JOHN BULL WANTS MORE DREADNOUGHTS. Again New Zealand Leads.

Free Lance, Volume IX, Issue 456, 27 March 1909, Page 6

JOHN BULL WANTS MORE DREADNOUGHTS. Again New Zealand Leads.

HISTORY has a knack of repeating itself. la 1899, John Bull was faced with a disagreeable surprise. The Boers proved to be tougher soldiers than 'he thought, and the British forces were meeting with reverses, to the ill-concealed satisfaction, of some of the European Powers. At once Sew Zealand leaped to the front with an offeT of soldiers for South Africa. The other colonies followed suit, and the world stood amazed at the solidarity of the British Empire. • • • Agam John Bull is confronted with an unpleasant surprise, and at any moment might find himself m a tight place. Germany has nearly caught up to him in number of first-class battleships, and is building them at a faster rate. The situation looks ominous, and the world watches eagerly for the next move. It comes once more from New Zealand, and, as before, it strikes ■ghe resounding chords of the same patriotic refrain to which the Empire thrilled (responsive once before. "One People, One Flag, One Destiny." This time the little Dominion rushes to the front with the splendid offer of a firstclass battle-ship— two, if necessary. . . • There is not the slightest doubt tnat Sir Joseph Ward will be solidly backed up in the important step he has taken by the people at large. Already it is manifest that he has given, voice to an enthusiastic popular sentiment. At the same time, it is a pity the representatives of the people were not consulted, at any rate, by confidential wire. It is conceivable that the time, might come when some Government might commit the country to an undertaking to which Parliament would refuse assent. On this occasion, there is not the smallest room for doubting that the Premier has expressed the feeling which animates the whole nation. • * • We are glad that the Premier has expressly stated that his action, was not hurried by any vain desire to be first in the field. The fact that it was a deliberate and well-considered decision adds weight to it. Its greatest value is in its moral effect. First, upon, the kindred colonies in bringing them solid to the support of the Mother Country. Secondly, in presenting an object lesson to the outer world that at the first threat of war the British Empire at Home and overseas will' present a united front to the enemy. But John Bull ought not to have been caught napping. Germany has been arming to the teeth for some time. Let us hope she will 1 see the wisdom of keeping the peace now that she finds that the other fellow is just, as determined to be ready for emergencies as she is. • • • In the last place, can we live up to the expense of that Dreadnought? The Mother Country may dedKne it with warmest thanks. But, if she accepts we must cheerfully shoulder the bur-

den of a two-million loa.n — say £60,000 a year in interest. Posterity" will pay the po.per in the long run, but, in spite of dull times, our patriotism ought to be equal to £60,000 more a year. After all, it is in the nature of an insurance against war. At a pmcli it oould be saved out of our Defence expenditure. There is far too much millinery about our standing army. Lop off the gold lace, the gold braid, the occks' f eatihers, and the trappings, and let us have plain and serviceable uniforms for the rough and tumble of real fighting. Cut down the top-heavy staff which makes such a dazzling display on gala days. In short, let us give over playing at soldiers.