THE NAVY ISSUE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 466, 26 March 1909, Page 5

THE NAVY ISSUE.

——4 GERMAN ATTITUDE. ADMIRAL BOBANQUET'B VIEW. "NO (MUSK Ji'Oß ALARM," (Roc. March %, lO.fiH p.m.) Fromnntlo, March 25. Admiral ISosnminot, tint new Governor of South Aii.ilnilia, liiim arrived hero by the Omnih. in Hie course of nn interview he said that, a), tlm present moment, tliero wan no grout four ol German complication, lie had not seen the papers dealing with the niunl crisin, hut, speaking iu a general way, llritain will keep building Dreadnoughts ns fast tis (iernmny. Both Mr. Asqnith and Mr. M'lCennu have dislinelly and repeatedly stited that they will not allow tho Navy to fall behind tho standard necessary foi tho proleel.ion of tho Empire. It is impossible to believo that there is much foundation for tho alarmist reports that tho naval standard will not ho adequately maintained, and tliero is 11a causo for a panic, such aa that described in tlio '•ablcs "I view tho mat- | tor," ho added, "with 110 ularm. Of ooursc, Germany is getting richer, and wants to extend her Empire, but wo may rely on tho repealed statements of Mr. Asquith that Britain will keep ahead of German enterprise in shipbuilding." CERMAN AND BRITISH SEA POWER. REICHSTAG SOCIALISTS. THE DEMAND FOR EIGHT ENGLISH DREADNOUGHTS. (bv telegram—mess association—corrnionT.) Berlin, March 24. Tho Customs officora havo appointed assistants to polico Schloswig-llolstcin and protect tho coasts against spies. Socialist speakers of tho Budget Committee, following Herr von Scltoen in tho Navy debate in tho Rcichstag, complained that Germany had palpably refused to tako 1 Britain's hand.

London, March 24. "Tho Times" reports that during the Navy debate in the Reichstag, all parties except tho Socialists insisted that there was no question of Germany's reduction of her navy programme. The report adds that it should bo plain to England that Germany is determined to complete hor construction work rapidly'. ' Tbo Times," dwelling .on Herr von Schoen's statement that Germany's fleet would bo measured by hor needs, and the Reichstag's renewed faith in tho intangibility of the Naval Act, appeals to Mr. Asquith that "there is only one course open to us—to make concessions, to national feeling, and avoid party division on the Navy question."

"The Times" adds:—"Mr, Beauchamp and other Liberal Commoners openly pleaded with him, during Monday's debate, in favour of eight Dreadnoughts. Such a resolution would set at rest all possible doubts, and underline the magnificent demonstration of solidarity now stirring tho Empire to its depths."

The Leeds Chamber of Commerce adopted a resolution urging the necessity of maintaining at all costs Britain's supromacy of tho sea. Cape Town, March 24. South African newspapers mostly urge continuity of the naval policy, and tho maintenance of tho two-Power standard. THE ARMY MINISTER'S ADVICE. FUTURE CONTINGENCIES.. COPY THE GERMAN THOROUGHNESS. London, March 24. Tho Secretary of State for War, Mr. Haldane, speaking at tho National Liberal Club, advised the avoidance of undignified scares, but said that Britain's present safety did not answer for her future safety, and uulcss thero was a show of more energy and forethought it would bo impossible to say that tho future would take caro of itself. Ho urged the maintenance of a large supremacy over the naval forco of any other country, and added that Britain should copy tho Germans' steadiness and thoroughness. Ho warmly appreciated New Zealand's wonderful offer, which illustrated tho spirit of our' own flesh and blood across the seas. HOW TO BUILD TO BEST ADVANTAGE. A DEFINITE PROGRAMME. THE ADMIRALTY AND POLITICAL CHECKS. London, March 24. Lord George Hamilton (a former First Lord of tho Admiralty), in a lotter to "The Times," after remarking that every financial year is a "watertight compartment," argues that tho Admiralty ought to be freed from checks that aro daily interfering with a rapid, uninterrupted prosecution of a great shipbuilding programme.'

