AMERICAN FLEET.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 293, 4 September 1908, Page 7

AMERICAN FLEET.

COMMENTS ON THE VISIT. * AUSTRALIA'S DEFENSIVE MEASURES. THE EASTERN PERIL. (BY TEIEGEAPH—PBESS ASSOCIATION— COPTEIGHT.) London, September 3. • The "Standard," in a sympathetic article concerning the ovation .accorded Admiral' Sparry and tho Fleet, says:—"Australians are a practical people. Australia's case in regard to defensive measures, -.whereon her. safety must partly depend, is tho case of- all the self-governing States of tho Empire. Australia intends to build and equip her own squadron, and where sho. Jefids. .the rest of the oversea States will probably'follow" It would bo an interesting-experiment." The "Pall Mall' Gazette's". Washington correspondent says'.—"American newspapers consider the demonstrations denote a popular conviction in Australasia that the American naval power would in an emergency become a barrier against the. extension of Japanese rule in tho Pacific. Some people consider Australians cherish the same : ideals as the United States. They ; are closer'to us than to England." Another writer, according to the correspondent, declares that there is no sentimentalism about "blood being thicker than-water," but evidence of an enlightened self-interest. Sober writers, he adds, suggest the existence in Australasia of lack of' oonfidnce in the willingness and ability of the Motherland to: protect Australasia against what is described as the Eastern peril." The correspondent emphasises ' the exceedingly embarrassing oonsequences of the tour to the Washington Government. . , ... .a END OF THE CELEBRATIONS. (Rec. September 3, 11.25 p.m.) . Melbourne, September 3. Tho fleet celebrations have practically "concluded.