THE CZAR'S ENGLISH VISIT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LVI, Issue LVI, 21 July 1909, Page 4

THE CZAR'S ENGLISH VISIT.

In view of the Czar's proposed visit to England, it is interesting- to notei that protests against its conisumina.tio'n are not confined to the Labor party and the Nonconformists. Many excellent Liberals, in no way connected with Socialistic aims, contemd that no good end or useful purpose can be served by the visit. That being so, it is a. relief to learn that it is not the intention that the: Czar shall visit the great London metropolis. It is now statod that the arrangements for the Czar's visit are similar to those made last year for King Edward's visit to Reval, and it is understood that technically it is not to be a visdt of State. Mr Keir Hardia's challenge, to the British Government to drive the Czar through the streets of London, therefore, loses its point, because, in accordance with present arrangements, it is improbable that the Czar will land on British soil. The Czar of all

the Russias and his Empress are at present on what is soiuewliat houk-ai-

ly described as a "pleasure" cruise in the Imperial yacht. They visit Stockholm and Copenhagen, call at Cherbourg and subsequently at either Cowes or Portsmouth. During the period of tho visit King Edward and Queen Alexandra, will spend some days on shipboard in the Solent, and visits are to be exchanged by water. The Russian visit, it seems, is to be private; and if the Czar lands at all, which is extremely doubtful, it will be only briefly at Portsmouth. Many eminent and sincere politicians question seriously the advantage of these Royal tours and interchanges between monarchs, some holding that they do mo-re harm than good, especially when full reports aio not forthcoming as to what exactly transpires at such interviews'. "When what has passed between tlie sovereigns is "kept dark," the result is sometimes to arouse suspicions of plots and intrigues against other nations, which is- most undesirable in view of the neurotic state in which the leading nations appear to bt at present plunged. Mr Labouchere, the proprietor of "Truth," holds that such Royal visits are in no way conducive to international harmony and goodwill. Het writes : — In the present state of European politics it is most desirable that the interviews between monarchs and responsible Cabinet Ministers should be as few as possible, and that communications between the Powers should be confined to the interchange of despatches between Ministers and verbal" communications between the diplomatic agents. When sovereigns meet articles are written which dwell upon the friendly feeling that is fostered between their respective countries. This is precisely the reverse of what really happens. The cause of peace is in no way furthered. On the contrary, .there is usually more distrust and ill-feeling created, for every country not present at the in- j terview imputes that something not exactly to their advantage has resulted. It is admitted that King Edward is a particularly tactful .monarch, fully maintaining the title which he has so distinctly earned of "Edward, thePeacemaker" ; but it is feared that he is creating a precedent might be followed at a future time to the disadvantage! of Great Britain. It ]s contended that the very success of his diplomacy weakens the control of Parliament concerning the foreign policy of the nation. King and Foreign Minister, it is held, may not always be in complete accord, or be working for the same end, and the difficulties of the Government might thereby be rendered enormous. "Undoubtedly there ia a good deal to be said in favor of Mr Labouchere'a view; and, just at present, it would be as well if the personal element were) eliminated from international negotiations.