CONDENSED CORRESPONDENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14978, 26 April 1909, Page 8

CONDENSED CORRESPONDENCE.

G. Party writes in support of Mr Taylor’s attitude in connection with the Dreadnought offer. “Sparticus” writes: "The conquering of Britain by Germany would mean disorganisation, distress and a check of social progress in this country. . . . Arbitration would be an excellent substitute for war if all the Powers would agree to it, but when we see a great nation bent on conquest, and ruled by an Emperor who would like to be an Alexander, then the duty of every man: is defence.” “Radical” warmly approves of Mr Taylor’s attitude- in connection with the Dreadnought offer. He concludes: “ It amounts to little short of a political crime to pledge tho dominion to a debt of between, two and three million of pounds without the consent of Parliament, at a. time when there are so many unemployed in the country.” S. Chamberlain considers that the air-ship is destined to become in tho near future a most powerful factor in warfare, and will not bo surprised at any time to learn that some inventor has brought the navigation of the air

to a practical and successful issue. Under these circumstances, he thinks the British Government would be wise in devoting some of tho odd millions to the encouragement of British inventors, instead of building so many Dreadnoughts, which in a very few yeans may be found only seoond in effect for war purposes. Mr Chamberlain points out that Mr Taylor’s opposition to the Dreadnought gift has had the effect of bringing people out of their apathy and affording ventilation to a matter of paramount importance. He concludes: "If Mr Taylor fails t-o vindicate the attitude he has assumed in this matter, like the able and fearless politician he is. he will not fear or dread the political duel which may await him three years lienee.”