King’s Moving Broadcast to People From Empire’s Heart

Northern Advocate, 25 May 1939, Page 7

King’s Moving Broadcast to People From Empire’s Heart

(Received 1 p.m.) WINNIPEG, May 24. TN A DRAMATIC BROADCAST TO THE EMPIRE FROM ITS GEO- ' GRAPHICAL HEART THE KING TODAY VENTURED FURTHER INTO THE REALMS OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICS THAN ANY CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCH HAS EVER DONE, His Majesty said the European ti de of inspiration which had led the world, no longer ran so strongly as it did, and he asked, “Isn’t this the moment when the old world in its turn might look for Hope and inspiration to the achievements of the new?”

“The sense of race,” he added, “may be a dangerous and a destructive force, but British and French have shown in Canada that they can keep their pride in the distinctive culture it inspires, and yet combine to establish a broader freedom and security than either could have achieved alone.”

He referred to the United States and the British Empire’s common faith in reason and fair play, and eonclud ed with an appeal not to lose heart, even though the skies were overcast.

► Since Victoria’s Time. . His Majesty said: “Today is Queen Victoria’s birthday as well as Empire Day, and I am glad I can speak to you on this day, amid surroundings eloquent of the Empire’s achievement since Queen Victoria was born. “The city of Winnipeg, from which I am speaking, was not more than a fort fond a hamlet upon the open prairie when Queen Victoria began to rule. Today it is a monument to the faith and energy which have created and upheld the world-wide empire of our time.

“The journey which the Queen and I are making in Canada has been a deeply moving experience, and I welcome this opportunity of sharing with my subjects in all parts of the world some of the thought and feeling which it has inspired in me. “We often talk of the old world and the new. It is one of the greatest functions of the British Empire that it serves to link and harmonise the two.

“That part of the British realm which lies in Europe and in Asia looks back upon many centuries of civilised life and growth. That part of it which lies in America, Africa and the two great sister nations of Australia and New Zealand, has made its place in world society Within the last 100 years.

European Leadership Lags. “For a long period in history it was the mind of Europe which led the march and fixed the aims of progress in, the world, but that tide of inspiration is nc longer running as it did in times gone by. “The Christian civilisation of Europe is now profoundly troubled and challenged from within. We are striving to restore its standard, but the task is long and hard. Asia, too, is changing fast, and its mind is deeply disturbed. “Is not this a moment when the old world in its furh might look for hope and guidance to the achievements of the new? There is one example in particular which North America can offer to other parts of the world.

Canada’s Lesson. “A century ago, when Queen Victoria began her reign, a great constitutional struggle was in progress in the Canadian provinces, but soon after that time the provinces of Canada achieved responsible self-government. Freedom and responsibility led them gradually to compose their differences and to cement this noble federation from sea to sea.

“Nor is that the only chapter in North American history that deserves consideration,” said His Majesty, continuing. “Canada and the United States have had to dispose of searching difficulties of aim and interest during the past 100 years, but nevex' has one of those differences been resolved by force or threat. War Between Empire And U.S. Unthinkable.

“No man, thank God, will ever again conceive of such an arbitrament between the peoples of my Empire and the people of the United States. The faith in reason and fair play which we share with them is one of the chief 'ideals that guides the British Empire in all its ways. “?6day if is not in power or wealth alone, nor in dominion over other people that the true greatness of an Empire consists. Those things 'are but the instrument, they are not the end, or the ideal. The end is freedom, justice and peace in equal measure for all. and security against 'attack from without and from within. Thus it is only by 'adding to the spiritual dignity and material happiness of human life ’’in all its myriad homes that an Empire can claim to be of service to its own peoples and the world.

Hold Fast To That Which Is Good. ' “I would end with a special word of greeting to those of my listeners who are young. It is true, and I deplore it deeply, that the skies are overcast in more than one quarter at present. Do not on that account lose heart.

“Life is a great 'adventure and every one of you can be a pioneer, blazing by thought and service a trail to better things. Hold fast to all that is just and of good report in the heritage wh'lch your fathers have loft you, but strive also to improve and equalise that heritage for all men and women in the years to come. “Remember, too, that the key frail true progress lies in faith, hope, and love. May God give you that support and may God help them to prevail.” i ■ '