LORD ROSEBERY'S DREAMS.

Evening Star, Issue 14634, 2 August 1911, Page 2

LORD ROSEBERY'S DREAMS.

IMPERIAL UNITY AND PEACE. NEW ZEALAXDM.P.'S SPEECH. [From Ouk Special Correspondent.] LONDON, June 23. In the venerable building known as Westminster Hali. " the historic and secular centre of the British Empire," to quote Lord Rosebery's description, there assembled on Monday a. company tho like of which even that famous pile had never known be-fore. Representatives of the Dominion Parliaments were gathered thero from the four corners of the Empire as the guests of a joint committee of the House of Lord.- and the House of Commons. The occasion was a luncheon of welcome. Over 500 were nresent. I/ord Rosebery presided, and tho company included Mr Asquith and the oversea P"rime Ministers now in England. But the majority of those present were private members cf the British and Dominions Parliaments. It was the "' backwoodsmen's" day. Lord Rosebery welcomed the oversea M.P.s in a speech of real eloquence and charm. His deep and resonant voice carried woll. If it did not make tho a-rches of old Irish oak resound, as Burke's did at the trial of Warren Hastings in the sanie hall, if could bo heard clearly at a great distance from the speaker. And every word that fell from the silver-tongued "orator of tho Empire" was listened to with close attention by the great company on the floor of the hall, and by a company of ladies who came to hear the speeches from a dais at the far end of the building.

'■ The humblest of the backwoodsmen has been placed in the chair," said Lord Rosebery. " And now, in the name of the committee, lie welcomes the brethren of tho same kind and character from across the seas."

After recalling the storied past of the splendid building in which they met, Lord Rosebery explained to the visitors from overseas that it was washing day with the Mother of Parliaments, and she could only tender a warm though moist' and eoap-suddy hand. The reference thus made to the Veto controversy raised a general laugh. He went on to .speak of the Coronation and its significance, and of the Knipire, with its immemorial traditions and its glorious expansion. "What ore. we going to do with it?" he asked. "What- are we going to do to prove ourselves worthy of the responsibility and the inheritance, which we have received from all those centuries?" He limited his dreams of Empire, he said, to two. Did they not sec in the Imperial Conference. the germ of a mightier council which would represent a I'nited Empire in a destined and permanent form, and which thus would be the most august Parliament that the worid had ever seen? "I believe that the cause is marching with giant strides." he declared, "and that some day we shall wake up and rind ourselves for Imperial purposes a federated Empire." Hifi second dream was a vision of peace. Union and strength were needed to make that vision practicable—union in the Empire itself, union with the great Republic ot the West, and strength. "We shail only find strength in the resolution and contentment of onr peoplo and their prepared neea for war. If we wish for peace wo must prepare for war." In conclusion he asked the guests to take back with them overseas a message of unity and a message of peace. —New Zealand and the Empire.—

The name of Mr R. Heaton Rhodes, a | member of the Lower House of the New j Zealand Legislature, was one of those ; couplet! with the toast. j Mr Rhodes regretted thai lie was the I only member of the Lower House who had I been able to come from New Zealand. They were looking forward in New Zealand to a General Election within a few months, and the nature of the chains which bound the members to their constituencies would be understood, (Laughter.) The representatives of the Dominions would never forget the warmth and heartiness of the welcome they had received in London. When they as backwoodsmen retimied to the bush again—(laughter)—and wielded the axe or mustered their flocks, they would look back kindly to that gathering within those ancient walls, and the eloquent words of the chairman would ring in their ears. (Che>ers.) The representatives of the. Dominions had come to England to pay allegiance to their King. But His Majesty was no strangeT to them, for he had travelled the Empire, and was known all through the Empire as no British Sovereign had been known before. (Cheers.) They looked forward to welcoming the Prince of Wales before very long, when, following in his father's footsteps, he set ont to tread the path of Empire. (GheeTS.) Through the Dominion it was recognised that England had demanded nothing of them in the past. England had given them protection, she made enormous sacrifices for them, and under her protection they had blossomed forth a young nation. But though they were young nations they had no desire to become separate nations. (Cheers.) They realised fully what their fate would be in such circumstances. Their desire, was rather to draw tighter the bonds of Empire. Sir Joseph Ward, the Premier of New Zealand, had proposed at the. Imperial Conference the scheme of an Imperial Council as a means of uniting moTe closely all parts of the Empire. That proj position had not been adopted. Perhaps it was too premature. But surely it was not too high an ideal to aim at? (Cheers.) The Dominions felt bound to take their share in the burdens of Empire, and they felt that in doing so thev must havo a voice in the settlement ot those- foreign questions which affected their destinies. The chairman had asked what was the message brought by the Dominions to the Mother Country. He ventured to putit in this form : "We desire not to be shareholders in the great company of the Empire, but to be partners." (Cheers.)

In Persia the women of fashion ornament their faces by painting upon themi figures of ineects and small animals.

