BRITAIN AND GERMANY

New Zealand Mail, 22 January 1902, Page 48

BRITAIN AND GERMANY

GREAT MEETING AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. ENEMIES OF THE EMPIRE DENOUNCED. STIRRING SPEECHES AND FRANTIC ENTHUSIASM. Patriotism concentrated and condensed. That was the condition of affairs at the Theatre Royal on Friday afternoon, when in response to tiie rally of tho Mayor and the Citizens’ Committee an immense crowd congregated to Testify by their presence the indivisibility of tlie Empire, and the intense loyalty of the great body of Wellington citizens. It is no mere figure of speech to say that “thousands were turned away,” because directly the doors of the Theatre Royal were thrown open a previouslyassembled multitude swarmed wildly in and took up all the seats, and very soon there was not even as much as standing room only. It was a hot afternoon, but the crowd was at fever pitch, and seemed far too interested to pay attention to that. Tho very air was tense with subdued excitement, an excitement which was ministered to by the playing of patriotic airs by Mr Dix’s orchestra, so that when the musicians brought tl.eir programme to a conclusion with “God Save the King,” the audience rose to its feet and sang with heart and soul, and cheered again and again. Tho assemblage was a very representative one, as regards both sexes. Among those seated on the stage and in the boxes were the Chief Justice (Sir Ribert Stout), the Premier (Right Hon. R. J. Seddon) and Mrs Seddon, tho Minister for Railways (Sir J. G. Ward), tho Minister for Education (Hon. W. C. Walker), the Minister for Public Works (Hon. W. Hall-Jones), the Minister of Lands (Hon T. Y. Duncan), and the Minister for Customs (Hon C. H. Mills), Mr Justice Edwards, Dr Mclnnes <;British Columbia). Revs R. Coffey. J. Paterson, W. C'. Oliver, H. Van Staveren, J. G. S. Bartlett George Bond and E. T. W. Bond, Messrs I. M. Wilford. M.H.R., W. H. Field. M.H.R.. and J. O’Meara. M.H.R. (Pahiatua), Mr W. R. Haselden, S.M., Councillors J. P. Luke, R. M. Tolhurst, D. J. Nathan. G. Winder and J. Godber, Messrs J. H. B. Coates, C‘. A. Kwen, H. Beauchamp. A. A. S. Menteath, A. H. Miles, J. P. Maxwell, John Duthie. R. C. Bruce (Hunterville), John Plimmer, R. C. Kirk, J. Jack, senr., A. do B. Brandon, W. Nathan, F. Dver. E. H. Dean, Charles Hill, T. W. Rowe', F. Haybittle, C. T. Richardson, Malcolm Macpherson, George Wilson, John Blundell, FI. P. Cameron, T. Divan, junr., T. S. Lambert, J. McLellan, G. F. Gee, John Duncan, W. H. Quick, Arthur Pearce, Charles Hiorns, B. Wilson, J. Salisbury. The Mayor opended the proceedings punctually at 3.30 p.m. He said they wanted to make this meeting as effective as they could, to show that we here in tho Empire City of New Zealand wero as loyal—as enthusiastically loyal —as ever. (Great cheering). It had been said the other day by those who did not know us that we were tired of this war. (“No,” “Not a bit of it,” and applause.) Our answer to that was that wo would send more men if necessary—and there were a thousand men ready to go next week. (Great cheering). After a few further remarks his Worship read apologies for non-attendance from Mr Thomas McKenzie (“Wellington’s oldest citizen”), Mr W. Fraser, M.H.R., Rev W. C. Waters, Mr J. T. M. Hornsby, M.H.R., Dr Collins, Mr ~-E. R- Bust, and Mr A. R. Atkinson. :- -THE RESOLUTION. Mr John Duthie, who was in charge of the principal motion, said lie thought they wero indebted to tho gentlemen who had formed a deputation and waited on tho Mayor, and asked him to convene this meeting. Tho occasion was one of great national importance, and the meeting was called at the proper time. He moved, “l.Tliat the citizens of the City of Wellington in public meeting assembled desire to express their emphatic approval of the attitude of tho British Government in tho conduct of tho South African war, and to record their appreciation of the complete refutation by the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain of foreign slanders upon the honour of the British forces serving in South Africa. 2. That the Right lion, the Premier bo requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolution to tho Secretary for State.” (Applause). It would be out of place and the time at his disposal would not permit him to make any allusion to tho justifiablonoss of the war. It was sufficient to say that while tho British Gov.rnment remonstrated with the Boers in regard to the withholding of certain rights from their co-occupiers of the Transvaal, still there was no thought on tho part of the British of enforcing its representations by arms. Tho outbreak of the war made it clear, however, that tho Boers had actually determined to wage war against British possessions. They had for some years previously accumulated an immense amount of warlike stores and of arms and ammunition. When tho time caino they suddenly invaded Natal. In these circumstances, and looking to the experience of fifty years, it became a question of whether it was safe to have, as it were, an enemy in the back yard.

