NEWS AND LITERATURE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 133, 12 June 1909, Page 5

NEWS AND LITERATURE.

THURSDAY'S DISCUSSION. ARE WE DRIFTING SACK TO BARBARISM? LONDON, 11th June. In the discussion on "Literature and Journalism, " at yesterday's sitting of the Imperial Press Conference, Lord Morley, avJio presided, in the course of a, brilliant speech referred to the fact that much had recently been eaid about the rebarbarisation of Europe. "To what extent," he asked, "has the press shared in creating these processes which, so threaten us? Has the influence of the •Home and colonial press been systematically and perseveringly used on behalf of tho peace of the nations?" (Mr. Winston Churchill, President of the Board of Trade, who has been associated with the press in tho capacity of war correspondent, admitted people were living in anxious times, and humorously added : "After these discussions, which have opened up most appalling prospects of Amiageddon, I think the conference has shown great courage to sit down so calmly u> a debate on 'Literature and Journalism.' " Lord uVlilner, ex-H'gh ■tfommiesioner for South Africa, and at on© time engaged in journalism in. London, described the idea of the rebarbarisation of Europe as "dreadful nonsense." He believed matters in dispute nowadays were, less frequently settled by war than at, any period in the history of the world. One reason why the 'Buropean nations had now, in mest cases, organised systems of national armies and ' citizen armies A'as that it was considered such a showing of strength must make for peace. ■Mr. W. S. Douglas, editor of the Now Zealand Herald, Auckland, said the conference had 'been discussing the supremo question, of dofenco. The colonies realised that a catastrophe in wai mepnt tho ruin of the great British Empire. . "They are," he declared, "ready to supply the 'Motherland with men, ships, and money. Toll lib what you want us to do, and we will do ii." (Cheers.) Turning lo the subject unoer discussion"^ Mr. Douglas said tho newspapers missed being literature through want of timo. Their primary purpose was not tho cultivation •of literary ttyle, but the presentation of news.' Never had this been so well or &o promptly done as ib was to-day. He believed the pi ess at Homo and in the colonies was lionestly striving to maintain tho traditions already won, -and he contended that the press would remain a great beneficent foivc. The oipfcrence appointed a committee to consider the question of cheapening and lmpioving cable facilities. This committee will report- to fcho conference on thu HSi'd Ussi-ant, to which date it hae Adtourned*