THE RACE FOR SHIPS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 535, 16 June 1909, Page 7

THE RACE FOR SHIPS.

BERLIN ATTITUDE. BRITAIN CAN BUILD AS SHE LIKES. ■ MISTRUST RESENTED: (BT TELEOEAFH—FBESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) Berlin, Juno 14. Very incomplete reports of the Speeches of statesmen at tho Press Conferenoo have been published in tho Berlin newspapers, but tho unofficial organs aro vacillating between tho viow that Britain is actuated by panic, and is endeavouring to frighten the colonies into making great sacrifices for tho Navy, <uid' the opinion that tho conferonco is tho prelude to sober, businesslike action. A semi-official telegram from Berlin 'to the "Cologne Gazette" states that Britain is a grown-up nation, and knows what naval armaments are good for it. Tho Gorman people object to what underlies these armaments—namely, a substratum of unjustified mistrust of Germany; but there is not the slightest disposition to interfere with , tho armaments. ■ "So far as we aro concerned," says the telegram, "England can build as many Dreadnoughts as she likes, without our reeling any-patriotic uneasiness in consequence."

THE KAISER ON ANGLO-CERMAN COOD FEELING. VISIT OF BRITISH PASTORS. (Rec. June 15, 9.20 p.m.) Berlin, June 15. The Kaiser, at the Royal Palace at Potsdam, cordially' welcomed tho visiting British clergy and pastors, and said he trusted that .their visit, like that of tho German pastors to Britain, would tend to promote good feeling botween two great kindred nations. The Chancellor, Prince Bulow, assured the visitors of Germany's sincere attachment to peace and friendship. GERMANY STRIVES FOR "SECOND - PLACE." I IN INTERESTS OF FATHERLAND AND OF PEACE. (Rec., June 15, 10 p.m.) Berlin, Juno 15. Grand Admiral Von Koster, President of the German Navy League, addressing, the Brandenburg Bection of the Navy League, at Potsdam, declared that Germany was taking her place as the second strongest among the European nations on tho sea. Let them strive to keep that position, in'view of the Navy's importance in the dovolopmcnt of the Fatherland, and of Germany's economic in.terests. : . ■

Tho meeting telegraphed to the Kaiser a promise to agitate to secure tbo strengthening of, the fleet, with a riew to making it a mighty instrument for the protection of tho Fatherland, and the maintenance of peace. ■ Jin May last 25 ° Gorman Labour leaders visited Britain as guests, of the Imperial Arbitration. League. ' Replying to a welcome, their spokesman, Ilerr Gofdschmidl:, a member of tho Borlin Town Council, said they were present' to declare that the Gorman workers cherished no enmity in their, hearts against the .British peor pie, nor against any other nation. Disgraced be he who desired that enmity should spring up between the" English and, German nations. Distrust still existed, but speaking for the workers of Germany he assured them ■ in all solemnity •that the German people did not even think of making war upon England.] AUSTRALIA'S LAST SHILLING. (Rcc.'-June 15, 1i.45 p.m.) , London, June 15. ' Mr. Hudson Berkeley (Newcastle, New South Walos), a delegate to the Press Conference, in> an interview, stated that te was convinced that Australians were ' right in deciding to first provide for tho defenco of their own shores, , Ho., added: . . , '•'We are going to stick to the Old Country. As long as we have a shilling it is at her disposal.: Tho Labour party aro as fully alive to theso matters as any class," 1