Would any part of the British Empire be safe under such a condition of affairs.? Great Britain, as a nation, was in the forefront of civilisation. She had advanced human progress from one end of tho earth to the other. The position which culminated in the invasion of Natal by the Boers had to be put an end to in the cause of civilisation and for the rights of man. (Applause.) When the war was entered upon, after years of peace, humaneness had become a sort of second nature in the British people. The British Government attempted to wage the war upon lines of humanity never before known in any campaign. It was found, after a time, that if the country was not denuded of supplies, the Boers returned and obtained what they wanted to maintain them in the field. The British had no desire to reduce the country to a wilderness, but it proved necessary to take some steps to prevent the Boers from obtaining supplies for themselves and their horses. The Boer women and children were taken care of by the British. In other wars male and female had had to suffer together. That rule had been set on one side in this instance. We had taken care of and supported some 90,000 Boers, whilst their ablebodied men were waging war against us. This action on our part had been tho cause of our losing thousands of valuable lives. Yet, whilst we were conducting the war in that humane manner, we were maligned and misrepresented by the nations of Europe to a degreo perhaps never met with before. We had an army of whose traditions every man among us was proved. Our navy and our army were dear to every one'of us. (Applause). Our army had been engaged in many wars, and it had always maintained a high reputation for manhood. And all of a sudden we were told that our soldiers were cruel, that they outraged women, and that they were thieves. (Cries cf "oname.") In the face of that, it was well that we at this end of the earth should rise and speak our mind openly before the world in the support of our country. (Loud applause). Such things as had been charged against the British Army were not to be thought of. The public spirit of our nation would never tolerate for a moment such acts as our army in South Africa had been charged with. We knew that the charges were false, and that there was no justification for them. (Applause). But it was well, ha thought, for the people of Wellington to express their undivided and unanimous opinion as to our conduct of the war and their appreciation of the services of Mr Chamberlain in his recent manly defence of the army. (At this point, the Premier and Mrs Seddon took their seats on the stage, amid a great outburst of cheering). Continuing, Mr Duthie said that a meeting sucli as this served a larger purpose than even the defence of the reputation of the army and navy. These slanders were circulated on the Continent of Europe. They all knew, from the constitution of those countries, the control that was exercised by their Governments. The Press of Europe would not dare to publish such statements if it had not the implied permission of the several Governments. His hearers would remember the incident which occurred some five years ago, when the Emperor of Germany sent a cablegram to Mr Kruger. That action of the Kaiser’s excited a great outburst of indignation. But since then we had been told that the thing was a cool piece of policy, intended to make the German people favourable to the voting of certain supplies. Germany was seeking to build up her trade and commerce. Well, the world was wide, and she was welcome to do so. But she was also building up a navy. She had the strongest fleet in the North Sea. It might be that at the present time her Government was playing with the feelings of the German people in order to create a public sentiment that would help it to carry out its declared policy of naval expansion. Bearing in mind the position of affairs which he had indicated, it became us, Britons at the ends of the earth, to let the world know that we were a united people, and that if anything should overtake us we were prepared to stand and fall together in tho cause of the British Empire to which we belonged. (Applause). Mr Dutliio concluded, amid further applause, by expressing his belief that the dispatch of the cablegram mentioned in the motion must have considerable good effect.

Mr Harry Smith sang Mr Alf Hill’s song, “When the Empire Calls” in fine style. The audience took up the patriotic refrain, and insisted upon an encore.

Mr R. C. Bruce, in seconding the motion, said it was with mingled feelings of pleasure and pride that he did so. This splendid meeting, as it was with enthusiasm, was proof, if proof were needed, of splendid fidelity to the Empire, of which we in this colony formed an integral part. (Great applause.) They had corno there that day to record their earnest and emphatic protest against tho storm of vituperative calumny which had been directed against the British Government of which the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain was probably the most energetic and forceful member. (Continued cheering.) They had come there also to recox - d their indignant protest against the slanderous and malicious falsehoods which had been circulated over Europe against the gallant soldiers who had served us so well in South Africa. (Great applause.) Continental critics

