IMPERIAL PAPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2430, 10 October 1900, Page 67

IMPERIAL PAPERS.

By R. N. Adams.

No. XV.— IMPERIAL DISSOLUTION.

What splendid monuments of past Imperial greatness stand as beacons at every point as we review the "course of Time." From the threshold of history to our own day the mo&t conspicuous way-marks along the high road of nations are those mournfully magnificent tumuli that record the " decline and fall " of successive empires whose power and glory dazzled their citizens with their short-lived splendour, and held the world captive in their chains. These buried nations, that each in its own time dominated the world, seem all to ring out a solemn dirge that fills the contemplative mind with gloomy apprehensiveness even when examining with deepest interest and patriotic pride the present-time greatness of the brightest example of national exaltation.

So well, indeed, have the stories of fallen empires inculcated ijheir lessons that we can scarcely think of a people reaching to an illustrious situation but at once there arises the picture of its ruins in the time to pme. We have become acquainted with the past; we know that as certainly as nations* were led ' by their great men to imperial power, they also tell away to ruin and death. The old lands of human habitation are little else than the graves of mighty armies and glorious empires : and we say " What has been shall be." Of many empires whose invincible armies swept from sea to sea with irresistible force, we find only the evidence of a few scraps of history and their earth-covered cities to attest the facts. Empires under whose farstretching shadow the lesser kingdoms lay in humble terror are now as dead as the generations who lived in them. One after another they rose from obscurity, made themselves famous and infamous, and sank in moral ruin. And in this age we dig up the earthy accumulations of centuries to learn their true stories, which lie concealed among the rubbish that has, as it were, attempted to hide at once their glory and their shame from the light of day. But the curiosity of man will not be restrained even by the sacredness of these gigantic tombs formed by the kindly hand of Nature. The generous coverings of mother earth are rudely torn off, that the secrets for centuries held in strictest confidence by the grass-grown mounds may be published in detail to generations that own no relationship to those so long sleeping beneath the clay ; and share no sympathy with the men whose manners and methods of life they fail to understand.

But in addition to the monuments ©f those long silent empires, we have contemporary with us nations whose day of glory is but as yesterday, for they are still, like men whose dissolution is the result of gradual and slow decay, wasting invalids. The stories of their mighty ones ; the valour of their armies, the conquests of their kings, the greatness of their commerce, tho grandeur of their nobles, the influence of their priesthood, are all lipoii our b6pk-

shelves, where we can read in our leisure hours of all' the magnificent splendour of their courts, of all the grace and beauty of their society, the marvellous decorations of their halls and palaces, and the wealth and glory of their princes ; as well as of their giovelhng avarice, their grinding enactions of the poor, their petty pride of birth, their tyrannical crushing of .enemies, and their inhuman enslavement of fellowmen ; of their immoral customs, cultivated by the gieat, patronised by the jefined, and ignored by the ranctimonious ; of their want of faith man with man, and of their rottcriness of heart in every department of truth and virtue.

It is not necessary for us to consult our silent teachers, bound up in cloth or leathei, fo:' we have only to open our eyes to see events that are passing before us, if we Ti ant to know how the demise of great nations comes about. It is a great mistake to | suppose that the fall of "Rome was occasioned by the incursions of barbaric tribes from the north. Had Rome not wasted away under the insidious power of her own internal corruption, no barbarians could ever have seen her walls, much less sacked the city. It is when nobility finds all its entertainment in luxurious living and glittering displays of empty pageantry, when manhood j finds its manliness only in idleness and effeminate occupations, and when women, for- ] getting their true sphere in Natuie, require to be waited on and served as hothouse plant", and nurtured as the most fragile off- | spring of delicate beings, whom the distress and inconvenience oi natural operations'! would bring to grief and miserable death ; it is when sentiments like these prevail that the nation contracts the fatal disease that brings an imperial dissolution.

Empire means healthy vigour and vigorous health. Pampered ennui and slothful lassitude, are the seeds of the fatal malady that eats most surely into the constitution of a race until there is no robustness remaining to battle with adversity, and the victim, of self-indulgence must collapse before a power he no longer possesses.

Vociferous outbursts of patriotic frenzy do not constitute patriotism. Hoisting the national flag and shouting with the enthusiastic crowd " God save the Queen " ! has very little of loyalty about it. The least sincere often make the loudest noise. Loyalty is not a sentiment of passion, nor a happy feeling of a holiday. The patriotism that comes to the surface of our lives on special occasions of national rejoicing, Avhen great demonstrations rouse the energies of the populace to parade their loyalty is a patriotism that has ever been conspicuous even while empires were sinking "into the shades of an endless eclipse. " Long live the Emperor ! " " May the • King live forever ! " are exclamations that have been roared from a million throats to-day, and to-morrow the emperor was a captive, or the king was slain, because of the lack of that sterner material of patriotism which nerves the hands and fires the valour of a people. How notable was that great event of nearly 20 centuries ago, when the mighty crowd one day gave the most enthusiastic welcome in the power of men to accord, as he whom they hoped was going to assert his right to his father's throne entered Jerusalem ; but the next day they howled like wild beasts, " Away with him ! Away with him ! " Popular acclamations are not patriotism. Few things are more unstable than " the voice of the people ; " when it is most demonstrative it is, frequently most illusive. This is not intended to imply that there can be no popular demonstrations of a deeply-seated, genuine pati'iotif.m, but merely to point out that passion must not be mistaken for principle.

