FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1916.

Grey River Argus, 22 December 1916, Page 2

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1916.

MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S SPEECH, j ; ■ •■- ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ WHEN the new Cabinet was an : ! uo.unced . a f ew days ago, one of jJhe papers supporting Mr. Lloyd George declared that he "had the ball at his fee{." With the statement of the German peace proposals made by the Imperial Chancellor (Herr von Bethmann Hollweg), the great task which Miv Lloyd George, by his own force of personality and will, had brought upon" himself was much increased, 1 * and 1 the Empire waited with intense excitement for his speech, which was . to ibe his "kick off" in the great game of winning the war. The scene in' the House of Commons, we are told by the -• cable message, was one never to be forgotten by those who had= the good fortune to obtain admittance tp the Chamber. Not only because it was expected that the new Premier intended to make -a reply to Xhe ■ Chancellor's speech, but also because of the mix-up of the parties due (o the revolutionary change in the ; .Government, excitement was at fever pitch. The reception given to the leaders was a rousing , one, and '■:■ though Mr. Asquith must have felt very severely his deposition by one of his greatest friends — we might say his right-hand man — the cheers, impartially given, would at least/assure him that the representatives of the . and the waiting crowds understood the position, and were by no means dissatisfied with the late Prime -Minister. Those same cheers would encourage the "Little- Welsh Lawyer," who "had been^ suffering from a severe cold which had left its mark upon him. Nor were those who at-, . tended disappointed. The. speech, Which appeared -as fully as received in yesterday morning's "Argus," was a masterpiece of eloquence, sprinkled wifh gems of Celtic expressiveness. The answers given to the speech made in the Reichstag were very complete, and Germany's "humanity" received ..a,: severe, scorching. ; Mr., ■•'■ 'LloVdJ-Clebrge'^didgAb^ indulge r in ibiti->

tei invective, or threats of wrath and fury to be showered upon his ene- < mies; rather, did he speak kindly, 1 though none the less firmly and to the point, and he did not fail to impress upon the Empire and its Al- < lies, and also upon the enemy, the j true and. yet awful position. The Kaiser and his Prussian associates were left to find what comfort tney could, and were given food for j thought concerning their militarism and "kultur" in these terrible and : searching words : "Any man or set ; pf men who wantonly or without sufficient cause prolonged the terrible conflict would have on his soul a crime which' oceans could" not cleanse. On the other hand, it was equally true that any man or set ot men who, from a sense of weariness or despair,, abandoned the struggle without achieving the highest purpose for which the Allies entered it, would have been guilty of the costliest paltroonery ever perpetrated by any statesman." He recalled the great Abraham Lincoln, and after quoting him, asked, "Are we likely, to achieve that, object by accepting the German Chancellor's invitation? What are the proposals?" Here they are fin Bethmann Hollweg's own words— "proposals, which it was understood, w.ould form the basis of a lasting, peace!") "We are nlways ready to stretch out a hand for peace. Our strength ha's not tnf.de our ears deal' to our responsibilities before God and humanity." Also, the. Chancellor stated that he had handed the representatives of the neutral Powers a Note 'containing Germany's peace proposals. These "proposals," we are assured by Mr. Lloyd George, are non-existent, the Note containing nothing more than was given ' in the speech. The wonder is that the Al- j lied nations have so much as taken notice of such impudence, much less given definite answers, unless it be that it