. had sought to make the world believe | that the British colonies were prepared j to desert the Mother Country in the i hour of need. But that was not a j characteristic of the lion breed. (Ap- ! plause). The best refutation of these calumnies was to be found in the ap--1 proaching despatch to South Africa of ■j an Eighth Contingent from New Zealand, and of further contingents from other distant portions of the British Empire. (Applause). The embarkation of these additional contingents ought to be accompanied with a message in the historic words of the great Premier of Canada, that we were prepared to stand ; by the Mother Country, should the , necessity arise, to our last shilling and ' our last man. (Prolonged applause). They were there that day to strike an Imperialistic note, to tell the world I that as participants in the advantages of the Empire we were prepared to take up our burden of its dais and its responsibilities. He expressed the hope that they Mould all join witli him in the hope that when this wavelet of splenetic malice had spent its force, our relations with the great Teutonic Power of Europe might at any rate resume the traditions of good-will which had so long existed. (Applause, with a few cries of “No.”) And whatever might be said to the contrary, that at some future time, when the history of this conflict came to be written, and when all passions and prejudices were cast away and forgotten, it would be recognised on all hands that in the negotiations which preceded the outbreak of hostilities England behaved with that magnanimity which should ever be associated with strength, and showed a self-evident reluctance to make a final appeal to the stern arbitrament of the sword, and that our conduct of the war was on humanitarian lines, that Mere in themselves actually responsible to some extent for the prolongation of hostilities. As regarded humanity, our soldiers in South Africa had shown themselves worthy of the proudest military traditions of their race, aiid of that splendid army which, under Wellington, marched to victory in the Peninsula. and covered themselves with glory at Waterloo. (Applause.) He had no doubt- that the sentiments which lie had given expression to were those of an overwhelming majority of the people of New Zealand, and that through the medium of this meeting in the capital city of the colony those sentiments Mould be crystallised and flashed across the seas to our kindred at Home, but primarily to that noble statesman, Mr Chamberlain—(applause)—who had been specially singled out for vile abuse in Europe. He ivas sure he u-as giving expression to the feeling of the people cf this colony when he said that Mr Chamberlain had for the last two years hold the helm of the ship of State with a combination of judgment and of skill which alone was sufficient to stamp him as one of the foremost men of our time. (Applause.) This splendid meeting showed that the hearts of Non - Zealanders were with Mr Chamberlain. We were prepared to stand by the grand old flag, not merely as a matter of sentiment. but because we recognised in it an emblem of liberty. After a quotation from one of Air Rndyard Kipling’s patriotic poems, Mr Bruce said the Alother had not called upon us in her need. She could have settled this question without our assistance, but we might fairly assume that she had u-liis-pered to us to stand by her side. The response to that whisper had been as ready and spontaneous as if she had flung to us across the seas in trumpet tones a burst of alarm. Canada, noble Canada—(prolonged cheering)—had sent contingents of her hardy and intrepid horsemen of the North-west, and children of her stalwart voyageurs, and the j valour of the Canadians in South Africa had already passed into history. The gallant South African contingents—(applause)—had been described by Sir George White—(renewed applause)—as being as splendid soldiers as ho ever led into action. Our sister States of Australia—(applause)—had contributed of their lean, M iry sons, who had also done admirable service. The fiery cross had been passed from one part of the Empire to another, and it was gratifying to know that at its summons so many of the flower of Neu' Zealand’s manhood i * ia “ sprung into place, and shown themselves ready to stand shoulder to shoul- | der with the children of Great Britain. Let our enemies take a forecast from I 10 °vonts of the last turn years. They ! ” lust be conscious that in Canada, in bouth Africa, and in Australasia there ! was in each case an infant Hercules, ! a "R that the voice of these young giants must soon be heard in the councils of I the nation. England had behaved to her colonies with splendid generosity. , bho had, as it were, handed over to a lew handfuls of people many of the fairest portions of the earth’s surface, and she had ever continued to throw around tliem her strong protective arm. (AppHusc.) Her mighty dead and her splendid traditions also belonged to us. I ho children of the Empire had shown proof of their determination to preserve intact the magnificent heritage bequeathed to them by tbeir forefathers, tiie Empire-builders of our race. Mr Bruce, whose speech, summarised above, was a striking example of sustained eloquence, sat down amid warm applause. SIR ROBERT STOUT. Sir Robert Stout, who, on rising, received an ovation, asked: Now, sir, why

are u-e here? He apprehended thaf , "'ere there to tell to all that tkev , * : not ashamed of the country fmn.Vw 1 * ,l,ov l.ad sprung, that tI ,J „.“™ of her history; and, not only u 4 because they believed that if that iv tory was searched it would be seen . Great Britain had ever stood for G* dom, for generosity, and f or t , liberalism. (Great cheering.) Our ! tion had been a guard to the strand* ! mid had never spurned from her doo the oppressed and the weak. (Appl au J? : Not only so, but we could compare B ' I tain’s history nitli that of any of twenties, and it could be said that dW had nothing to be ashamed cf i n m’ 9 comparison. Further than that lie difl not know if it could be said that i any country of the world there was uioro freedom than under our flag, and jf~ believed that—and that no man or na 0 i tion ever became wicked all at once-I that was a sufficient answer to the slanders cast upon our soldiers. He did not think u-e should ignore the beein- : ning of this u-ar. Before the u’ar ,;e»an ' England might- have 'demanded from the Boer Republics special favours for her subjects. But udiat she asked u-as that all foreigners should be put on a level and liberty and freedom granted to all’ (Cheers.) She demanded for the English citizens no special favours; and he did not think u-e should forget that the first , blou- struck in the u - ar M-as on the ini vasion of British territory. What was their object? Not merely the mamteii. ance of the Republics, but-, as bad been admitted two months ago by an aide* i de-camp of Botha’s, to drive the British out of South Africa. What was the charge made against the British? lt> had been said that our attitude had been cruel towards the Boers. All war was i cruel; but lie ventured to say that, so far as this war was concerned, it. had ' not been so cruel as some of the wars in the past century—(applause)—and he : believed that if there had been cruelty it could be charged against those who ! had had charge of the Boers in the war, ' who, though defeated, had refused to acknowledge defeat, and who had coiii--1 menced a system of guerilla u-arfare i which must be disastrous to all in South Africa. (Cheering.) Contrast the conduct of their loaders with that of Robert Lee, the great American leader, v.-ho, ' urged by Captain Alexander to M age the : same kind of warfare that they now saw carried on, refused, preferring to ac-knou-ledge defeat, and to send his men home. If those who talked about cruel--1 ty had used their best endeavours to get the Boer to acknou-ledge defeat, the • British people Mould have done the right thing, because they had never , been known to be ungenerous in making ; terms with any foe. (Great cheering.) - ; They even offered them that'thej , should have the same rule as we had in j the British colonies, and he (the speaki er) Mould like to know if their critics ' could point to tho colonies of any other j nation where such freedom Mas given !as was given in the British colonies? ! (Applause.) But this guerilla Mar now ! gave rise to calumnies too gross for i utterance. He was not going to refer i to them, but- lie would say that, as far as Germany was concerned, she had been more indebted to the alliance with : England in the past than England was i indebted to Germany. (Great cheering.) ! He apprehended that the object of their j meeting was to show that we in the co-' ! lony were prepared to stand by the EmI pire, and that if Germany .would be the 1 enemy of England she must also be the : enemy of tho colonies. (Applause.) Re | did not believe that the best men in i Germany were really antagonistic to us, i and he believed that the German people : had been misled by the press, “but, at the same time, he did hope that the co- ■ lonies would tell Germany that we had ■ j done to the Germans what the German

