THE NAVAL CRISIS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10105, 24 March 1909, Page 4

THE NAVAL CRISIS.

fßr Electric Telegbath—Copybight.] (Pek Pbess Association.) Received March 23, at 9.55 p.m. London, March 23. The debate on ill- Balfour's vote of censure is Sxed for the 29th. The newspapers state that Mr Asquith, Sir K. Grey, and-Mr M'Kenna foilght throughout/' lor a strong navy. There are many petitions to the Lord Mayor for a city meeting in support v i 'The newspapers" suggestion, that the ovei> The newspaper suggestion that the over-, seas dominions offer a ' "Dreadnought," .Mr FLibera eulogy, the spirit that proposed an Australian "'Dreadnought," and the Sydney citizens' splendid olfer at Sir It. liawsou's banquet are keenly appreciated. Tiie naval question is dominating the Croydon election. Admiral Sir X. Bowden-Smith, interviewed, declared that there was no occasion for hysterics, But the situation was serious. Light "Dreadnoughts" were immediately indispensable. Light- warships of the King Edward VII. type and two of the X els on type would be valuable adjuncts ior several years, but the dock accommodation was insufficient. I'tceived March 23, at 10.10 p.m. London, March 23. The House of Commons discussed in committee the vole for the oilicers and m:-n of the navy. After Mr Wyndh.im and Sir C. Dilke had spoken, the latter deprecating the unworthy panic, and -insisting u;:on our preponderance of "Dreadnought" ships, Mr Asquith provoked loud Opposition protest by describing the demand for a stronger navy as an extraordinary agitation oi a very artili'jial kind, and raised cheers by declaring that between Britain and Germany there is no friclion and no unfriendliness, but a mutual sense oi what is due tt> the independence of the two nations, and a common feeling that they must in groat matteis. of national defence primarily consider thc-ir own interests. He asked for a suspension of judgment upon Britain's informal communication to the German Government in 1900 until Sir K. Grey shortly makes a full statoment. Though the communications did not result, in all cases in bringing about all that Britain wouid have desired, the Government had nothing to complain of. He next protested against the absurd and mischievous legend regarding Britain's naval miprcparcdness. A more unpatriotic and unscrupulous misrepresentation of the actual situation never came to his knowledge. He cited figures to show what Britain's strength would be in 1910 as compared with Germany's. and appealed to the nation to believe that whatever party was in power the firs: care of every statesman worthy of the name would be to maintain intact the unassailable and unchallengeable naval superiority whereon our independence and freedom depended.—(Laud Ministerial cheers.) Mr Balfour made a vigorous reply. Xc one, fie said, would dcr.y the country was safe now. What the Opposition atiirmed was that- the danger would begin in 1910, and increase in 1911. The speeches of Messrs AsMuitk and M'Kenna last- week siiowcd that- it- was impossible to view with indifference foreign "Dreadnoughts,"

an;] while pre-Drcadnoughi ships were useful. the country would not consider the position safe- if foreign Powers had ships of a better type and almost equal «?>r superior in numbers to ourselves. He add'.U that- because the (lovernment would uot buttle a liair's breadth from a. pott«y involving jjreat- national peril, he tooic iho course announced. Received March 24, at- 0.40 a.m. London. March 20. Hi:- Chronicle in a leading article, headed "Party-made Panic," deprecates ihe alarm, but admits that alter allowing for the value of the pre-tU-et, the maintenance of superiority of is a vital question lor the* future. The Daily Xews says : *'T'y 1312 there will certainly i:c- thirteen <Jerii:.:n 'Drea-d----noimiits,* possibly iiiteen. and there cannot be mure than seventeen. We slui!: certainly have sixteen, which the Government is prepared it necessary to increase to twenty. Meanwhile Xew Zealand's very handsome action should do something t<> restore the shattered nerves of o.:r Imperialists. The colonies enjoy the protection of our navy, and this oiler is an earnest- of their readiness, should the burden increase, to take a share of the co?t. but it must not increase ; there is no n.-cti to indefinitely increase/' The Standard, in welcoming Xe'.v Zealand's noble 3ft, contrasts »Sir Joseph Ward's; superb words, "if necessary two inv-adnotnrhts." with *Mr Asquiths "if noeessary"' applied to the conditional •"Dreadnoughts" 7 for April, 1910. Jtecehv;i March 25. at 3.10 a.m. London, March 25. In the House of Commons naval vote debate Mr H. \Y. JJcauchamp and Air A. ]'e k urjed the Government- to include f.'itir conditional \ , Dreadnou.:hts" in the ISC3-1210 programme. Mr E. K. Ridsdule unphaMVrd -the anxiety existing over the length and breadth of the land. Ho said it was unfair to describe it as manipulated. "It could be allayed," he added, "at the cost of four more 'Dreadnoughts.' and. for ileaven's sa';e. why not lay t hem d own';" —; f• ppo.-uinn <-•hrers.) Xiie Lcivi liayor of liristol declined to re.eive a Xavy League deputation in la-