is not intended that Germany shall by any chance shift the responsibility., from her own shoulders on to those of the AlHes. We all remember the bombastic and threatening attitude of the Chancellor a little more than a week ago, when he enunciated with much force of language Germany's greatness and strength. As we said at the time, that speech was in harmony with the teaching of "kul" tur," which to these Prussian firebrands is a system much to be desired and which they had hoped, and it I appears still hope, to impose upon the whole world. It does not require, a student of psychology to decide between the two speeches. Let anyone read Hollweg's fiery speech, published on the morning of the 14th, and compare it with Mr. Lloyd George's carefully wprded though equable and masterly, reply, and we do not think it possible that anything could be found in the German's speech to commend it tp the world, or even to Germany herself, No. Mr. Lloyd George has sealed the Central Powers' fate. There is only one escape — to accept our terms, which are in three words : Restoration, Reparation, Guarantees. But the Premier has also a word for our valiant men — what a different word from that of the German! — who have laid aside the pen or other article of peace for the' sword and the grim work of war. There is no boasting of great victories, just a plain statement of the truth. The German militarist posing as an Angel of Peace meets with a hot, steady fire from the great statesman, and his wings must be severely burnt by the statement, "He usually appeared under these conditions when he wished for time to assimilate his conquests or to reorganise his forces for fresh conquests ; or, secondly, when his subjects showed great symptoms of fatigue and war weariness the appeal was always made in the name of humanity." How the German mind will be taken back through the months by this statement, and beginning with August, iQ'4. it will surely be brought home to it how Uypocritical the Chancellor's . "in the liame of humanity" rrv is. The memory will show that Germany refuspd f o join in a conference when all the other nations of Europe were willing • "igain. "in the cause of' humanity" Louvairi was sacked : — and so on right to the present time. Pe.rhap= 'he German militarist brought up from infancy under the discipline of "kultur" wfll, be too hardened to hear the words' of Mr. Lloyd George, but, there is no doubt whatever in the matter, he will have to hear sooner or later, for the Allies are thoroughly determined that he shall hear and that he shall submit. H*»r<» ajrain we find thp lesson for this Dominion and for the whole Empire. To attain the ideals, of which Mr. Lloyd George speaks with such conviction, means cost in all directions, and cost means sacrifice, not only of comfort and happiness and associations but of life itself. New Zealand, says Mr. Lloyd George, by her contributions to the common cause "gives us sure confidence that her determination is no less high than ours, and that, however long the path tp final victory may be. we shall tread it side by side." Could anything be more stimulating to this Dominion at the present time, when selfish agitation is attempting to stop the Government in its duty, than the appeal which the new Premier, who, let it be remembered, is perhaps the greatest hater of war in the Empire, made in his message to the people of New Zealand asking that they should give their fullest support? We hope that these words of his will sink deeply, into the mind of each man and woman and that they will be acted upon: "We realise that we shall need every man that we can put into the field, every pound that rigid private and public economy can provide, and every ef fort which a united -people can put forth, to help in the heavy task of f>ur soldiers and sailors. " What are the answers of the anti-conscription-ist tp England's new Premier, nnd his appeal? Probably, like the German peace proposals, "There are none."