people had not done to the English people. (Applause.) The Germans had had an open-door for trade. AVas there a single part of the German Empire where that had been done? (“No!” and cheers.) “ Let it be proclaimed to the M'orld that we love the Empire,” com tinued Sir. Robert, “and that those who are enemies to the Empire are enemies to us, and if it be true, as the German people say, that the English people are hypocrites, unjust, and cruel, we say I we are of the same race, and, therefore, we must be hypocrites, unjust and cruel,’ and we may put it to the German jieople, ‘ls it wise of you to have any trade with hypocrites, unjust, dishonest and cruel people?’” (Immense cheering.) The British people could stand alone. We did not want anybody’s assistance. England had -pursued an historically magnanimous an humane course, and had done more to the downcast and down-trodden races ® the earth than, any other nation m t world. (Great cheering.) THE PREMIER.

The Premier, who was received with continuous cheering, said they had no met there simply to sound an Imperia note; they ivere there as Britishers protect their own people. (Appl» us ®-' The honour of our Empire, tho !|° a 0 of our colonies, and our sons, had be attacked, and they had assembled s» ply to defend that'honour. (Great cheering.) To sit by silently, and let thi g go on as things had been going, on, v would not deserve tho name of B n ers. (Applause.) This colony had its duty nobly to tho Empire, had sent thoir sons to defend the

. „,, d when they were assailed the pire ’i were assailed. That was why P copl< LT s^ e t there that day. (Apthey i,a « 7hat }, a d led to all this? For planse.) ' t there had been an undermontus r • xhat undercurrent fjbeeu brought to the front, and that 1 1 «,rrent had been a gross slander . "nd ti* calumniation of British honour, “nd the British army. Cneers.) When , flnn “ reverses, these envious and ]£fis nations were delighted They J L 3 n,r that at last the British LlOll ■ thoUg e„inv to have his tail turned*f s . if. 0 f laughter)—till he would be efc‘without a "ail. Ah! Such people | Lew little the material they were deal- . f' r w ith. History proved tins. Vv o . “Se slow to move, and time after time } hi many wars we seemed to bo go- , ;.. r back, but there was the hdl-clog British pluck behind it and reverses only spurred us on. (Great apclauset Reverses only brougnt out tns : true character of the individual- as it brought out the true character or the nation, and reverses in ail cases led to the idorv of the British forces. (Renewed cheering.) Then there was a cliange in the tide. Our “Bobs” went ta South Africa. (Appiause.) lie vas net there lung before he had Cronjo, and from that time on it was nothing hut British success and successes. Nothing but success had since attended the efforts of the British forces in South Africa. And what had followed after that? These base calumnies. And he was not sure that the German wlig made that speech in the Reichstag was net a friend* of the Empire. lie (the Premier) believed that ill doing so lie proved a friend in disguise, lie brought this undercurrent tG the surface, and now we had it openly we as Britishers knew how to deal with it. And now they had the Chancellor of that Great Empire, Bulow. (Rooting.) Did he rise to the occasion? Did he do justice to the German Empire cr the British Empire? He (the Premier) said: No! Bulow missed a glorious opportunity of pointing out that Great Britain was Germany's true friend, and if he had said: “You are unworthy to be a representative of the Germans in the Reichstag, you are not fit to be here,” and if on top of that he had moved for the expulsion of the offender, and the Reichstag had carried it and expelled him, then they would have done justice to Germany and Great Britain. (Cheers.) Bulow’s speech was apologetic. He certainly said the British Army and the British soldier knew haw to die. (A voice": “Everybody knows how!” and laughter.) lie also said tliat as far as the British nation was concerned, they were on friendly terms, and they desired to remain friendly. And he also said there were reasons and conditions why those friendly relations should be continued. In that Assembly a slur had been cast on a British statesman, who. when history’ was written, would stand out in the forefront of their best. (Great cheering). They had tried to weaken him with the British Ministry, and they thought to get rid cf him by any means that would have accomplished their object. He said that there was no man who, at the present time, so represented British feeling and Britishers as the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain. (Great enthusiasm and “Three dicers for Chamberlain” heartily responded to). The feeling from one end or the. Empire to the other was this. We believed in British fair play, and he said that British fair play had not been given to Mr Chamberlain, and when in an. assembly he was called a scoundrel, and v.heu the British Army was called a pack of thieves, if that was not enough to bring up a Britisher what did they wautr (Great applause. “Down with tne Germans!” “Give it to them,” etc.) Re wanted to say this, that he did not believe that what had been done recently by the German press and a section of the people wholly represented the lee.ing 01 Germany. There were proBoers even in New Zealand, and if we had them here we could not expect that they would not have them in Germany. Re Could only say this, and he was sure it would find an echo in the hearts of everyone lie was speaking to, that it snoidu be clearly understood bv every Berman and every foreigner that we were Britons, and every slight such as tad been put upon the British statesmen, cast upon our sons, was a slight upon us, and that we were prepared to stand by—(Repeated cheering.) It would be out of place then to refer to Er ? ss lllsu lt to our good Queen Alexandra. To put her as she had been fnsnU 1 ln Germany was a gross i*lnch must Lave made every countrv r Ster * and dau £ hter in this S H L al i!} 08t we ? p ". oll ° life bad been the emulation of that good and saintly Queen who had passed away, Vw\? to , put her in this Position! V 4 "*®. they to stand by quietlvs He thev d st b VwH med of New Zealand if he 1 f °s a , m °ment. But no, e .aul tne taunt, the insult, had gone be’ (iuRt US fl b f lev<d 'headed, we must Wbteri W d ooHeeted—(Roars of " !e n he read it he felt as cool as a cucumber Ho foie „+ +1 as time tint *,, " tie telt at the same ume that ho couid put his foot upon colony fe‘t°k e vl and thC & ters of sons to beVdlK % lmp ? SSlble for their had tnnn ? of such Conduct. They Annfin of the British they believe nfttf iand Did cm and M„7“(£ ! 1 and sisters, fathwould he guiltv nf tllr : se gallant lads attributed J to 7hJrr. C p ndu » SUch as wa9 No! 1 ” (o r . . themf Re j (Great applause.) When they

