The Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1918. THE SOCIALIST CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11474, 28 February 1918, Page 4

The Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1918. THE SOCIALIST CONFERENCE.

THE gathering which called itself the Inter-Allied SocialistConforence, from which a considerable amount of dissension from inter-allied Government views was expected, has now formulated its decision. Fortunately that is almost identical with that of the ruling Powers. The “Memorandum” to which the meeting subscribed stated that ‘‘the invasion of Belgium and France threatens the very existence of independent nationalities and strikes a blow at faith in treaties; therefore, victorious German imperialism would mean the defea t and destruction of European democracy and liberty. The Memorandum also states that the Socialists are not warring with the AustroGerman peoples, but witli the Governments who oppose them. ‘‘While’inflexibly resolved to tight until the task of liberation is achieved, Socialists oppose a war of conquest.’’ In n more detailed exposition of its aims [the Conference insisted upon the reconstitution of the small nationalities now under Austro-German domination, but expressed itself us being in favour of the restitution of the German colonies at the conclusion of the war and the abandonment of schemes for an economic boycott. There is much in this to the good. How much influence international Socialism will wield in the ultimate peace councils of the individual nations yet remains to be S3en.’ If we may judge the amount which will he exercised then from the influence which Socialism now wields in the higher councils of Europe wo may anticipate tnut it will have little effect in influencing the ultimate adjustments and re-adjustments which will become necessary when the clash of conflict has brought a war-weary world to the point of negotiation

Still, it is no small advantage in the awful task to which the nations have set their hands to have the alliance of what has hitherto been the most uncompromisingly pacifist group of the people. If, therefore, the Conference result in more unanimity in every nation upon the prosecution of the war it will have effected a very useful object. It would ho strange, in fact, if Socialism throughout the world did not lend its most energetic efforts in the project for the defeat of Gorman Imperialism. For German invasion, German conquest, German aims aud German raging like an unclean beast among the small nationalities offer a mo re ' direct and ominous challenge to Socialism and its related isims than to tny other sections of European society. For if Geimany is at last victorious over the nations with which it is now in conflict extremists everywhere will experience a had time. There will be no Republics left on the Continent of Europe. When Napoleon conquered a country he gave it a King from among his own family or his high command. His family connections were limited, however, while there are unemployed I-lohen-zollerus enough to fill the thrones of Europe and those of a few of the spheres as well. Autocracy will dominate the world.

Why is it, for instance, that the Gormans are now overrunning Russia with the utmost haste, while the Bolsheviks are clamouring for peace? It is not difficult to guess. The German ruling class do not desire such a hrood of unconventionally lawless visionaries to rule a country whose boundaries march with theirs, and whose example would certainly be infectious. It can scarcely be doubted that one of their objects is to restore the Czar or some other more pliant tool of theirs to the throne and to ena for centuries again, if possible, any chance of the proletariat surging to the top. And but for the little resistance which the Bolsehviks are offering to the Germau”advauce, and so employing troops which otherwise* would be on the West Front, we should wish them success. Nothing in the way of Government, neither Hohenzollerism nor Czardom, nor even the rule of a Zulu King, is comparable in tyranny and in the insecurity of life and property to the,rule of the Bolsheviks, and it ought to bo put down with the mercilessoess that is usually reserved for savage animals. But Gorman imperialism will not only crush Bolshevikism but the feeble germ of public liberty which it contains, and it is for the Socialists of the world to save that germ if possible by aiding as far as they can to win the war.

The report 'of the Taihapo Show will appear in to-morrow’s issue. The meeting of the Raugitikei County Council will be held on Saturday. Peter Hisson, svho admitted keeping a common gaming-house at Auckland, was fined £IOO yesterday.

A general meeting of the Bulls’ Rod Cross Society will be held in the Anglican Schoolroom on Monday, March 4th, at 3.30 p.m.

The Executive Council decided yesterday that the death sentence on the Ruuuuga murderer, Frederick W. Eggors, shall ho carried out. The date of the execution has not been definitely fixed.

There was only one case before the Feilding Gourtjyesterday namely the Feilding Borough Council y. J. \Y. McOomior, claim 11s cost os for which judgment was given by default, the assault cases having been again adjourned.

New'„winter millinery, costumes, blouses etc., now on view at the Elite drapery, Marton. Miss Waidman has taken particular care over selection of same with result that everything very smart and up-to-date can be seen at her shop*. The takings at the Marton Patriotic Shop for the Calico Lino and Lower Tutaenui Road week, ammounted to £37 11s, and hearty thanks are due to those who helped. The chair was won by Miss Schnltze, and the Kimono by Mr S. Coombe.

I am at present specialising in fruits which are very simple to preserve—Pears, for- bottling, 3d per lb; pouches, choice dessert, every case opened for inspection, (is case' about 2-llbs; tomatoes, choicest table or bottling, 4il lb; for smcc from 4s to ft a c ;se, about “-libs French beans, very young, fresh from tne garden, ISlbs for 2s Cd.—■ J. B. Barrington, Marton.*

The Sailing Championship on Sydney Harbour forms the subject of a striking frontispiece in this week’s issue of the New Zealand Sporting and Dramatic Review, while snapshots at the recent Dunedin and Wanganui race meetings are an interesting souvenir of those important gatherings. Licit# its bearing on the war are dealt with in scenes from Russia, America, rnd Franco, and the honour list of our gallant soldiers is added to in a number of portraits.

A new feature at the Marfon A. and P. Show next Wednesday will bo the Rest Tent for mothers "and children. Elsewhere these tents have been found a groat boon in providing a comforable chair and a iiitie naff for women tired with the best and movement of the showgrounds The Flr.nkot Nurse will be in charge and the N.Z. Health Society’s literature will he available for anyone wishing to secure it. No charge will bo made for the use of the tent, but those responsible for it w ill be glad of small coins which may bo put into their box to cover expenses. Some satirical criticism of tho Government’s action in regard to the Railway Service was indulged in by Petone Borough Councillors on Monday evening. The Muiawatn County Council requested the support of tho Borough Council for a resolution passed requesting the Railway Department to run trains to race meetings owing to the greater expense to the country and the severe damage to the roads cuised by heavy motor traffic. Councillor Cox thought the Government might have displayed more backbone by prohibiting racing altogether during the year. Councillor -Jones: “But the war is over.” Councillor Cox: “How _do vou mako th .t out? It is only just beginning.” Councillor Jones: “The Minister said he was going to stop the trains till after the w»*r, and as the trains are now running tho war must be over.” Councillor Brocklobauk hoped it would not be thought that, because race trains were advocated, tho Council was m lavour of the races. The resolution was unanimously supported by tho Council.

Tliis week Messrs Lloyd's, Ltd., are making their first special private display of new autumn and winter millinery. The whole exhibit will bo unique in style, elegant in effect and beautiful in conception that will appeal to every lady of taste and refinement. Their special exhibition will include the very latest styles for ladies’ and children’s wear. Every hat is quite distinctive in style. No duplication hats The whole selection has been specially selected by their London buyers lor in exclusive trade.*