] ADDITIONAL CABLES

Tho following cables appeared on July 22 and 24 in Australian papers employing the independent. Press cable service: Facte are coming to light disclosing that tho glamor of the memorable naval pageant held in connection with the Coronation concealed a Hidden Fist of tremendous power. The whole demonstration was in reality nothing loss than a mobilisation "of the entire British fleet on a. war footing. Every vessel taking part had its coal bunkers full, and its ammunition stores replenished to war capacity. The immense significance of this warlike demonstration can be best realised when it is remembered that a naval mobilisation is always regarded amongst the nations as an ultimatum.

[ Though King Edward's autobiography will be issued with official approval, King I George has made it known that several years must elapse before his father's correspondence is published. The letters are accessible enough, but, so it is said, they throw too strong a light on many personages still prominently before the public, both at home aj>d abroad. It is therefore the King's firm intention to withhold the correspondence until the chief actors mentioned therein are beyond injury or annoyance. Dealing with the Veto Bill, a special Press correspondent writes : " What the effect of the humiliating surrender will be on tho Unionist paTty lies in the future. The scene in the ancient chamber yesterday was more funereal than belligerent. Many peeresses and diplomats eat in the galleries, but there was nothing of that festive air which in usually in evidence when a great debate is about to take place. The only touch in this respect was provided by * I/oid Halsbury, whose voice, despite his eighty-six years, rang with passion and indignation 'as he deplored the passing of the old regime." A laughable incident occurred at the Marlborough Police Court. Committed for trial on a chaige of wounding, John Gcodliffe. a valet, pleaded, in support of an application for reduction of bail, that he was " the only Englishman who accompanied Dr Cook to the North Polo." Apparently it was one of the worst reasons that "the man could give, as he very soono discovered. The magistrate told him that- such a plea detracted from a good reputation, and instead of reducing the bail His Worship promptly increased it. Gaby Desks, tho Parisian actress who was indirectly responsible for the. Portuguese revolution and for. King Manuel's downfall, has: entered into an engagement to appear at a New York theatre. Recognising what a star attraction .she will be, the management of the house- at which the popular little Parisienne- is to appear have agreed to pay her a fabulous salary. King Manuel is as much in love with his Gaby as ever, and it is hinted that he will follow her u> America, unless fate brings a speedy reversal of his misfortunes. Tho announcement is made, that M. Doutre, the French inventor, has perfected a device which has been designed to prevent aeroplanes from capsizing. The new contrivance consists of a rudder at the aviator's feet which, by an arrangement of delicate springs, answers every change in velocity or direction of wind, and counteracts sudden cm-rente. M. Doutre has put his invention to a thorough tost, and the 300 flights t.hat have been made with it under all conditions have demonstrated its efficacy.

Ever since, the Supreme Court of tho United States delivered its judgment against tho standard Oil Company, and ordered the dissolution of that huge monopoly, people have been speculating as to how" the company will meet the situation. On the authority of one of their officials, it is now 6tated that in accordance with the Court's decision the Trust will be split up into thirty-five corporations, and that the stocks of the constituent companies will bo apportioned pro rata among the prwrions holder*. M. Henri BernMein. the French playwright, m at war with the dramatic critics just now. as indeed he has been for sometime past. The adverse criticism provoked bv his new play has been the causa of all the trouble, and M. Bernstein has already fought one of the many duels he ha*; on ha:id. Tho encounter was with M Leon Daudet, n well-known Parisian critic, and the combat was much more serious than these Jittle aifairs of honor usually are. The combatants first, armed themselves with pistols, but although they had four shots at each other, neither adversary biored any hite. Much more exciting was the- light with swords that followed. With these weapons at least one of the combatants was able to do a little mischief, for the duel had not been many minutas in progress before M. Daudot was twice disarmed. Finally M. Bernstein inflicted a deep wound on his rival - .-, right arm, and the seconds interfering the encounter ceased.

Serious rioting has occurred at Guimares (Portugal). When the Twentieth Infantry Regiment entered the town itwas greeted by a big hostile demonstration by the populace. The people thronged the streets, and gave cheers for the Church and the monarchy. Officer*? of the regiment tried to harangue the crowds, but were met by showers of stones, and forced to fieok refuge in the house of the Governor, where they were promptly surrounded and besieged. Captain Couciere, the Royalist leader, k reported to be continuing his preparations * for tho invasion of the frontier. There lias been a countey demonstration in favor of the republic at Coimbra. Serious street fighting has occurred, and many people have been injured. The Minister of Finance has asked for special appropriations amounting to £400.000 for tho present noeds of the Department of Defence and the Foreign Office. Spanish society has been not a little startled bv tho announcement that Donna Elvira do" Bourbon, daughter of the late Don Carlos, intends to assume the role of a public performer. She is negotiating with the management of a winter circus for an appearance in Madrid at about Christ-mas time, but it is generally believed that the Minister of the Interior will exercise his powers and prohibit her from entering the country. The American gem importers on the Continent are co-operating with the United States Customs authorities in order to prevent fraud in connection with the importation of precious stones to the States. Particulars of extensive purchases of gems have been forwarded to the U.S. Collector of Customs, in order that steps may be taken to ensure the payment of duty on arrival.