6aw foul libels like this appearing in print, it was the duty of the people to mark their sense of it in a manner fitting to a British community. And they 'were doing it by the resolution before them. Our Eighth Contingent would shortly be leaving. We wanted to • bring the war to a close with honour to ourselves and glory to the Empire. In eoneiusion he said —and he was not saying what would not be borne out by the people of New Zealand —tliat if mere men were wanted, mere men would respond to the Empire’s call. (Cheering.) There _ was only one way to put an end to the war, and that was by having more men there and by stopping what was going on. (A voice: “Shoot them down. ) “No, we will deal with them gently, my son Absolum,” replied the Premier. Continuing, the Premier said he had made a statemero, some months ago that if the necessity arose the colonies would send their forces to South Africa, relieve the British Army, and finish the war. It might take them a littie longer, but they would do it ail the same. (Great applause.) Yes, and he wanted to call their attention to this fact that this outburst in Germany had occurred at a critical period of the war. He said it was deliberately done to encourage the I war. What had been done might give l new life to the enemy, and the only ! effectual -way was t-o strike a blow, was : to send the Eighth Contingent, and if i more were wanted they would send ! another. (Cheering.) He said it was no I use passing resolutions. They did their ! work, but what would be wanted—they ‘ might as well be told first as last—was that we should send the last man and spend whatever was necessary, but we i would end the war. (Applause.) There had been talk about terms. There was only one term, and that was unconditional surrender. (Applause.) We were : fighting for God and our honour, and I we would fight to the last for the Emj pire. The British wanted no alliance j and' no assistance. Let justice and free's dom reign supreme, and let them fight ! to the last for the flag, which was the * symbol of purity, justice and freedom, and with which all nations had been eov- : ered in the past for their good and the good of humanity. (Great cheering.) j Cheers for the King and Queen, for | Mr Chamberlain, the army, the PreI mier, the Mayor, and Mr Dix and his orchestra closed most orderly and enthusiastic proceedings.

At tne Post- Afficc steps a huge gathcring was addressed by the Premier, by Sir Joseph H ard, by Mr Beauchamp, by the Rev Geo. Bond and Miss Seddon. The gathering was electrically sympathetic with the speakers, and the resolutions submitted -'ere carried by acclamation. A motion was moved by Sir Joseph Ward, and seconded by Miss Seddon, expressive of the horror of the women of New Zealand at the calumnies circulated in Germany reflecting 011 the honour of the sons and husbands of the women of the colonies and Die Motherland. Sir Joseph made a stirring speech, in which he pointed out tliat the colonies had given a startling answer to anotlier German slander by despatching fresh contingents to the front. If needs be they would spend their last shilling in supporting the Motherland in the war which had been forced upon it. If the men of the colony had- not come forward, he believed the women would have gone instead. The attempts made to discredit England in the Reichstag would net Jeter our young men from volunteering, nor the old men if they were wanted—nor vet the young women and the old ones, too. (Hear, hear, and loud cheering.) The future growth of these young countries depended upon the support given to the Motherland in her troubles. We were in for the war now, and, right or wrong, we must get out of it with honour and without compromise—it must be ended so that no stain would rest upon the Union Jack of Old England. Miss Seddon briefly seconded the resolution. She voiced the whole-hearted -support of the women of this colony, and said that, if necessary, they were prepared to sacrifice their brothers and also their sweethearts to the cause of their country. Mr Harold Beauchamp moved, and the Rev Mr Bond seconded, a resolution expressing complete confidence in Mr Chamberlain, and sympathy with the efforts made to defend the fair name of the British army from foul calumniators. After this motion had been carried the meeting sang “ God Save the King,” and then gave cheers for the Premier, and for all the speakers connected with the gathering.