[In tho course of a speech, Mr. Douglas \ lokei's recently dwelt on the improvement in tho German rate of construction, and tho need ot a definite British programnio mapped out for years ahead (which, in the opinion of many critics, would mean a big Navy loan). 110 saidWe should not rely on tho old idea that Germany could not build ships fast, that tho Germans had not the natural resources, and that at tho last moment we could creato a fleet that could defend our shores. "\\ r 0 could not do so. Germany in these days was extraordinarily well equipped. Wo had reason to know m this country that their steel works could compare with ours, and were in many cases more modern, and could even beat ours m the production of ordinary grades of steel, their private shipbuilding yards might not be so numerous as thoso in this country, but their number was quito sufficient for tho building of a fleet, to enable them in fact to build a fleet of twelve or fourteen Dreadnoughts in four or five years. We had rested our confidence on the assurance that we built ships faster than did other countries. It was true that wc did now build them faster than conntries like France, Italy, and Russia, but ho asserted confidently that if Germany should be put to it now they would find that sho could build ships very nearly as fast as wo con d Wo could build a Dreadnought in about «7 months, llio Germans could build one in 28 or J) at tho most. Ho knew this, bocauso he knew something of tho equipment of the German prds. His submission was that wo should ha\o-a definite programme. Wo should not be met one year with a scare that our fleet was insufficient for tho defence of our chores and so jvo must build so many battleshins a!! cruisers at once. That was bad business. An it meant that a largo number of men worked at full pressure for a short timo a came tho lull, such as they had been cxnorf encing of late, with all tho terrible effects of acute unemployment.]. euccis ot

NO 1 NEED TO BUY BATTLESHIPS. A HINT ABOUT AEROPLANES. London, March 25. In the House of Commons Mr. M'Ucnna replying to Mr. Helmsloy, said that- it was not desirable to secure the first refusal of foreign battleships now being built in England'. If we wanted ships wo should build

for oursolvos. Our superiority in strength in 1000 and 1010 would bo so great that their purchase-by another Power could not alarm tho Board of Admiralty. (Itec. March 25, 10.20 p.m.) London, March 25. Mr. M'Kenna, replying to Sir Dundas Wliilo, stated that the Clydo yards were capable of building six Dreadnoughts. Mr. AsqtiiUi, replying to Mr. Lea, said Unit tho whole question of aerial navigation bml been for somo timo under consideration by Hie Defence Committee. Provision would bo taken in tho Estimates for such a development. REICHSTAG UNUSUALLY CALM. (Rcc. March 25, 10.50 p.m.) ' Berlin, March 25. Ilio German Navy Estimates woro roportcd in the Reichstag for tho second reading, and voted without debate, which was an unprecedented occurrence. Tho Socialists havo postponed all interpellation regarding Britain's pourparlers as to shipbuilding until such timo as l'rinco Bulow defends his own estimates. SPEECH BY EARL OARRINGTON. (Rcc. March 25, 10.20 p.m.) London, March 25. Speaking at tho National Liberal Club, tho President of tho Board of Agriculture, Earl Carrington—who is also President of tho National Liberal Federation (Homo Counties Division) and formerly Governor of New South Wales—said that Now Zealand's offer, and tho handsome donations promised by three Now South Wales residents, had given a glorious lead. If national sacrifices were required, let wealthy men set tho example. All this was a contrast to the pitiful attitude of tho panicstricken Opposition. (Rec. March 25, 11.15 p.m.) London, March 25. A movement is afoot to send Sir Joseph Ward a memorial signod by members of all parties, conveying Parliament's thanks for New Zealand's offer of a Dreadnought.

OUR GIFT SHIPS ACCEPTED. DISPATCH EN ROUTE. London, March 24. In tho House of Commons Mr. Asquith, Primo Minister, announced that the Government had accepted' New Zealand's offer. The Earl of Crowe, Secretary of Stato for tho Colonies, has cabled an important dispatch to Lord l'lunkct, Governor of New Zealand. OUR DREADNOUCHT STIRS CANADA. WHEN WILL SHE BE BUILT? Ottawa, March 25.' Canada is increasingly stirred by New Zealand's and Australia's example. Sir Wilfrid Laurier is considering tho quostion of a contribution to the Navy. London, March 25. The London "Times" declares that it is sincerely glad of the acceptance of New Zealand's patriotic offer. The same spirit that prompted it will cause the message accepting it to bo read in Now Zealand as expressing tho appreciation and gratitude felt in every English street and" lane. It adds that there seems to be no reason why tho battleship should not bo laid down soon, as arrangements can be made with Mr. Vickers, of Vickers, Son, and Maxim. Their yards are able to complete three Droadnoughts in three years, and thereafter complete one every half-year. They aro also able to manufacture and equip the artillery for seven Dreadnoughts in three years. No country's output is yet comparable to England's.

