For the Flag.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 131, 26 May 1921, Page 3

For the Flag.

CRUSHING DISLOYALTY, SYDNEY’S AFFIRMATION. A SOLDIER’S AND A PADRE’S APPEALS. A famous Australian general, Sir Chas. Rosenthal K.C.B. delivered an inspiring speech at the recent loyalty demonstration in Svdney, while Captain Chaplain McDonald made a fighting speech which created unbounded enthusiasm. Sir Charles, representing the King and Empire Alliance, was greeted with prolonged applause upon rising to move rhe resolution:— “That this meeting affirms its loyalty to King George V. as head of the British Empire, and pledges itself to use every endeavour to crush any act of disloyalty in Australia, and to maintain at ail times the Empire’s unity.”

Major-General Rosenthal said it was peculiarly fitting that the meeting was on the occasion of the anniversary oi the accession of the King. He (Sir Charles Rosenthal) was privileged to be in London on Armistice Day and to see evidence of the people’s affection for the King. It was a manifestation of affection which some sovereigns would have given their kingdoms tor- “ The Union jack,” added tne speaker, “represents the British Constitution, which is easily the best Constitution the world has ever seen. (Applause.) That Constitution might have its defects, but do people destroy a motoi car because something goes wrong with tne crank-wheel? Let us go on building up, instead of being out to destroy; and let us see those wno would destroy have no place here-” (Loud applause.) DUTY TO SOLDIERS. Major-General Rosenthal added that they siioUxU never lorget wnat uncd to jAeigiuin. \vuut tnai nation aid during nrst ioitniguv or tut war earned toe gratitude 01 the whoie norid. luej, Luo, snould bo grateiu* lor tne woik that was done oy tne troop* that went rrom Australia. 'Hit men who reiuraeu Buttering from injuries as roe result oi tueir service oiiuuid never be permitted to oe n» want, li was their bounden duty as cuneus to see that tneir maimed oOiUiers uere not in want. Tne nagburning incident was tne culminating point oi a succession of things that hau happened during tne last 12 months. What uere they going to do about it* it was up to toe great audience to see that there was no tailing away oi the spirit that permeated tne meeting, it uas up to mein to see that then responsibilities as citizens were not shelved.

“The Union Jack,” he continued, “repiesents these countries —isngianu, Scotland-, and Ireland. The majority oi our toreoears came from these countries- And there was no question oi 44 hours in those days. It was up to us to see that tne Hag is honoured in Ausiralia as it is on tne other side oi tne world. The red flag is someining tnat we should not have any time for, because it is in conflict with the union Jack- We should not only ask tne humble citizens what side or the fence they are on. We should also put the same question to those people in authority. (Applause.) Tney should not be permitted to speak under the red tlag one day and under the Union Jack the next. Purely wo should demana of those who occupy prominent positions in our State that they should be loyal to tne King and country. ’’ A voice:’ Wuat about the Lord Mayor ? UNITY OF EMPIRE. He said that no one should be ashamed to declare what side he was on. it was their duty to maintain the unity of the Empire. The doctrine oi “Australia first” was an insidious ana dangerous doctrine. All of them who were born in Australia and had seen active service ielt that there was no better country turn J '’stralia. (Applause) SYMBOL OF EMPIRESurely the people, young and old, ht continued, should do their share tc maintain the unity of the Empire. (Applause) They should remembei that ••Australia first” meant more than Australia first. They had had it openly declared that mere would be an Australian republic. If it was to be Australia first, all right; but it must be from within and not from without the British Empire. (Applause.) It was futile for Australia to talk about going on her own. (Applause.) He would remind them of what General Smuts had said before the last general election in South Africa. The distinguished statesman had declared: “England is our best friend, and our sole protector.”' Major-General Rosenthal then referred to the King and Empire Alliance, and said it was essential that all Ibyal Australians should join some such organisation. The King and Empire Alliance would strenuously oppose all attempts to introduce disloyal doctrines, and would pay special attention to the education of the children. (Applause.) Canada had linked up with the King and Empire Alliance, and one of tbeir rules was that “every business house on every day shall ny the Union Jack” (Applause.) He asked whether they could not follow that in Sydney. (Applause-) A voice: On the lown Hall. Major-General Rosenthal: Yes, on the Town Hall. The meeting in the Town Hall that night was representative of the citizens, and on Sunday there would be no uncertain note from the Diggers in the Domain. (Applause.) And it might be good lor those in authority in Australia to know what the people of the Commonwealth were thinking. (Applause.) He urged ah present to join some definite organisation tor the Empire and the flag—the symbol of that Empire. (Loud and prolonged applause.) “YOU WILL DO ME.”

Captain Chaplain McDonald, who seconded the resolution, and he remembered Armistice Day in London, when the King and Queen drove in an open carriage through a dense throng. A Digger pushed his way through the crowd —nothing could stop him. He pushed his way through to the Royai carriage. The Digger did not care whether he had to push his way through lords, dukes, earls, or policemen- (Laughter) The Digger got right through to the Royal carriage, and jumping on the step he said to tne King; ‘‘You will do me, George.” (Laughter and applause.) Could not ' the people of Australia on the eleventh 1 amu.ersary oi the accession of King George say “You will do me”? (Applause.) i “BLASPHEMY AGAINST HIGH HEAVEN-” “When,” he added, “I think of the flag that so many of us have seen covering the bodies of so many of our brave men out on the field of action, and when we think that the flag has been disgraced, it stands as a blasphemy against high heaven —(applause) —a blasphemy against the most sacred ties. This meeting should not be closed ; it should merely stand adjourned until we meet again in the Domain on Sunday. (Applause.) This insignificant element in the community asks for liberty; the trouble is that they have been given too much liberty. (Applause.) 1 only wish the Federal authorities would have a few ships in tlite harbour, and then next Sunday afternoon let the Diggers and their friends sweep the wffiole lot of them into tfie harbour.” (Applause.) “It is up to those in authority,” added the speaker with emphasis, “who are hut the servants of the people, as this meeting shows, to take the right action, because we are going to have freedom'and loyalty in this country by their leave or without it.” (Loud applause.)