EUROPE'S BAD NEIGHBOUR. SWASHBUCKLER MUST CEASE.

Grey River Argus, 21 December 1916, Page 3

EUROPE'S BAD NEIGHBOUR. SWASHBUCKLER MUST CEASE.

■ sacrifices we are making will be made j'in vain.

"The German Note states that- i1 was for the defence of their existence and freedom and national developmenl that the Central Powers were con drained to take up arms. Sueh-phrMM defeat cv.m those who pen ..them, mej : ,are intended to delude .^the Germar Varum into supporting the designs ot the Prussian military caste. VNht ever wished to put an end to Germany's national existence or freedom t Their national development we welcome; their development we would welcome so long as it was on the paths of peace. The Allies entered the war to defend Europe against aggression and Prussian military domination, and having, begun -thoy must insist that the only «nd is a most ' complete and effective guarantee against any possibility of that caste ever again disturbing the peace of Europe. "Prussia, since, she got into the hands of that caste has been a bad neighbour— arrogant, threatening, bullyin", shifting boundaries at her will, taking one far afield after another from her weaker neighbour. With her belt ostentatiously full of weapons for an offensive and ready at a moment *'s notice to use them, she has always been an i> pleasant neighbour in Europe. It is difficult to those living thousands of miles away to undcrtsand what it has meant to those living near her. Even here, with the protection of the broad seas between us, we know what a disturbing factor the Prussians wcre t with their constant naval menace. But even we can. hardly realise what it has meant to France and Russia. , "Now that war has been forced by the Prussian military leaders upon .jj'iance .tiussia, Italy, and ourselves, it would be cruel folJy not to see to it that this swashbuckling through the sireots of Europe to the disturbance of all harmless, peaceful citizens shall be dealt With now as an offence' against tiie law of nations. (A section of the speech belonging here had not come to Hand up to the tune of going to press.) WORST MAY PROVE A BLESSING.