The Hastings Standard Published Daily. MONDAY, OCT. 26, 1896. THE BOOM OF PATRIOTISM.

Hastings Standard, Issue 155, 26 October 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

MONDAY, OCT. 26, 1896. THE BOOM OF PATRIOTISM.

For the cause that lacks assistance, I-V'r the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The Navy Lea sue in causing the anniversary of Trafalgar Day to be celebrated in a special manner has called for the enthusiasm of the nation. Unfortunately Englishmen are the best hated of the nations, and there has grown up a school of LittleEngland politicians who would gladly submit to being kicked. The creed of this small coterie has been put into verse: — How cosmopolitan it is. How statesmanlike, how grand (And furthermore what a splendid biz) To tlout one's native land ! To scorn the selfish jingo role Of those who would be strong, To cry with altruistic soul We're always in the wrong. So let us chant with all our might This patriotic song — We will not tight for England's right For England's always wrong. An antidote was required. Further, more the nation has become restive under the repealed threats of attack by foreign nations, antf as one of

the Bishops stated at- the great meeting in St. James's Hall the other day, England is tied to the tail of Europe. The taunts of the Turk and the meekness of the Little Englander have aroused .John Bull, and to revive the memory of Nelson's great victory is one of those incidents that tell for much. The British nation has a magnificent history ; but a generation is growing up which is in imminent danger of forgetting it. True patriotism blossoms to perfection in the rich soil of a great and glorious history, and the Battle of Trafalgar is a brilliant page of that history. " England expects that every man this day Avill do his duty " holds good to-day as it did in Nelson's time. Is it then to be wondered that much enthusiasm was shown in London on Wednesday last, or that the jolly Jack Tars received the homage of the nation '? At a time when England is threatened on all sides and when the navy is regarded, as it is indeed, the first line of defence, it is fitting that the memory of a brilliant naval battle should be brought home to the people. The celebration indicates, however, that the Jingo spirit is abroad. The state of Europe has been in an explosive condition for many months past, promising to " go off" at any moment. How much longer the armed peace is to last no one can foretell ; but while the others are ready for war it as as well that England should be prepared. The younger generation cannot grasp the cost at which the Empire has been built ; citizenship comes to them by inheritance, and comes cheaply, and they hold it cheaply. The day may not be far distant when their right to the Empire will be challenged, and then those daring deeds that won the Empire must be repeated to keep the Empire intact. Celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar is preaching the gospel Jingoism ; it is more, for itis emphasising the need to be prepared for war as being one of the most effectual ways of preserving peace. No sane man really delights in war or would be pleased to see Europe aflame, but so long as nations can settle a dispute in no other way than by the logic of bayonets and ironclads, then we must be prepared to apply that logic. To be reminded of the magnificient traditions of which we are heirs is exhilarating, and the [patriotic fervor that it kindles will help to remind our enemies that the dogged pluck of the British nation has not been sapped by years of peace.