in authority. President Roosevelt's reference to the cruise as likely to promote peace and justice was of the same leaning as Mr. Deakin's happy phrase 'harbingers of peace.' The battleships would best perform the latter duty when they reach Japanese waters, aiid find a magnifioence of welcome far exceeding thoir expectation." DOMINION OF THE PACIFIC. THE AUSTRALIAN OUTLOOK. ; 1' Sydney, August 22. The -"Telegraph," dealing with tho Fleet lanquet, says:—"The truth is that tho coming of. the Fleet brings new aspects into the Australian outlook, and gives Australia a new interest and aspiration. Americans have appreciated the importance of Pacific problems,-in which Australia for years has been an important factor, but have not recognised us as one people. Australians havo been clearly aware of this, and know' well enough that; the Fleet would not havo been authorised to visit them had not their country been recognised in America as one of great • potential' importance in these 'seas! The visit will certainly be instrumental in awakening the Commonwealth to a propel realisation of its place in the world and the responsibilities , that attach to it. The army of men whioh marched through Sydnoy yesterday was but the advance guard of a great force that is essential if the dominion of the Pacific is to be safeguarded." :