AMERICAN OPINIONS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 139, 9 December 1912, Page 7

AMERICAN OPINIONS

GREATEST FACTOR IN WORLD'S AFFAIRS. NEW YORK, 7th December. The World asks will Australia and New Zealand be willing to retain their present subordinate roles when, by paying a few millions, they will be able to secure a seat on the Imperial Councils 1 The paper says that the Canadian proposal is a new form of Imperial federation, and asks what may India look for if the native princes persist in their scheme to provide Dreadnoughts ? The New York Times says that the people of Western Canada view the Dominions joining in the Vortex of militarism from which she has hitherto held aloof,, as revolting. They fear that trade will be strangled in order to benefit the British connection. The Tribune says that the British Empire, in six continents, with Imperial defence. Imperial representation, and Imperial free trade, will bo the greatest factor in the world's affairs. ffc v w* AW / 7th December. me French-Canadian pi-ess generally objects to the breach of Canadian autonomy allegedly involved in the Borden haval policy. The Quebec journal L'Evenement alone favours the policy outright. POSITION OF SOUTH AFRICA PUBLIC OPINION DIVIDED. CAPETOWN? ?th December. The Premier, Mr. Louis Botha, says there is no need for nervousness on the naval question relative to the position of South Africa. He hoped to put South Africa right soon. Public opinion was divided as to whether to continue the country's con' tribution to the Navy, to giva Dreadnoughts, or to have their own navy. Be is anxious to take the right course, and hopes to do so at an early date. AN INSPIRING LEAD. GENERAL HERTZOG'S COMPLAINT. SHOULD NOT BE INFLUENCED BY SENTIMENT. (Received December 9, 10 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Bth December. The C'ftpo Times welcomes Canada's

proposal with enthusiasm and hopes the Union will imitate her. The Cape Ar^us says that Canada has given an inspiring lead by treating the question as one of sea supremacy and not merely local defence. General Hertzog (Minister of Justice) speaking at Rustenborg, complained iMt Sir Thomas Smai tt was first an Imperialist and afterwards a South African. He (General Hertzog) only believed in Imperialism so far as it benefited South African interests. South Africans were always prepared to fulfil their obligations to protect their interests, but should not be influenced by sentiment or jealousy. Because Malay had given a Dreadnought it would be ridiculous to say that South Africa should also give one. CONSPICUOUS LAND MARK IN HISTORY WHAT THE SYDNEY PRESS THINKS. A MOMENTOUS STEP. (Received December 9, 10.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The Sydney Morning Herald says: — "From whatever aspect Mr. Borden's offer is considered it must be regarded as a conspicuous landmark in the history of the Empire. The step is of the greatest importance in the development of the Imperial Constitution.'' Referring to the provision that a Canadian Minister must be a permanent member of the Defence Committee] the Herald points out that Mr. Andrew Fisher (Prime Minister of the Commonwealth), can see no more satisfactory means of the expression of Australian views than by, visits of an Australian Minister' to more frequently held meetings of the Defence Committee than hitherto. Australians may envy the Canadians' influence which must come to them through the new position. The Telegraph says that Canada has taken the logical course of ensuring as far as it can that Great Britain shall retain that naval prominence which ensures security in every part of the Empire. The' stipulation that a Canadian Minister joihs the Defence Committee is a momentous step, and marks the entrance of Canada into a new status— the status of a sister State, which is none the less autonomous because it co-operates freely and frankly with Great Britain. COMMONWEALTH PREMIER ' SILENT. I (Received December 9, 10.10 a.m.) ! MELBOURNE, This Day. The Prime Minister (Mr. Fisher) declines to discuss. Mr. Borden's offer at present.