THE PALACE OF PEACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15857, 1 September 1913, Page 5

THE PALACE OF PEACE

INSINCERE STATESMEN. SWORD PREFERRED TO TREATIES. CANDID CRITICISM. Pr«« Auociation—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, . August 29. Discussing the Palace of Peace the Daily News (Radical) emphasises the contrast between statesmen's professions and conduct, and enumerates the wits there have been since the Czar's rescript in 1.898, coupling therewith the horrors of Russian repressions by the Czar's Government. The paper says the list covers a period of violence, bloodshed, and perfidy unparalleled for a century. With few exceptions the statesmen of the world still believe in force and the sword more than in treaties, and in accomplished facts more than in justice. Perhaps the moral is that it is more difficult to change the mentality of Governments than of the people, since a propaganda of peace can be more profitably addressed to the latter.

The Standard (Conservative), under the heading, " The Great' Hague Joke," refers to the costly wars there have been since the Czar's rescript started this colossal 6liam. It'adds: "Brazil, in sending a warship to honour The Hague ceremonies, shows a fine sense of the fitness of things, and had others desired to tell the truth instead ot countenancing a polite piece of humbug, they wbuld have sent dreadnoughts bearing flags inscribed " The Teal defenders of the world's peace." It is not The Hague Conference that prevents rivalries bursting into flame, but army corps and battleships. We must face the fact that, while every nation is sincerely desirous to keep the peace as', long as possible, all are convinced that, there is no guarantee against aggression but their own ability to defend themselves."

THE HAGUE, August 30.

(Received Aug. 31, at 5.5 p.m.) The Czar .has telegraphed to Queen Wilhelrnina expressing the hope that the Palace of Peace will contribute to the cause which he has .always had at heart.

Mt Johnstone (Minister at The Hague) unveiled King Edward's bust,

Mr Carnegie, in unveiling the bust of Sir Randall CTemer said that if the Kaiser summoned a council of nations universal peace would be assured. .