A UNITED ANCLO-SAXONDOM. IF DISASTER CAME—? New York, March 24. The "New York Sun" declares that Americans would bo acutely involved in apy disaster that might befall England, and are not blind to their own interests. [Tho "Now York Sun," under, tho editorship of tho lato Mr. Charles A. Dana, achieved distinction as the most brilliant exponent of antiBritish politics in the United States. It served until tho 'nineties, and with unvarying fidelity, tho Democratic party, and was tho medium of oppression of Irish and German Anglophobia, and by this meaus won a prestige unique in the annals of American journalism. Within recent years the "Sun" has modified its policy to one of safe and sane politics, irrespective of party, and now, it is claimed, represents the most influential and cultured opinion of America. Tho significance of the above dispatch will not be lost to Germany, and will doubtlessly be received in England with unqualified satisfaction. The "Sun," for the last fifteen years, has openly declared itself a Republican organ, and to-day reflects very accurately tho trend of action in international politics likely to bo adopted by the great party now in power.] AN AUSTRALIAN DREADNOUCHT? SOME PROS AND CONS. SUGGESTED ACTION BY STATES. Perth, Marcli 25. The local branch of tho Australian Natives' Association resolved that tho presentation of a Dreadnought would be out' of plaeo at present; tho timo and money available should bo devoted to an Australian Navy. Brisbane, March 25. Tho Mayor, replying to a request from the Stock Exchange to call a Dreadnought meeting, did not think ho wouJd be justified in doing bo. It would bo liko inaugurating a panio movement. Molbourno, March 25. Members of tho Ministry favour concerted action by the States in connection with tho Dreadnought presentation scheme. Sydney, March 25. Promises for the Droadnought fund total £60,000. Tho meeting convened by tho Lord Mayor to bo held in tho Town Hall to-night for tho purpose of launching a Dreadnought fund promises to bo a monstor demonstration. Tho "Herald" says:—"lf this mooting and tho one convened in Melbourne aro enthusiastic and unanimous wo do not despair of Mr. Fisher allowing popular feeling being expressed through a constitutional channel. If ho fails to do so, ho loses tho best opportunity Australia has had of vindicating hor claim to havo a sharo in tho government of tho Empire, and displaying tho unity of tho Empire to tho world. But should ho fail, there can bo no reason why New South Wales and Victoria should not dj as much as Now Zealand."

MASS MEETING IN SYDNEY. HALTING POLICY CONDEMNED. (Eec. March 26, 1 a.m.) Sydney, March 25. Tho Lord Mayor presided over ono of tho largest and most enthusiastic demonstrations over held in Sydney, tho object being tho initiating'of a Dreadnought fund. Tho Town Hall was densely packed, and tho proceedings constantly punctuated by tho singing of oatrK'ic soncs. Tho speakers included Messrs.

G. H. Roid, Joseph Coolt, B. R. Wiso, and Bruoe Smith. All spoeohes mado were strongly patriotio, and condemned tho halting policy of tho Commonwealth leaders. They urged emulation of Now Zealand, whoso prompt and splendid response was eulogised. Tho following resolutions wore adopted:— "That in tho opinion of this mooting of citizens, glorying in the traditions of tlio British raoo, the timo has arrived for tho Commonwealth to t.iko an. active sharo in tho naval dofonso of, tho Empire."

"That, in view of tho expressed determination of Britain's rivalß to challenge her naval supremacy, Australia should present a Dreadnought to tho British Navy as an immediate expression of her invincible rosolvo to stand by tho Mother Country and take her placo in tho Empire's fighting line."

