AUSTRALIA AND THE WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11841, 19 December 1901, Page 5

AUSTRALIA AND THE WAR.

DECISION OF THE FEDERAL

GOVERNMENT.

NO MORE TROOPS TO BE SENT.

THE PREMIER'S ACTION

DISAPPOINTING.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

AN UNSTATESMANLIKE ATTITUDE

Melbourne, December 18,

Captain Carrie and Mr. J. S. Horsfall yesterday interviewed Mr. Barton on the question of sending troops. Subsequently Mr. Barton announced that it was not the intention of the Government to take further steps to send more.

Mr. McCulloch, State Minister for Defence, in another letter to the press, expresses sad disappointment that nothing has been done in regard to his suggestion to send a further contingent. He understands that certain of Mr. Barton's followers are not favourable, and asks is this the reason why the Commonwealth is holding back when Canada and New Zealand are to the fore? He wishes there, was someone at the head of the Commonwealth with sufficient backbone to rise to the occasion. Had there been no federation he is certain that the colonies long ere this would have sent contingents. He has been inundated with letters from men desirous of volunteering.

The Age says: —" We are told New Zealand, with a population of 810,000, can send away another contingent of 1000. This is a proper sign of public spirit, and does credit to Mr. Seddon's sense of the colony's Imperial obligations. Australia talked a great deal about coming into nationhood. If we are a nation amongst nations, under the British flag, wo must in self-respect play a man's part amongst men. When the Empire is in the throes of battle we cannot in. decency fold our arms under our vines. Mr. Barton's attitude is a distinct disappointment to hundreds of thousands of patriotic Australians." The Age denounces Mr. Barton's want of enthusiasm, and says the wisdom of Sir W. Laurier and Mr. Seddon's offers far transcends the physical value of any troops sent, and is an eloquent answer to the Hood of vituperation and spite.

Sydney, December 18. The Sydney Morning Herald says that Mr. Seddon has distinguished himself by being the first in the field to offer another contingent. The offer comes as a timely answer to taunts of certain Continental newspapers. The chorus of journalistic approval of Mr. Seddon's offer, and the accompanying remarks received, enable us to realise that the time lias come when the Commonwealth should follow New Zealand's example. The reason why Australian volunteers have not been offered before is that if the State authorities are not competent to move as rv! the outbreak of the war, the matter can now only be taken effectively in hand by the Commonwealth Executive, and it is natural that Ministers should wait for a definite expression of opinion before committing the States. Mr. Seddon is entitled to every credit for his promptitude, but, needless to say, neither New South Wales nor any other State would exhibit the slightest hesitation in sending more men to the front. No one who knows anything of the feeling of Australians would tolerate the suspicion for a moment that there would be any more difficulty in raising fresh troops here than ill Canada. The willingness of the War Office to accept our aid is the greatest compliment that can be paid us. The Herald hopes that the Federal Ministers will see their way to taking action at an early date.