•Lord Salisbury has classified the nations of the Avorld as the " Living and the Dying." Some are displaying all the activity of life and growth, Avhile others are merely existing in a state of decline. In some the race is diminishing, the births are not equal to the deaths ; some are holding their munbeis, but are falling behind the ratio of average development, and some are gioAving in numbers, but failing in the arts of modern ciA r ilisation and the spirit of commerce. He contended, indeed, that the future belonged to those peoples who had at the reformation, assumed the right of private judgment in all the affairs of life, whether public or personal. Wlierever there is a progressive people it is found flying the banner of freedom untrammelled by creed or caste, where the people have the right and the power to set all forms of crippling and tyrannical agencies and institutions at defiance in asserting their demands in church or State. Those countries that are neglecting tins prerogative must fade and shrivel, for the future belongs to the principle of liberty. Spain, he argued, Avas anasmic, having despised her opportunity, and clung to the decaying influences of institutions that drain off rather than impart energy.

France is also a striking commentary on Dr Welldon's words. In what country where the true idea of liberty has taken root could such a chapter of history as that of Dreyfus have been composed? In the eyes of the AA'hole progressive Avorld France stands a monument of humiliation for that incident. The Avhole world seemed to join in a united outburst of indignation at the suicidal coaduct, and protested against the proceedings aimed at the persecuted victim of military contempt, Semitic hatred, and religious bigotry. The Avhole affair is indicative of — not French character — but of French national decadence. At St. BartholomeAV she spurned the one force that promised regeneration and permanent vigour to European races, and threw herself, like Spain, Portugal, and Italy, into the arms of the power which hos drawn the might of resistance from every country Avhere it has secured supremacy, and she must iioav abide by her choice.

In 1871 she again, in declaring war on Protestant Germany, ratified her old alliance, and things have gone badly Avith her ever since. Nothing uoav seems to prosper Avith her, even her partnership Avith Russia has proved abortive. But her worst state is not her relations with other nations. Her trade is almost stationary, her colonies are.

an incubus, her statesmen are divided into irreconcilable factions, her national debt is enormous and increasing, her taxation is almost unendurable, and the'stamina of her race is exhausted. Corruption is rampant in all her State concerns, civil, military, naval, and social, to leave unpaid all about commerce. Words of honour have sunk into meaningless phrases, and language in the most serious affairs of national life is only a medium by whichs thoughts may be concealed and actions denied. It would appear that eA-en justice has been transformed into a goddess Avitk but one eye.

Accompanying these lamentable exhibitions of life and character, we find another sign of moral weakness — national disorder and decay, probably more alarming than any, or perhaps than all, previously-men-tioned. The birth rate of a people is the standard of its vigour. Empire depends on population. From this outlook France has indeed a gloomy prospect. Mulhall says, speaking of France : "Vital statistics show that whereas 40 years ago population increased about 5 per thousand yearly, there has been no increase of late years, deaths exceeding births — viz. ,

"The birth rate," he -continues, "is the lowest in Europe ; the death rate is relatively 15 per cent. ' higher than in the United Kingdom, and consequently the span of life is 18 months shorter than ours. 1 '

Along Avith this mairiage is ako on the decline. There were in 1890 20,223 fewer marriages than in 1884, and the ratio of decline continues. And yet the populace snout Avith the lustiest of voices, "Vive la France!"' Yet a nation can only live in the generation of its children. The French parent, however, is far too solicitus over his offspring; he must either find a good competence for the inexperienced youth, or secure for him some military or civil appointment. It is so id that 75" per cent of the school children of France are being educated with the hope of becoming officials of State in some capacity or other. They are absolutely destined "by lovin« parents to develop 'into State parasites" Such is the nature of French patriotism. The State is to be the carcase on Avhich her own vulture brood may gorge themselves ! Spain. Portugal, Italy, and Austto-Hur-gary have but another A"crsion of the same tale to relate. Decrepitude is manifest $• all departments of their institutions, and decay is written across their shields.

