TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 28 September 1908, Page 2

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Moralising on the visit ot the Americar Fleet and the Australia's future future of Ausand the tralia, the Mcl; PANAMA CANAL. boUHie "ArgUS says: — "Oui American visitors wero astonished at the possibilities of Australia, at the tiM of its cities, and at the dimensions of its foreign trade. Facts such as thes; have not boen realised yet by the nations. For Australia has been placed on the very outskirts of the Empire, on the very" fringe of that world of affairs whoso centre ie Europe. But al that will probably be changed, and changed very soon. The rise of Asia into ' Power' and tho cutting of the Panama Canal will alter the whole map of the world and will shift the centre of gravity of affairs. Australia, as not the least important division of the Empire, will be drawn Into the circle ma way undreamt of now. When the Mediterranean was the centre, or even whfn the North Sea was the centre, Australia- was nowhere.; but when Panama becomes the centre of life and interest Australia will be in closer touch with tho great life of the world. Then Australia will see and be seen. She will add to the power of the "empire, and at the same time derive power from it. And the' greater the power of the British people the stronger will be the guarantee of peace. We have but to feel confi-'enco in ourselves as one great famil y to realise that we have a splendid future. The thing to do is to keep our eyes well on the horizon. W e shou'd try to understand not only what it is to enjoy privileges, but what it means to us to feel responsibi ity It Australians stand tip-toe and look out on the world, they will find the view inspiring They will more easily comprehend the magnificence of the Empire to which they belong, and the more clearly «cc that the mission of the race is to ensure peace in both hemispheres. White mice (says the "Sunday at Home") have now white MICE AND become important submarines. creatures in the navy, and wise men, brave men, great men— captains, admirals, and even Royal Highnesses— —have had to think and think about them, and draw up documents and designs, and form committees to consider the due honour to be paid to the latest addition to our fleet— white mice— our white mice ! No crew of a submarine would dare to dive down unless they had some of these little creatures with them. It isn't superstition such as makes the boldest mariner tremble when he sees a rat slink ashore by the hawser with a straw in its mouth. For just as the thermometer tells how hot or cold it is getting, so Jack, when his ship has dived down into deep water, keeps a sharp look-out on the cage of white mice, for these tiny friends tell w-hether the air is pure and safe for breathing, or whether it is becoming poisonous. There is no creature so sensitive to foul air as your little white mouse. As long as the little things arc wide-awake and playful, Jack knows he is all right ; but if they become dull and sleepy then he knows it is time to rise to the surface quick, and get fresh air.