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S SPEECH. LETTER FROM THE KAISER. COMMENTS OF THE PRESS. LONDON, January 14. Mr Chamberlain has practically silenced the German press, whose tone is now temperato and-polite, and shows a general desire to close the incident. Great' enthusiasm exists at the Cape at this turn of events. The New South Wales Agent-General suggested and beaded a subscription to reprint Mr Chamberlain’s speech in pamphlet form and forward it to soldiers at the front. LONDON, January 14. Admiral Libran, who was the bearer

of the conciliatory letter despatched by ■ Emperor William to England after his ; famous telegram to Mr Kruger in 1890 1 with reference t-o the Jameson raid, j yesterday handed an autograph letter to King Edward from the Emperor. There is no disposition in England to identify the German Emperor with Count von Buiow’s utterances.

The “Cologne Gazette” says England is tee impatient; in reference to foreigners, considering the language used by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. The “Cologne Gazette” states that the irritation occasioned in England ~at German Anglophobia, and especially at the recent utterances in the Reichstag, is so groat that the respective Ambassadors may at- any moment take leave of absence. It adds that possibly the Prince of Wales may not visit Germany. “ r i he Times” regards this view of the situation as too serious, though possibly Britain may take steps to Germany the painful impression created by Count yon Buiow’s utterances and to remove misconception with reference to his assurances.

The “North German Gazette” states that Emperor William did not invite the Prince of Wales to visit Germany. Several shocking examples of Anglophobe literature and caricatures are ■ published by “The Times,” One of the latter, emanating from a German source, represents Queen Alexandra, surrounded by her daughters, decorating the youngest lad in the British Army for repeatedly outraging Boer girls. LONDON, January 15. Reuter’s correspondent at Berlin states that the Prince of Wales will be the Kaiser’s private guest. The visit will be of a purely family nature. The Prince will not accept official invitations.

Sir Frank Lascelles, British Ambassador at Berlin, at New Year asked if a visit from the Prince on the Kaiser’s birthday would be agreeable. The Emperor replied :—“Agreeable is not the word. I will be delighted.”

It is semi-officially announced from Berlin that well-informed circles are vnaware of any political mission being entrusted to Admiral Libran. who is really visiting England to attend a meeting of yachtsmen. “ The Times,” commenting on the Commonwealth Parliament’s action, says :—-The resolution adopted is far the most important element in the news of the day. Nothing is more emphatic and expressive than Air Barton’s language and Air Reid’s manliness and patriotism in recognising the pre-eminence of the question and endorsing and applauding Mr Barton’s pledge. The “ Telegraph ” says:—Mr Chamberlain’s ringing words about the colonies received- greater attention in Europe than any similar utterance heretofore, and the colonies have hastened to reply. Nothing has sent more passionate thrills of pride through the veins of Englishmen than this historic resolution. Those not with the Government and colonies are practically against the Empire.

The “Standard” says:—This striking manifestation of Imperialist and patriotic feeling is alike encouraging and significant.

The “Post” and “-Chronicle” warmly acclaim the resolution, and the “Daily News” incidentally declares that repudiation of the slanders reflects the feeling of Britain, irrespective of party. The evening newspapers re-eelio the plaudits of the morning journals with reference to the attitude of the Commonwealth.

LONDON, January 16. It is semi-officially reported from Berlin that, since the Aiarquis of Lansdowne, British Alinister for Foreign Affairs, has not applied for the punishment of the caricaturists insulting the British Royal Family, Germany is unable to interfere, though knowing Emperor William’s indignation, the police begged the editors and publishers to discontinue the worst attacks.

OTTAWA, January 14. There is great enthusiasm in Canada over Air Chamberlain’s attitude with reference to Germany. BERLIN, January 15. Herr Liebemiann boasts that when he made his attack on Mr Chamberlain and the British army there was a full Government bench in the Reichstag, and he was only mildly rebuked for his insults to the army. The German press is now silent 011 the Cliamberlain-von Bulow incident. Count von Bulow has dined with Sir Frank Lascelles, the British Ambassador in Berlin.

BERLIN, January 16. The Berlin newspapers reproduce the loyal resolution* adopted by the Commonwealth Parliament without comment.

