THE GERMAN INSULTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2497, 22 January 1902, Page 48

THE GERMAN INSULTS.

LONDON, January 14. Mr Chamberlain's speech has practically silenced the German press, who'-e tone is now temperate and polite. There is 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 headed a list to rf print Mr Chamberlain's speech in pamphlet form and forward it to the soldiers at the front. There is no disposition in England to identify the Kaiser with Count yon Bulow's utterances. The Cologne Gazette says that England is too impatient in reference to foreigners', considering the language used by the Right Hon. Sir H. CampbellBannerman, .Leader of his Majesty's Opposition. The Cologne Gazette states that the irritation occasioned iv England by

German Anglophobia, especially the recent utterance in the Rek-b&tag, is so great that the respective ambassadors may at any moment take leave of absence. It adds that possibly the Prince of Wales will nut visit Germany. The Times regards this view of the sitnation as too serious, though pos-fcibirj^Ga-eat Britain may take steps to impress Germany wkh the painful impression created by Count yon Bulow's utterances, aud the necessity to remove the misconception of his reference-. The North German Gazette states that the Kaiser did not invite tli£ Prince of Wales to visit Germany. The Times has published several shocking examples of Anglophobia, literature a*id caricatures. 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 having repeatedly outraged Boer girls. Admiral Librau, who was the bearer of the conciliatory letter despatched by the Kais-er to England after his famous Kruger telegram in 3S9G, in reference to the Jameson raid, yesterday handed an autograph letter to King Edward from the Kaiser. January 13. It is cpmi-offici^Ny announce-] in Berlin that well-informed circles were un-

awarn that a politic. i! nii~Mon wns rntru~tpd to _A<hmral L.iljiun, who is «it-tc-iidiiig a nicetnig ot jjic-htsoica jn Kn^land. The Times, comment Lua, on. the Commonwealth Parliament's action, Sriys the resolution adopted is by far the ino"t important element in thp news of tho d.xy. Nothing could he more fmphatic or expressive than Mr Barton'^ lancruarre and ilr Reid's manhunts and patrioti-m in recognising the preeminence 1 of the question, aud endoising and applauding Mr Barton's pledge. The Telegraph says Mr Chamberlain's, ringing -vvordh to the colonies has received greater attention in Europe than any similar utterance heretofore. The colonies hastened to reply. Nothing has sent a more passionate thrill 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 the striking manifestation of Imperialist and patriotic feeling are alike encouraging and sijyu-

The Post and Chronicle warmly acclaim. > The Daily New* incidentally declares that the repudiation of the slanders reflects the feeling of Great Britain, irrespective of party. Renter's Berlin correspondent states that the Priuce of Wales will be tho Kaiser's private gue^-t. His ri«it ia purely of a personal and family nature. He did not accept an official invitation. Count yon Billow dined with Sir F. C. Lascelles, the British Ambassador, in Berlin. The German press is now silent over the Chamberlaiu-Bulow incident. The evening newspapers re-echo the plaudits in reference to the Commonwealth's attitude. The St. James's Gazette directs attention to the fact that this is he first time that Federal troops have been sent to the aid of the Empire. January 16. It is reported in Berlin that since Lord L.in-dowue (Minister of Foreign

Affnirs) ha& not applied for the piini^S"ment of the caric.ituvists for iusiiliing British royalties, Germany is unable to interfere, though avmre of the Kaiser's indignation. Tlio police have boq^od the editors and publishers to discontinue the >vort>t of their attack*. January 17. The City of London has resolved to present Mr Ch-imberiain, who is already a Freeman of the City, with au address in a suitable gold box iv recognition of his state -.manlike qualities and patriotism in the true interests, of the Empire. Much enthusiasm was displayed. The reference to his soldiers in the i January 18. King's Speech at the openiug of Parliament is favourably commented upon on the Continent. Many new^paper- express delight afc Mr Seddon's speech at the Wellington patriotic demonstration. In the House of Commons Mr Balfour stated that no official assurances had been a-k.ed by Germany m reference to Air Chamberlain's speech which led to the outburst of Anglophobia in Germany. In an unofficial conversation the Marquis of Lan^dowue, Foreign Minister, had pointed ont tc the German Ambassador that Mr Chamberlain made no charges of barbarity against the German or other armies. The Government

con-idi'rcd thoio v, ,i<- nothing in the tpeec-h t\ lik h required qualification or ?i"ith<liMvr<»U The Hoiue cheered tho statement. January 10. The tone of the Austrian newspapers i has become decidedly more favourable to Great Britain. The Neve Freie Pre^o says that the waiuntli of the King's ac- \ knowledgmonfc to the colonies for then* ! self-sacrifice shows that Mr Chamberlain was right in alleging that Great Britain was no little island Empire, but that she represents the whole British race, which is five parts of the world'-j population. BERLIN, January 15. Herr Liebennann boa«ts that when he made his attack on Mr Chamberlain and the British army there was a full Government Bench in the Reichstag, and that he was only mildly rebuked for bis insults to the army. January 16. The Berlin newspapers reproduce tha loyal resolutions adopted by the Commonweaitti FaiUameat without com*

