THE NAVAL CRISIS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10106, 25 March 1909, Page 1

THE NAVAL CRISIS.

[By Electbio Telegraph—Copyright.] (Pee Pkess Association.) Received March 24, at-9.40 p.m. Berlin, March 24. Herr von Schoen, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, addressing tHe • Budget Committee of the Reichstag on behalf of Prince von Bulow, said the British Government had intimated in a generai way its readiness to come to an understanding to extend the coast naval programme, but no formal proposal was made, and nothing was put- forward, which would form the basis of negotiations. In the intercourse of friendly governments it was customary to avoid presenting formal' proposals the consideration whereof appeared doubtful. For'that- reason probably Britain avoided addressing a formal proposal, and Germany thereforewas not- called upon to take up a position towards such a proposal. Prince von Bulow had set- forth the grounds of Germany's attitude respecting the limitation of armaments in the Reichstag on the 10th December. Herr von Schoen added that Germany's fleet would be measured by her needs, which implied no threat io other nations. The .Minister said he heartily concurred in the confident- hope expressed by the entire committee that the relr.tions of Britain and Germany would develop further in the direction of friendsliip which, he remarked, was the sincere wish of the people of tho whole German nation and die German Government. [Speaking on December 10th Prince von Bulow said that no proposals with this object in view had ever been' made to the German Government. An international limitation of armaments was a matter earnestly to be wished for, but Germany's doubt as to the possibility of realising a scheme was due. to the difficulties with which it was surrounded, and mere discussion which would have no result would be profitless—would, in fact, accentuate rather than diminish divergences which already existed. The Chancellor examined briefly some of the technical difficulties in the way. The number and displacement of ships was not the only question. What are the criterians, he asked, which would he applied even were it possible to establish the sum total of interests at stake? .Mow are justifiable aspirations after sea power to be separated from those that are imjustiliableThere is also Ihe growth of a nation's economic interests. There are the-nation's hopes for the future to be considered, the inventions and improvements of tiie future. As far as Germanyis concerned, her position in the centre of Europe places her in a situation unique in the world for its unfavorabloucss. Germany's armaments are arranged with tho object of protecting her from several sides. Her naval armaments have been settled by law, mainly with the object of defending her coasts and commerce. Germany's armaments are also dictated by her economical position. The idea cannot be entertained that her naval power will be developed beyond the point necessary for defence. The Chancellor then touched on the alliance with Austria-Hungary, again emphatically asserting that tins country would never waver in supporting her aliv.] . The German Navy Committee voted the final instalments for warships completing in 1909, and the first jnstalmants for three ••.Dreadnoughts,'' whereof it was officially stated that two were already laid down, an armored cruiser ol the Invincible t}' pe, and two snia.l cruisers. The Krcuz Zeitung states that tenders for two other warships under the 19091910 programme are not to be invited until the autumn; thus the time gamed on the other two ships will be compensated for, and there will be no acceleration of development of the fleet beyond the times set down in the programme. Received March 24, at 11.5 p.m. London, Marc-li The Evening Xcws publishes a cablegram from Sir Joseph Ward explaining tho offer of the ".Dreadnoughts. Ottawa., March 24. i The Toronto Globe compliments pluck\ i little Xew Zealand on uttering the first reminder that- there 2re more .Britons than ; those at Home, and says Canada ou; ? p ht n<>L 1 to leave Xew Zealand Jong alone 111 that respect. Within two years the colonies should be able to place three nomrhte" at the Motherland*? disposal, deceived March 24, at 11.55 p.m. 1 London, March M. I The Times suggests that the best use I whereto naval co-operation offered by the I dominions is applicable is towards the I strengthening of the defences ot each in its own quarter of the world, j The Lord Mayor will preside at- the I navv meeting in the Guildhall 011 the olst. Mr * ]3alfour7 Kosebery, J3ar;m Rothschild, Lord Brassey, and Lord. Avebury will be speakers. Received March 25. at 8.25 a.m. London, March 24.

Lord Cicorsre Hamilton, in a letter to the. Times, remarks that every financial -year is a watertight compartment, and 'ar"iics that the Admiralty ought to be freed from the cheeks daily interfering with the rapid and uninterrupted prosecution of their great shipbuilding proL'l'amme. The Times, dwelling on ' Herr. von Sehoeu' statement and the Reichstag's renewed faith in the intangibility of the Xaval Act,"" sui'gests that- there is only one course open to Britain—to make concessions to tlie national feeling and avoid party division on navy questions. The paner adds that Mr lieauchamp and other Liberal members of the House of Commons openly . pleaded- with -Mr Asquith during .Monday's debate in favor of eight "Dreadnoughts," and such a resolution would set "at rest all possible' doubts and underline the magnificent demonstration of solidarity now stirring tlie Empire to its depths. Mr llaldane, npeaking at- the Xutional Liberal Club, advised the avoidance of undignified scares but said the present safety did not answer for future [safety. Unless Britain showed more energy and forethought it was impossible .to say thatthe future would take care of itself. Sir Haldane urged the maintenance of the supremacy of the naval force oyer that- of other countries and that Britain copy the Germans in steadiness and thoroughness. He warmlv appreciated Xew Zcaland s wonderful offer which illustrated the spirit of England's own flesh and blood across the seas. Received March 25, at 9.35 a.m. London, March 24. In the House of Commons Mr Asquith announced that the Government ha-d- accepted New Zealand's offer of a battleship, and that- the Earl of Crewe had cabled an important despatch to Lord Plunket. Berlin, March 25. Tlie Socialist speakers complained that Germany ha-d palpably refuses! to take England's hand. The Times reports that all the parties excepting the Socialists insisted that there was no "question of Germany's reduction of her naval programme. It should he olain to England that Germany was determined to .complete her construction rapidly. » Capetown, March 24. The South African newspapers mostly urge the continuity of the naval policy anS the maintenance of the two-Power standard. Xew York, March 24.. The Sun declares that Americans will be acutely involved in any disaster that might befall England if they are not blind to their own interests. Received March 25, at 0.50 a.m. Melbourne, March 24..' Sir Fisher is of opinion that the public clamor for the Federal Government to take act-ion in the matter of a. " Dreadnought" will be over in a few days. It. ■would be a fine handsome thing, he says, !to borrow money to make a gflt-, and allow posterity to pay off tlie loan. The Government have to find 1 the money for Australia's own defence, and that is, difficult enough. Received March 25, at 10.30 a.m. Sydney, March 25. The meeting convened by the Lord Mayor, to be held in the Town Hall tonight for the purpose launching a Dreadnought" fond, promises to be a monster demonstration. Tlie Herald says that if this meeting and ; the one convened for Melbourne are enthusiastic and: unanimous it does not despair of Mr Fisher allowing popular feeling to be expressed -through

a, constitutional channel. If lie fails t-o do so ho loses the best opportunity Australia has had .of vindicating her claim to have a- share in the government of the Empire and displaying unity of .Empire* to the world. But, should he fail there is no reason why Xew South Wales and Victoria should not do as much as New Zealand. The promises of subscriptions now amount to £60,000-. Brisbane, March 25. The Mayor, replying- to the request of the Stock "Exchange lo a call a "Dreadnought" meeting, said he did not think he would' be justified in doing so, as it would be like inaugurating a panic movement. Perth, March 25. The local branch of the Australian Natives' Association resolved that the presentation of a "Dreadnought'' would bo out of place at the present time. The money available should be devoted to the Australian navy. Melbourne, March 25. The members of the Ministry are in favor, of the States taking concerted action in regard to'Lhe "Dreadnought" scheme.