It is announced that Germany will participate in the international loan of £400,000 to Liberia, the negro republic on the western coast- of Africa.

Stringent proclamation® have been if*ued bv the Russian Government prohibiting the emigration of Chinese to Siberia and the Russian maritime provinces of the East. Anv Chinese found crossing the border without residential permits or passports are liable to three months' imprisonment and a fine of 300 roubles.

Further pumping of the coffer-dam built round the sunken, warship Maine, in Havana harbor, has revealed the vessel's double bottom, which was found 40ft above its normal position. More' important, however, i«5 the discovery that ha* been made that the ship's plates, beams, and ribs are all stove inward, a circumstance that may yet. tend to confirm the original theory that the Maine was destroyed from an explosion outside the hull. A -St. Low's message states that Mr Justice- M'Phereon has, at the instance of the creditors, appointed receivers over several corporations promoted by E. 0. Lewis. They are the Reality Development Company, the U.S. Fibre Stopper Company, the People's Savings Trust Company, the Development Investment Company. Lewis ifi charged with over capitalisation to the extent of a million pounds. It is alleged that his efforts to reorganise the companies aimed at defrauding the creditors. The Judge declared that if the indictments contained a vestige of truth this promoter's schemes outrivalled the historic South Sea bubble. Lewis denies all criminal intent, and says that the prosecution if a ittalidoue one. Firm steps are being taken to effectively repress the epidemic of cholera in

Italy. The general opinion is that the exhibition, which is drawing thousands of people at excursion rates from the country, should be closed. The sum of £20,000 has been given to the hospitals, and the distribution of disinfectants has met with fairly good results. Nevertheless, the death rate in Naples and Palermo is 1 in 5 cases. Bathing in the Tiber has been strictly forbidden, and stricter shipping regulations have been formulated. With the rapid increase of the German Navy and the launchings of Dreadnoughts by Austria and Russia naval scares have been resurrected in London. It is stated that " John Bull" is being left in the lurch, while listening entranced to the soft words of President Taft." The Admiralty, however, may be regarded as " sawing wood and saying nothing," and thus keeping pace with foreign progress, for the naval constructors have a new model on which they will be able to build vessels up to 19,000 tons, with a speed of '55 knots, and carrying six guns of the new 15in calibre, besides other armaments.

Henry Beattie, a wealthy banker at Richmond, Virginia, took his wife for a. trip in his motor car, but returned alone, saying that Mrs Beattie had been killed by a shot from a gun fired from the roadside. x\n inquest was held next day, when it was shown that Beattie was infatuated with a schoolgirl. The latter was called as a witness, and was subjected to a searching examination. The coroner asked her: "Do you love Beattie?" '•Certainly," she replied, "and rather than see him electrocuted I would confess that I had killed his wife myself." The polico allege that the cousin of Beattie, had recently purchased a shot-gun. Beattie has been arrested.

A London message states that one of the Australian cadets has mysteriously disappeared. He left the cadets' camp last week to visit some friends, and has not since been either seen or heard of. Major Wynne has refused to disclose the missing boy's name. The lad did not take away any of his baggage, all of which is still at the camp. The police, of course, v ere informed of the boy's disappearance, tut the vigorous search that they have been piosecuting has not yet resulted in any c'iscoverv.-

When Mr Balfour rose in the Commons on July 24 to reply to Mr Asquith the cries of "Hush!" from the Ministerial benches produced a marked stillness in striking contrast to all the uproar that had previously prevailed. In the course of his speech the Leader of the Opposition said: " I frankly regret that I was unable to hear the Prime Minister. liverybody will understand that such pnoeodings as those in which His Majesty's Ministers have indulged cannot but 'xcito ceep and passionate feelings among tl;e g.iat mass of the community. Nevertheless, my own feeling is that however leep and passionate the resentment by that line of policy, however deep the just indignation we feel against those isponsible, it is, at any rate, desirable that we should discuss the matter." Mr \Vin«.t.on Churchill: "Who set the example?" The Opposition advised their Leader to ignore the Home Secretary. Mr Balfour, hewever, preferred to have a shot at him, and, alluding to Mr Churchill, said : "1 .'eneniber when he was only the leader cf a geng of disturbers."

A wonderful piece of_ statuary Bft high, and carved in solid gold, is to le j" laced within a year or two in the Church of St. Anne's, in Quebec. It will cost £60.000, and the group of figures will include St. Anne, the Infant Christ, and the Virgin. The figures arc to be set on a pedestal of Carrara marble. When finished the work will be. taken to Rome to receive the Pope's blessing, and will afterwards be exhibited in various Catholic ~hiir;-nes in America.