to.' <1 c:: lihl, a meeting io support » .-'.long p.:!V:ii pi/Ikr, i]ec!:'.rii)/ that as .1 vole r.;' censure was being discussed tlie :"ii was a political one. 'ill r- Star commends Mr As'quith for em.-tihir.i the .-rtiiieial novel agitation. The Manchester Guardian describes Mr Balfour's veto <;£ censure as a war policy, and urges ]->__: land to treat German profe;fii"i:s ;is falsehoods, llt'.ci'.vd .March 1%, at 8.15 a.m. London. .March 24. The Unionist newspapers applaud the patriotic spiiit proiaptin:; the AuHrali.sian oiF. rs. They tint. the general tieling is that we ought lint to need them, and if we have failed in our duty this is not the occasion when we ought :■» ask the colonics to come to help lis "!'!■ T h; P a P trs indignantly deny anyt!ii::'_'_in tl-e nature of a panic, but state teat it is :implv_ a steady determination nut to lie outstripped in vital competition. Melbourne, March 23. 1 he Chamber of Commerce and the f'.inpioycrs" Federation adopted resolutions in_ favor of the rtiit of a •' Dreadnought." 'I he Federal Government has definitely decided not to offer a "Dreadnought." Mr Fuller made this announcement- after the meeting of the Cabinet, adding that the Cabinet's action had already been taken, and in spite of his previous nebulous statement they never had any intention of adopting- the Dreadnought- suggestion. Kven before the scare broke out he had intimated to Lord Dudley that in the event of an emergency the resources of the Commonwealth would be immediately placed at the disposal of Britain. Whether this intimation had been transmitted to the authorities he did not- know. The- Imperial Government knew our sympathy was so much with it- that it was unnecessary to make any special communication .'it- present. It must be remembered that the presentation of a "Dreadnought" would not he policy, bat a mere spasmodic action of spectacular display. The only means to meet any danger t-o the Empire would be the adoption of a.stavdy, persistent- and determined policy for the defence of Australia, combined with a readiness to assist- the Mother Country in the event of an emergency. It- was a matter of indifference to the Government whether their refusal was misunderstood or misinterpreted. Despite the Federal Government's attitude the proposed gift of a '•Dreadnought" continues to receive enthusiastic public support. Xcw Zealand's action hps roused a. strong spirit of ermdation. It- is described as a dazzling example of loyalty to British freedom, and of splendid patriotism ar.d far-seeing statesmanship. Sydney, March 23. The Lord Mayor has opened a "Dreadnought" fund, heading it- himself with a donation of £IOOO. Mr Anthony Hordern has. promised to give £IO,OOO towards the first ''Dreadnought" and a further £IO.OOO if a second is required. The leading city club gives £SOOO. . Altogether over £55,000 wa-, subscribed or promised within 24 hours. The Morninc Post declares that Australia's splendid example will have a farrenching effect in quickening the spirit and hardening the Motherland's resolution to unflinchingly face the task before her. The Times remarks that the censure dehate was virtually anticipated in yesterday's debate on tue naval vote. The naper warns Mr Asquith that the unscrupulous agitation referred to in his speech was clever enough to rouse the city into indignation on the one hand and on the other to cause Xovr Zealand to offer one, -and even two, "Dreadnoughts," and to evoke striking demonstrations of a daily- | recorded sense of partnerslrip in Imperial responsibilities in all the self-governing |