THE RISINC TIDE OF FEELING. STIRRING SCENE IN MELBOURNE. Melbourne, March 25. Tho meeting held at the Town Hall way marked by unbounded enthusiasm. Hundreds woro unablo to gain admission, and held meetings of their own. Tho Lord Mayoj presided. Sir 1\ Bent and a number of State members and others delivered rousing spoeohes, and resolutions woro passed that tho command of the sea was absolutely essential to tho integrity of tho Empire and tho safoty of ovorsea Dominions; also in favour of presenting a Dreadnought. LORD CREWE'S DISPATCH. NOT YET AVAILABLE. Definite information regarding tho dispatch from tho Secretary of State for tho Colonies m regard to Now Zealand's offer of a Dreadnought to tho Imperial authorities is being awaited with keen interest. According to Mr. Asquith's statement, as cabled, tho dispatch has already been forwarded to Lord Plunket. Interviewed at a lato hour last night, tho Prime Minister said ho had received no communication from the Governor, but ho assumed that this was duo to his Excellency, who is at present journeying by soa along tho East Coast of tho North Island, being unable to effect a land, ing yosterday. Consequently, if such a dispatch had been sent, Lord Plunkot had doubtless not yet received it. Ho would probably arriyo at Onotiki at about 10 o'clock this morning, anu, if so, ho would receive tho dispatch thore, and would no doubt communicate it in turn to tlio Primo Minister. On rocoipt of tho _ message, Sir Joseph added, he would furnish tlio press with such information as was not of a confidential nature. EXPRESSIONS OF APPROVAL. Messages expressing appreciations of tho (loyernnient's offer of a Dreadnought for the British Navy wero still reaching the Prime Minister yesterday, both from overseas and from local bodies in Now Zealand and other sources. Tho following are among tho most notable:— "Mombers of tho House of Commons cordially appreciate the magnificent offer of ■ maH i> 'Dominion, Signatures by,

Colonel Chaytor, who is at presont in Loudon, cabled:—"Congratulations. New Zealanders hero proud. The County Chairman, Reefton, forwarded a resolution of a public meeting expressing complete accord with tho prompt action of the Government.

Tho chairman of tho Wellington Education Board, speaking at the board's meeting yesterday commended "tlie action of the Now jCca and Government in assisting, in a practical way, to maintain the prestige and naval supremacy of tho Empire?' ,Ho thought that tho board, "as a representative body m this country, identified with the edurational, progress and physical and intellec tual development of tho community, and including m its personnel representatives of parliament, should express approval of tho Government s action. The hoard unanimously endorsed tho sentiments of its chairman, (BT TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Duncdin, March 25. .Lite Anglican Primate of New Zealand, Bishop Novill, approves of the battleship °-j'c S fi ym ?r :^" A , s our hastening to tho aid of tho Motherland, I, who havo over ro» bilked as strongly as I can tho gross immorality of children who ignoro their parents as soon as they become financially independent of them, cannot but apiirovo of this illustration of a national roverenco for ou £ forbears and tho unity c,f the race " , I' 6 t'B o '''! 1 . Stock Exchange telegraphs i rj t • llcar % commending his splendid Imperialistic statesmanship. MR. D. H. GUTHRIE'S VIEW. Mr. D. H. Guthrie, M.P. for Oroua, wan asked yesterday by a Dominion representative for his opinion on tho Government's oiler of a Dreadnought. He replied that ho lmd seen and read nothing in tho English papers to justify tho position that had been taken up. It was n fact that Germany had been \ory actively building Dreadnoughts, but what her purpose was we did not know. It the Government knew, the information had not been made public. The idea that Germany was.going to seize Holland, Belgium, and Denmark as a step towards taking Jlilgland was nonsense, in his opinion. liuropo would not sit still and see tho balance of power disturbed to that extent. If the New Zealand Government had information which was not generally known thev should still havo called together members of i ailiamont, or consulted them privately before committing tho country to so great an expenditure. If tho Mother Country wanted support from New Zealand she hail only to ask in tho ordinary manner, and it would bo forthcoming every day of tho week. Ho thought that tho present crisis had been magnified.