What is then the special cure for this fatal and insidious disease? It is well we should inquire, for it may be that while we think it not, there is some reason to fear that those who pioclaim our already commenced decline speak from some ascertained fact, or fairly warrantable sign. There are three things necessary in citizens of a State who wish to make it substantial and prosperous. The.se may be defined — ■

1. Reverence for all Maw, Divine and human. 2. Integrity of purpose and conduct.

3. Patriotic devotion,

On these hang all the interests of a people. How do we stand when measured by their standards? A comparison of ourselves with others will probably, secure for us a good character; but have we candour to measure ourselves by the rules as they stand? To honestly reach the height, and maintain the level in any of them is no easy task. In regard, however, to Nos. 1 and 2, those who know us will admit we have a better record than most, if not than all, other people, and from general report we may claim to be the most law-abiding and religious of all races, so far as" the practical re&ult goes ; but we are not free from grievous frauds and failings. This we are not blind to. In respect to No. 3 we have shown the world rare examples. We have produced some of the most patriotic of men, and our men have performed some of the most patriotic deeds of history; but we must beware of spasmodic patriotism. There is much of it, nor is it by any means an evil thing, provided it is the ebullition of the permanent sentiment. What is required is heart patriotism. We should in actual fact "love our country." How much would we deny ourselves for it?

We give our gold to swell her revenue, we give a share 'of our time to serve her interests : some of us even offer ourselves for a reasonable recompense -to defend her cause. But after all, how much of it is prompted by mere selfishness. Self interest demands that we support and defend our empire, but how few actually ourselves with it, and regard ourselves as in duty bound to accept discomforts, endure the denial of personal enjoyments, and submit to direct loss for our country's .sake? Yet patriotism means no less.

How many of us could, for instance, imitate the mother of the Maceabces: — all of whose sons but one had fallen in defence of their country when, in sending out her only remaining one, she said, " Go, my son ; but return to me only victorious or borne on your .shield"'? A living nation needs living, as well as loving mothers — mothers who are not ashamed to rear families for their country, nor fretful at the toil and burden of training sons and daughters to sustain the honour and glory of the race they perpetuate. We need parents who realise that they owe a nobler duty to their offspring than to build up a private fortune for them that they may live in ease and luxury. That is not the noblest inheritance. Let parents train their children to study the past, honour the present, and live for the future of their nation, and they will leave behind them a race of patriots, with an inheritance richer than gold.

But how about our colonies? How is it births decrease all round though marriages increase? Are we following in the footsteps of France? We have copied too much from that declining race. . And this one fact seriously indicates the dawn of an evil day unless persons in responsible positions are aroused to the danger, and so sound an alarm that an apathetic, indulgent, or ignorant public may be awakened to the true nature of this now far too prevalent conduct.

The time was, not long ago, either, when the parents of families of numerous-boys and girls were looked upon as the truest of citizens, as well as the most fortunate of

Human skill, like human pleasure, But a fragile phantom rears ; Stone and mortar, like our bodies Crumble at the touch, of years. GreEtness is a flitting radiance, Like a meteor of the night; Passing with a shout of triumph. To its dark eternal night.

pedple. Now it is the parents of two bjs, three who receive the congratulations, anefci the compliments, while those who chancy |a>j be so far behind the age as to have siS?s eight, or ten are pitied, and condoned ■with, 1 ' by all their friends and acquaintances %>tli] lay and clerical ; and we look round us; fn| vain for the dear and blissful old institution! known as "grannie." The aged and tlief infants are both become unpopular condW tions of life. • j What has this to do with patriotism? the reader asks. Much, indeed ; very miich/ 1 eA cry way. The empire cannot exist if tfia,' family fails. The family is the type of tils' empire. Its nature is received from- the dp^, mestic circle. Unless patriotism finds its' sanctuary by the hearth, it will wander a/ stranger on the heath. Should selfish grati^, fication exclude it from the mother's bo'som^ and efnminate indulgence bar it from the! father's heart, how is it to find a develop- ■ ing influence in the being of the pampered child? Patriotism is not merely a thing of, outside show; it is a homo product, and: must be nurtured as any other virtue of our] race. Then wha'b shall we say o| the,' loyalty of the wife who resorts to artificial' means to thwart the operations of Nature', or of the husband who stands by, aiding and abetting the monstrous proceeding? Where is ' the patriotism of the tradesman wha hoists the "Union Jack" over his shop', while he prepares the vile compound so much in demand^ to satisfy liis greed of gain? Are not all who share in this business disloyal to the first interests of the empire, and criminal in the sight of all law of Heaven and earth?

We can meet and baffle our open foes, we can treat Anglo-phobia, pro-Boerism, or " any other outward form of opposition or disloyalty, but this insidious evil is too deep and too private for us to reach by ordinary methods. The mischief has already; spread so far in our colonies, as well as amongst our good cousins of Ameiica. that unless steps are soon taken to make it ap-' pear in all its social, moral and national viciousness, it will be too late to rave us from a pre-natal plague that must compel us to a retrograde period. Thir- is surely a matter for public men to attempt to grapple with ; an aspect of common life for both statesmen and ministers ot religion to portray in its baleful character. Mock modesty is a mock virtue. Men may, however, speak the truth without any risk of immodest expressions, and save ouv noble ryce from a wasting degeneracy unworthy of our ancestor?' children. If by anything it is toy tins our empire will wane. Which God forbid it!