dominions. -. The Times adds that the country and Empire,' by _ extraordinary unanimity judged Mr Asqnith's measures inadequate. . ; Lord Plunket's cablegram containing yew Zealand's offer of a. "Dreadnought" was immediately conveyed' to the. King, ( All - Asquith, and the: Admiralty. Prominent Canadians,i stirred ; by. Australasia's lead, are • raising ' the question of offering a • "Dreadnought." In the House of Commons Mr M'Kenna, in reply to Mr Lonsdale, said the Government did not intend to make an offer for the Brazilian "Dreadnoughts" now being built in England. The Daily Mail declares: "We shall gladly accept the precious gilts from the oversea, dominions, but must be prepared ourselves to lay down eight 'Dreadnoughts,' and to continue the process annually until our supremacy is indisputably established." Received: March 24, at 10.5 a.m. Sydney, March 24. The newspapers are overflowing with letters for and against the presentation of a "Dreadnought-," the bulk being fervently enthusiastic and laudatory of New Zealand's example. The suggestions ranges from the gift of one battleship to that of a squadron. ;Pep. Pkess Association.) Christ-church, March 23. The committee, of the Canterbury branch of the Navy League decided- to express their hearty concurrence in and full endorsement of the Prime Minister's offer to supply one -Dreadnought-, or, if necessary, two, to the British Government. Wellington, March 20. In reference to the offer of a battleship Sir Joseph Ward told a New Zealand Times representative to-night that- legislation would be required to give effect to the proposal, so that the idea suggested in some quarters that the Government had departed from a democratic attitude in not consulting Parliament was not correct. The Secretary of State for the Colonies has cabled to tko Governor "I should hasten'to assure your Prime Minister that his message has been received by me with the highest appreciation of the generous and spontaneous offer on behalf of New Zealand. It will be laid before his Maesty's Government." I'he London Standard cabled to the Prime Minister asking for details of the Dominion's oilc-r, and the reason. Sir Joseph Ward replied : "You ask me what cur offer is, and why we have made it. We offer the Motherland, without condition. a free gift as soon as it can be builtin British yards of a first-class battleship. The typo is left- entirely to the Home authorities. Should later events show any need "for it. New Zealand will again offer a second warship of the same class, and the reason is this: We, as distantsons. desire to stand in any peril beside the lion, mother of oar race, and to the utmost of our resources prove to her and to the world how dear to us is Britain's name and greatness. We recognise that Britain's acknowledged supremacy of the seas u;oes for the maintenance of peace, and that any weakness either in the Home land or abroad makes what- ought to be a dominant position a- dangerous one. Sacrifices must- be made to show our competitive nations that though separated by seas we are in reality one for the preservation of tho Empire's greatness." Palmerston North, March 23.