FEELING IN AUSTRALIA. DEBATE IN THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. MELBOURNE, January 14. As soon as the Federal House of Representatives met to-day, Air Barton w’ith a view to forestalling the threatened attack on the Government in connection with the despatch of a Federal contingent, notified that he intended to move after the suspension of the' standing orders the following resolutions: “That this House takes the first opportunity, in view of the despatch of the Federal Contingent, to express its indignation at the baseless charges made abroad against the honour of the people

and the humanity and valour of the soldiers of this Empire; that till- Haute affirms the readiness of Australia to give all requisite aid to the Mother Country in order to bring the present war to an end.” Air Barton explained that the only correspondence which had passed between the Imperial and Federal Governments with reference to a contingent was a cable from the Imperial Government that it would be glad to have a thousand mounted men, and the Federal Government’s reply that the men would gladly be sent. There had been no offer of troops on the part of the Commonwealth for reasons previously explained. He considered that under the circumstances it would have been unnecessary unless asked for. He had taken steps to verify the allegations made as to German newspapers slandering the British, and found that these statements were infinitely worse than 1 had been cabled to Australia. One leading German newspaper stated that the Australians, net finding the war a promenade to Pretoria, and a nursery game, were no longer willing to take a share in it. Air Barton defended his action in deciding to despatch a contingent without fulfilling his promise to . first consult the House, as the recess rendered it impossible. It was necessary to act without delay. Had more troops been asked for, they would have been sent.

The standing orders being suspended, Air Barton moved the first part of the resolution in a patriotic speech. He defended the Empire and the honour of its soldiers, and warmly denounced the German and other charges which were made against the Australians, as well as British troops. He announced that he liad received a letter from Air Reid promising support. Mr Reid, in seconding the motion, said Air Barton had performed a great pulilic duty. He spoke on similar lines to Air Barton.

The debate is proceeding. MELBOURNE, Js.nuary 15. In his speech in the Federal House of Representatives, Air Barton said chat, despite recent utterances, on the whole the attitude of the German Empire as a Power had been correct on the principles of neutrality, and not that of a Power unfriendly to the Empire. When Australia thought a spontaneous effort to send troops necessary she was prepared to act. It was the intention of the Government to accede to any request for troops made within the capacity of the Commonwealth, and to meet all charges if necessary.

Mr Reid, in the course of his speech, said Britain was fighting a-t one time two wars—one against the Boers, and the other against the malicious hypocritical campaign of lies 011 the Continent, which were partly the result of a wholesale unscrupulous system of bribery. It was high time that we made clear to those people and the whole world our position and attitude. Never in the history of the world had libel been carried to such a sinister extent. The prestige of the Empire must be supported. “What is it,” continued Air Reid, “that enables us to stand so heartily by the old flag ? It is because, conspicuous among the national emblems of the earth, that flag has more often been found sheltering justice, affording protection to human liberty, than any other flag.” Air Watson considered there was no necessity for the resolution. No war in the history of nations had been conducted with greater humanity, and this remark applied to both sides. There was no need to depart from Britain’s traditional policy of disregarding pin-pricks. Air AlcDonald (Queensland) objected to sending a contingent. The Government had acted outside the Constitution. The war itself was unjust, and he opposed Australia sending a single soldier.

The majority of members warmly supported Air Barton’s resolution, which was carried on the voices, amid cheefs. The second resolution was carried by 45 votes to 5.

Air Barton called for cheers for the King and the Empire, which were ’ustily given, and the House adjourned. AIELBOURNE, January 17. In the Federal House, the Premier (Right Hon. E. Barton) announced that lie had received a cable message from Air Chamberlain, stating that the people and the Government of the Alothor Country greatly appreciated the patriotic and sympathetic terms of the resolutions passed by the House of Representatives. They welcomed this public repudiation by the Commonwealth of the calumnious charges against the British soldiers and the humane conduct of the war.

The resolutions, said Air Chamberlain, coupled with the splendid way in which the Commonwealth had shared the sacrifices and efforts of the Alotheriand in the contest forced upon her in South Africa, were heartily felt throughout his Alajesty’s dominions to afford fresh evidence of the unity of the Empire and the spirit and determination of its sons.

This message was in reply to the cablegram sent by Air Bcrton. SYDNEY., January 14.

A correspondent of the “Daily Tolograoh” advocates the formation of an anti-German League. the members pledging themselves not to buy Ger-man-made goods, as a set-off against, the hostility of the German people tower;!.s Britain.

Rordyina: to a circular from a German manufacturer with whom they had done

business for years, a Sydney firm said — As your papers and people have shown such hatred to our nation, and are such pro-Boers, we intend in future to use only goods made in England. We are surprised- your folks cannot see the necessity for our nation to quell prearranged rebellion. SYDNEY, January 15. The *•' Daily Telegraph ” says it is no exaggeration to describe as epoch-making yesterday’s proceedings in the Federal House. It was scarcely possible that Australian loyalty to the Empire could ever have been in question, but the momentous occasion, when the Federal oolonies formally declared the loyalty of the union and renewed the practical pledges they had given separately, gave the occasion world-wide significance. ADELAIDE, January 15.

The .Stock Exchange has sent the following cable message to Mr Chamberlain:—‘'We adfiTire and sympathise with you for upholding the good old English traditions during such troublous times.” MELBOURNE, January 14. The “Age,” commenting on German Anglophobia, says:—“The voice of the German press, it must bo remembered, is the voice of the German Government, the press being muzzled or unmuzzled at the will of the Chancery in Berlin. The real sentiments of the Government are interpreted in Count von Bulow’s studiously offensive and deliberately uttered language. One of the effects, we imagine, will bo a fresh impulse to the current in publio opinion in Britain which is setting towards a friendly understanding with Russia. The time appears peculiarly opportune for a rapprochement between Britain, Russia and France.”