4 Dr. Usher at yesterday's meeting of t;he Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, handed over the sum of £100.' In doing so he stated that this was a record amount of hospital maintenance v dues collected in one month at the Institution.; - C. Hansen, sail and tent maker^ anuomves in this issue that second-hand camping tents may be procured at the .< shop, Mackay Street. ' . She will be delighted with a charming little gift of "jewellery this Christ, mas. J.Cairney, the jeweller, is showing a really good selection of such articles, and will be pleased to show them. to you if you will call. : , If you want to please her, you cannot do better than make her a present of a dainty piece of , jewellery selected at J. Cairney's. There is a special charm in jewellery for most lodies, so let your Christmas present this year be a sample of the jeweller's art. " Boys! Here are suits for you • <o w' tS n JJut^ t laad & from the Petone . Woollen Company. The shapes are the new "Madrass" shape... and the "sports" .colours are browns and trreys; prices 25s to 50s. They are the best of the . best from the best sources. One shilling ' in J the pound discount.— W McKay and Son, Grey

The annual meeting of Court Con- [ Ecrd, -No. 4355. A.0.F., will be held this evening at S o'clock. Acceptances for all first day 's events in connection with the. Greymouth Trotting Club's Summer Meeting close this evening with the secretary. P. C. Heaphy. Nancarrow's office.' At the Magistrate's Court on "Wed nesday, E. H. Soderstom was convict ed and fined 'm all £4 18s 5d fpr behaving in a violent manner in a railway carriage on the Grey-Otira line. An application by Percy Hazeldine for a motor car driver's license was receiver by the Greymouth Borough Council at its meeting last evening. The council decided to take no action. In the accountancy examination the results for the Greymouth centre arc as follows: — P. A. Macomish: Bookkeeping (stage 1.), . mercantile law (stage 1), auditing and .trustees. P. V. Sharp: The same subjects, excepting trustees, and with the addition of bankruptcy and company law. Mr. J. A. Valentine, Inspector for the Canterbury Education Board, made a promise to the scholars at the different schools throughout the district that a lilt of passes would appear in Friday's issue of the "Argus" if he ;.could get through the papers. He has ilonc so, and in another part of thisissue the list is published. Staff-Scrgt. G. W. Wallace, late of the Railway Department, Greymouth, forwarded a photograph of the staff of the Walton-on-Thames Hospital for the acteptance of the Grey Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. On a motion the thanks of the Board were ordered to be conveyed to Staff-Sergt. G. W. Wallace. Ti Lee. a Chinese gardener, carrying on business in Greymouth, yesterday informed the Greymouth Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, that, if they would accept, he would donate a few sacks of vegetables to the Institution as a Christmas gift. Ti Lee was heartily thanked for his generous offer. At the Magistrate's Court yesterday before Messrs J. D. Lynch and Jos. McLean, J.P.s, Archibald Wylie, a postal cadet, pleaded guilty to the theft of a postal packet, and was 4committed for sentence at the March sitting of the Supreme Court in Greymouth, bail being fixed at accused in his own 'recognisance of £50 and one surety of £50. The carol conceit at Blaketown on Wednesday evening was well attended. ,-iolos were given,, by Misses Topsy Jundy. May Ellison, Ellen Sharp and A. Anderson. Mr. Alexander sang 1 ' Nazareth. ' ; Yen. Archdeacon G, York gave an interesting address on chc good work of the Sunday School at Blaketown, afterwards presenting cue children with Scriptural prizes, ■i'tie hyiuu ' ' O come, all ye Faithful md the National Anthem concluded the ,eveniug. C. Tracey and A. Warwick were charged at the Magistrate's Coui% \c^ with: (1) with using threatening behaviour on the Christchurch Road on November 26th, and (2) with playing a game of chance, viz : "twoup." His Worship pointed out that the accused were liable to a fine not exceeding £50 or imprisonment not exceeding three months for having played "two-up" in a public place, i'he evidence showed that the accused did not actually throw coins but that hey were part and parcel of the body of men who formed the ring, and as aiders and abettors in a game of betting they were equally liable. On the charge of threatening behaviour iccused were fined 10s each, and on that of playing "two-up" a tine of £s each was imposed, in default one mon ths' imprisonment. Accused were also ordered to pay 12s 8d witnesses expenses. Boots Bad? I'm Glad! You send em; I'll mend 'em! at W. Morrish and '0. — Advt. Christmas toys for the children are iere in great profusion. Our prices ire the lowest possible. An- early inspection is invited, at B. Dixon, Tainui Street. — Advt. Don't forget your sporty friends at 3hristmas. A tennis racquet, bat, or •■>rief bag will be appreciated." — Wade md Co. — Advt. White Piqufco, single widths, 1/-.' /3, '1/9 per yard. Also double width 'iqucs at 1/3 and 1/6 per yard. Walkr's, Boundary Street. — Advt A useful gift at Xmas time would be 1 lovely flower stand which can be pur hasod at Uddstrom'g furniture sale Tom 5/6 upwards ; cake stands from 12/b\ Inspection, invited.— Advt. The new ready-to-wear and model iats are to be found at W. McKay md Son's. Ready-to-wears in browns, uscan, white, vieux rose, etc, 10s 6d is 6d. 16s 6d. London and Paris mojel hats 6d, 27s 6d, 30s. You'll " ! nd the most up-to-date goods are howingr at W. McKay and Son. leadng 'drapers, Greymouth and Hokitia. — Advt. . The thing to remember is not. to forget to come to Morrish and Co. 's for vqur boots and shoes. — Advt. The choice of a suitable Christmas nresent for your friend is easily made 'f you purchase from B. Dixon. The stocks are large and varied, the articles- useful and -dainty, the prices the lowest in town.r-Advt. Motorists can. obtain all sizes^ in j M.ichelin tyres and tubes, and the famous Kbrker puncture cure from Harley's, Ltd., the West Coast agents. Lifelong friendships are often cemented with a kindly present at the festive ' ■ season. A. tennis racquete, brief bag, set of Sandows, all make •|rand presents for your athletic friend. — Wade and Co. — Advt. Don 't get Corna — wear Morrish and Jo. 's Boots. They fit to perfection, wear like steel, and the prices are the' lowest.— Advt.