A SIGNIFICANT HINT.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1891, 9 April 1913, Page 4

A SIGNIFICANT HINT.

In politics simple statements when uttered in certain circumstances have their special significance, the general public do not always see behind the scenes or obtain acquaintance with what transpires behind the caucus doors. Enlightenment sometimes comes with a stray hint dropped at random. Last evening, we notice Mr Massey made a passing remai k which mu3t convey its own significance. When the time came for Mr Buick to retire from politics, said Mr Massey, hb was sure tne town would welcome its Mayor (Mr J. A. Nash], as its member. The suggestion of retirement — politicians rarely retire —on Mr Buick's part brings certaiu possibilities to wind ; and the other point, Mr Maesey's open avowal on behalf of Mr is also not without its extremely interesting aspect from the political party point of view. AN UGLY OUTLOOK. The European situation grows daily uglier. Montenegro is being prompted by Russia to refuse to retire l'rom Skutari. Feeling in Russia in favour of the Allies is developing into a dangerous pau-rflav demonstration-

Hostility is growing towards Germany and Austria. Derogatory things are being written of Britain because she has joined with the Triple Alliance in calling for a cessation of the Balkan war—action Britain has taken on the ground that the war is no longer one of emancipation, but is a war of conquest; on t,ne ground also that to Albania should be given the freedom and autonomy for which she is well fitted, and for which she has been yearning for years. England apparently is as determined as Montenegro in the matter, and if a general European war is to be averted it will only be because British diplomacy directed a strong course. Britain's juncture with the Triple Alliance, even if France goes witn Russia, which is doubtful, gives an intimidating preponderance of power. There is of course the probability that tne nations so joined could not agree'sufficiently to conduct a war together. That, nowever, is scarcely a matter for consideration yet.