THE WELLINGTON GATHERING. LONDON, January 18. In the House of Commons Mr Balfour stated that no official assurances had been asked for by Germany with reference to Mr Chamberlain’s speech which led to the outbreak of Anglophobia. In an unofficial conversation, Lord Lansdowno had pointed out to the German Ambassador that Mr Chamberlain made no charges of barbarity against the German or other armies. The Government did not consider that there was anything in the speech which required qualification or withdrawal. The House cheered the statement-.

Many newspapers express delight ati Mr Scddon’s speech at the patriotic meeting hold at the Theatre Roval in .Wellington on Friday.

VIEWS OF A RECENT VISITOR TO GERMANY. (By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) DUNEDIN, January 15. iwo Hon. R. Oliver is visiting Dunedin. having arrived to-day with his wife from England. They stay here for two months, and will then probably spend a couple of days in Wellington before returning to England. Since the outbreak of the war in 1899 Mr Oliver and wtfe spent over a year in travelling on the Continent, and Germany in particular. hence they should know German ieeiing towards England. On that subject Mr Oliver says:—"You may go from one end of Germany to another and not hear an uncivil word about the English ; that is our experience at any rate, but that is no guide to the feeling of the Germans. Those that you come into contact with when travelling are not likely to b© offensive towards travellers whom they are especially catering for. Behind this civility there is a deep-seat-ed dislike to Britain and all that is British. Hie cause of that dislike is envy of our commercial prosperity, our maritime supremacy and our great oversea possessions. That Germany is jealous of us there can be no doubt. It is ako certain that she is making gigantic efforts to oust us from the position she oovets. What is the meaning of her uavul activity? IVby is she building so many big battleships, if not for the protection of an ocean trado or the preservation of colonies? Germany’s efforts in regard to her navy are out of all proportion to any such requirements. There cannot be the least doubt in the world as to the real reason. Sooner or lator she intends to have a slap at us. The way to foil her is by retaining mastery on sea, and our folk must not relax their determination to do so. I may also point out that the South African war shows that our colonies can be defended against attack.”

At a meeting of the City Council to-night, Councillor Park said lio thought it only right and proper at this particular time that a public meeting should be called. He moved, “That it is the unanimous opinion of this Council that the Mayor should immediately call a public meeting of the citizens and others for the purpose of passing resolutions upholding the action of Mr Chamberlain and the British Cabinet in connection with the South African war, and denouncing the diabolical, atrocious and untrue statements of the German press and all other proTßoers on our bravo and honoured Imperial and colonial troops now fighting at the call of the Empire.” Mr Park, continuing, said on a future occasion ho might have more to say on the matter. As they all knew, ho was a loyal British subject making a livelihood and rearing a family under the grand old flag, and it behov-

ed all other loyal subjeots to uphold what the Mother Country was doing. Councillor Muir seoonded the motion, and complimented the mover upon the judicious wording of his resolution. Councillor Park had specially referred to the German press and pro-Boers ;tliat was correct. To include the German Government or German people would perhaps at this stage be injudicious. He was satisfied there was not one German resident in this city who had any sympathy with the atrocious and diabolical slanders uttered by the Ger- . man press against the British people : and British soldiers. The Mayor* intimated that he would be only too pleased to fall in with the wishes of the Council. Councillor Tapper thought it ■ a pity they did not put their own coun- . trymen in first in the resolution —they were the people who should be mentioned. He thought they should first of all tackle their own countrymen who were pro-Boers. It made his blood boil to read letters published by two men. Why the press gave prominence to such curs he could not understand. The German residents in Dunedin were loyal, and it was a pity they had not got up a monster protest to send to their own countrymen. No doubt it was an oversight. The motion was carried amidst applause.

DUNEDIN, January 15. As the result of a resolution passed by. the Dunedin Presbytery, the actingeditor of the “Outlook” has resigned. NAPIER, January 15. At a meeting of the Napier Borough Council to-night it was unanimously resolved to send a cablegram t-o Mr Chamberlain, expressing the Council’s high admiration of the firmness displayed by him during the present outburst cf Anglophobia.

AUCKLAND, January 16. At a meeting of the Auckland Builders’ Association it was decided, “ That in view of the scandalous expressions of hostility towards the Britisli army and Colonial Secretary, which are persistj ontly maintained by a large section of the I German press and people, this associai tion deems it a matter of duty to discourage as far as possible the use of ironmongery, etc., made In Germany; further, that a copy of this resolution I be forwarded to the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce urging that body to 1 use its influence towards rescuing the colonies from Gorman manufacturers.’’ I NAPIER, January 16. | The Mayor to-day sent the following | cablegram, in accordance with the I Borough Council’s resolution passed last : evening, to the Right Hon. J. Chain- ! berlain :—“Napier Municipal Council J congratulates you for so fearlessly upI holding the honour of our Empire and | its soldiers.”