THE MARSHALL ISLANDS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13815, 31 July 1905, Page 8

THE MARSHALL ISLANDS.

COMMENTS BY THE “TIMES.” United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received July 30, 4.19 p.m.)

LONDON, July 29

Commenting on Mr Coghlan’s letter explaining the position in the Marshall Islands, tho “ Times ” says :—Germany’s excuses added insult to injury. She was indisposed to alter tho transparently illusory arrangement until tho Australians were beginning to hint at retaliation. If little money isiinvolved, the denial of justice is all the more inexcusable. The lesson of the dispute is plain. Britain is powerless to protect British commerce. She has nothing to negotiate with, no punitive powers except war. Lord Lansdowne might have written despatches till tho crack of doom and never obtained anything but pettifogging answers. Tho Australians themselves have obtained a promise of redress, and it rests with them to see that the redress is genuine and adequate. They have’ something to negotiate with, the power to retaliate when commercially injured. They are masters of their own domestic legislation, not tied hand and foot. Only tho fear that Australia perceived six millions of German commerce- to operate upon, brought the German Government to reason. Australia can imitate Canada’s example by adopting a preferential tariff, and possesses other ways of making her displeasure felt. We only hope that she will not shrink from using her power. Germany is in no sense indispensable to the Australians, but they are very useful to Germany. By insisting on the fullest equality of treatment and adequate compensation for past injury they do a good thing for themselves and the Empire.