Interviewed by a Manawatu Times representative regarding the offer of a Dreadnought to the Homo Government Mr JSuick. 31.P.. said he would like to know inoro of the circumstances prompting the olicr, but on the facts before the public he did not thiuk the Government was justified in its precipitate action. It was probably a step in the right- direction, but the Government-should have consulted Parliament, and thero v.*as no hurry until Parliament met in the ordinarv course. Auckland, March 23. ill* A. E. Glover. M.P.. when interviewed to-day on 2\cw Zealand's offer of a- Dreadnought, said: "1 feel more in favor of increasing our anmnl subsidy to the navy than presenting a battleship. I also think that the Prime' Minister should have consulted the people through their representatives before taking this step.'' Mr C. Jl. Poole, M.P., in answer {o the question regarding the action of the Cabinet, said: "The decision of the Government respecting the gilt of a Dreadnought to the British navy came as a surprise to me. As it takes about two years to build a Dreadnought, and about an hour to consult members of Parliament, 1 consider that the Cabinet would have been well advised had they referred this matter for endorsement to the representatives of the people. It seems to me an anomaly to talk about making a gift of one or two ; battleships to the British Government, : while T do not think we have at- the present time 10.000 stand of modern arms in the Dominion tor the defence of the laud in which we live." When asked for his opinion on the offer, the lion. E. Mitchclson said: "The proposition of the Premier to provide funds t<> build one or more Dreadnoughts is one that will probably commend itself to a considerable majority of the people within the Dominion. At the same time the cost, involving such a large sum of money, should have first been either brought before Parliament or tlie opinion of members of Parliament first obtained, as all expenditure must naturally come before Parliament, and it- would not- be pleasant it t'he .House refused to ratify the proposal. This risk could easily have been avoided if a, confidential memo, had been sent to each member before making the matter public. Personally, I would have preferred increasing the naval subsidy to .SIoG.OGO, or even £200,000, a- year, rather than pay such a large sum as £5,000,000 to £4,000,000. which the offer involves." Bishop Xeligan, on being interviewed, . c aid :"I think it is splendid the way Mew Zealand lias risen to her Imperial duty in ihe offer of this battleship. .1 should caution the public against the phrase used in cable messages about- tremendous excitement in Lontfon. If the phrase be correct probably the crisis is not as serious it might be imagined, because London does not got tremendously excited over anything if real and grave. London and England generally are calm." Bishop Lciiihun declined, when asked, to express any opinion, holding the matter was outside liis province. Mr Carl Seegner, Consul for Germany, in Zealand, was interviewed this evening regarding the -offer made by the Government to provide a battleship. "I know nothing of battleships/* he said. "They are not in my line." Pressed to state his views on the general subject of naval supremacy in the light- of recent developments at Home, the German Consul said: "I have seen many scares — Japanese, Russian, Dutch, Boer and all kinds of scares—and I have got used to them. Ido not believe," Mr Seegner went on, "that there will be "war between Germany and England in our time." And what view, do you take of the suggestion that Germany has designs in connection with the Pacific? Mr Seegner was asked. *|Dr Irwin, the German Consul-General in Australia/' he replied, ü bas already stated that the spheres of influence in the Pacific as between Germany and Great Britain fixed long ago." Speaking further, Mr Seegner expressed the opinion that the press of both countries was a- great deal to blame for fermenting such "scares" as at- present existed; in short, lie added, "the whole thing is a fuss about nothing. More ho would not say, dismissing an enquiry as to his opinion, of the action of the Cabinet in offering' a battleship to the Old Country, with a remark to the effect that that was a private matter. Feilding, March 23. A special meeting of the Borough Council was called for this afternoon to discuss the Government's offer to the British Government. On the motion of Councillors Atkinsou and Cobbe, the following resolution was carried'unanimously: "That this Council strongly approves of the action of the Government in offering to provide the cost of a "warship to the British navy/' The Council also decided to call a public meeting to discuss the advisableness of introducing some, form of compulsory training.

MR MASSEY'S OPINION. (Pes Pbess Association.) Auckland, March 23. The Loader of tho Opposition (Mr W. F. Massoy) was interviewed this evening regarding the Government's offer of a battleship to the Imperial Government, and when asked his opinion he said: —"When speaking yesterday regarding the Naval Estimates I said that New Zealand and the New Zealand Parliament would do their duty along with the people of other colonies in assisting to maintain the supremacy of the British Navy. I did not then/know of the of the Cabinet to offer a battleship; and, in fact, had'not thought the Cabinet would have taken such an important step without consulting Parliament. I am Imperialist to my finger-tips,

and-consider that if the occasion requires we should join in the defence of the Empire to the last shilling and. the last man. That being so, I cordially agree with the idea of offering all the practical assistance and moral support possible, if such be required by the Imperial Government. Our very existence 'depends upon the absolute supremacy of the British Navy, and that supremacy is the only guarantee of the peace of the world." ' . Mr Massey was then asked if as Leader of the Opposition ho thought the proper course had been taken by Cabinet in acting without consulting Parliament. He replied that the late Mr Seddon was supposed to be somewhat autocratic, but in connection with important matters such as this Parliament, or its members, were always consulted by Mr Seddon. Tho action of the Cabinet had placed a considerable section of the community and many members of Parliament in a false position, and he (Mr' Massey) thought it his duty to point out that Parliament controlled thd expenditure. That was the right, duty, and privilege of Parliament, and as a representative of the people he objected to die functions of Parliament .being Tisurjiod by the Cabinet. If the occasion required it Parliament should have been summoned, and after proper consideration Parliament would have done the right thing. But Parliament had been ignored. Admitting that there was necessity for prompt action, and having regard to the fact that the prestige of the Dominion would be enhanced, and that the moral effect would be greater through an immediate step, the least that might have been done, although still not the constitutional course:, was for the Prime Minister to consult members of the House by a circular telegram, as Ml' Seddon ciid on more than one occasion. The increased naval subsidy, £IOO,OOO per annum in all, would pay the interest on the cost of a battleship each year. That proposal was agreed to unanimously by Parliament, aijd if more had been asked in a proper way and at tho same time reason shown, more would have been 'forthcoming.