OTTAWA, January 14. There is great enthusiasm in Canada over Mr Chamberlain's attitude towards Germany. MELBOURNE, January 14. The Age, commenting on the outbreak of German Anglophobia, says that the voice of the German pre«s, it must be 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 therefore interpreted in Count Bulow's studiously offensive and deliberately-uttered language. One of the effects, we imagine, will be a fresh impulse to the current of public opinion in Great Britain, which is setting towards a friendly understanding with Itussia. The time appears peculiarly opportune for a rapprochement between Britain, Russia, and France. As soon as the Federal Hou=e met, Mr Barton, with a view to forestalling the threatened attack on the Government in connection with the despatch of the Federal contingent, notified that lie intended to move after the suspension of the Standing Orders the following resolution :— " 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 the Empire. This House affirms the readiness of Australia to give all requisite aid to the Mother Country in order to bring the present war to an end." Mr Barton explained that the only correspondence that had parsed between the Imperial and the Federal Governments with reference to the contingent was a cable from the Imperial Government — " Glad to hav^> thousand mounted men," and the Federal Government'^ reply — " Men gladly sent." There had been no offer of troops on the part of the Commonwealth for reasons previously explained — that it was considered under the circumstances unnecessary unless asked for. He had taken steps to verify the allegations made by German newspapers slandering the British. These statements were infinitely worse than had been cabled to Australia. One leading German newspaper stated that Australian*, not finding the war a promenade to Pretoria and a nursery game, were no longer willing to take a share in it. Mr Barton defended his action in deciding to despatch the contingent without fulfilling his promise to first consult Parliament. The recess rendered that impossible. It was necessary to act without delay. Hnd more troops been a-^ked for they would have been cent. The Standing Orders were suspended, and Mr Barton moved the first resolution in a patriotic speech. He defended the Empire and the 'honour of the soldiers, and warmly denounced the German and other charges which had been 3nade against Australian as well as British troop'-. He announced that he had received a letlm- from Mr Reid promising his support. Mr Reid, in seconding the motion, said Mr Barton had performed a great public duty. He spoke on similar lines to Mr Barton. The debate is proceeding. January 10. In the Federal House Mr Barton said that despite recent utterances, on the whole the attitude of the German empire as a Power had been correct on the principles of neutrality, and it had not been an unfriendly Power to the Empire. When Australia thought that a spontaneous effort to send troops was necessary he was prepared to art. It was the intention of the Government to accede to any request for troops made within our capacity, and to meet all charges if necessary. Mr Reid, in the course of his speech, said that Great Britain was fighting at one time two to one. She was fighting .against the Boers and against a malicious, hypocritical campaign of lie-, on the Continent, which were partly the result of a wholesale and unscrupulous system of bribery. It was high time our position and our attitude were made clear to tho-e people and the whole world. Never in the history of the world had libel been carried to such a sinister extent. The pro>tige of the Empire must be supported. What is it, he asked, that enables us to stand so heartily by the old flag:' It is became conspicuous amongst the national emblem of the earth that flag has more often boon found sheltering justice and affording protection to human liberty than any other flag. Mr J. C. Watson (New South Wales) considered that there was no necessity for the resolution. No war in the history of nations had been conducted with greater humanity. His remark applied to botli sides, and there was no need to depart from Great Britain's traditional policy cf disregarding " pin pricks." Mr C. M'Donald (Queensland) objected to sending a contingent. The Government had acted outside the" Constitution, and the war itself was unjust. He opposed Australia sending a single soldier. The majority of the members warmly supported Mr Barton's resolution, which was carried on the voice^, amid cheer-. The second 1 evolution, was carried by 45 votes to .">.

Mr Barton then c.illed for clv^r- for the King and Empire, which were given, and the House adjourned.

January 17. In the Federal House of Representatives Mr Barton announced that he had received a cable from Mr Chamberlain in answer to his message as follow^: — " The people and Government of the Mother Country greatly appreciate the patriotic and sympathetic terms of the resolutions passed by the House of Representatives, and welcome this public repudiation by the Commonwealth of the calumnious charges against British soldiers and the humane conduct of the war. The resolution*, coupled with the fcplendid way in which the Commonwealth had shared the sacrifices and efforts of the Motherland in the contest which had been forced upon her in South Africa, are heartily felt throughout his Maje-ty's dominions, and afford fresh evidence of the unity of the Empire and the spirit of determination of its sous." SYDNEY. January 14. A correspondent of the Dnily Telegraph advocate-* the formation of an antiGerman league, the members of which should pledge them«ph-f. not to buy any German-made s ooc ' s > il^ « 'et-off to the hostility of the German people towards Great Britain. Replying to a circular from a German manufacturer with v, horn they have done business for years, a Sydney firm said : '•As your papers and people have shown such hatred to our nation, and are such pro-Boer^, we intend in future to use only goods made in England. We are surprised your folks cannot soe the necessity that our nation should quell a pre-arranged rebellion. "' January 15. The Telegraph says that it is no exaggeration to describe as " epoch-mak-ing " yesterday's proceedings in the Federal House. It is scarcely possible that Australian loyalty to the Empire had ever been in question, but it is a momentous occasion when tho Federal colonies formally declare the 103 - alty of that union and renew those practical pledges which they had <-ep:irately given. The occasion i-, one of worldwide significance. ADELAIDE, January 10. The Stock Exchange have cabled Mr Chamberlain as follows: — "We admire and sympathise with you in upholding the good old English traditions during such troublous times." Sir Frank Lascelles, British Minister in Berlin, at the new year asked if a visit on the occasion of the Kaiser's birthday would be agreeable. The Kai.ser replied : " Agreeable is not the word; I shall be delighted."