BRITISH IMPERIALISM.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 253, 28 November 1914, Page 10

BRITISH IMPERIALISM.

WOMEN'S SOCIAL AND POLITICAL

LEAGUE.

ANNUAL MEETING. The meeting held recently, marking the close of the third year of the league's existence, was well attended, and Mrs. W. Wilson was in the chair.

The report, showed that year meetings had been held to hear and discuss, among others, lectures on: —

"Some Possible Remedies for the Present White Decadence,'' by Prof. Macmillan Brown.

'' Proportional Representation,'' "by Mr G. M. Butterworth.

"Unimproved Valuation," by Mr H D. Acland. i

"The Social-Democratic Platform, as Compared with that of the Present Government, '' by Mrs 11. G. Newell. <' Taxation,'' by Mrs Hi G. Newell. Reference was made to the regretted illness of Mrs Butterworth, the actingpresident, and the valuable work of Mrs Newell, also to the expected arrival of Mrs Corfe, who had been nominated as presid-snt of the league. Mesdames Ncw-.;lF,-W. Wilson, and Miss M. Cocks were elected vice-presidents; Mesdames Blunt and Owen and Miss Rutledge for the committee; Mrs Morton, hop. secretary; and Miss Fryer, treasurer. The balance-sheet showed a satisfactory credit balance. At the-conclusion of the business of the meeting, a discussion on the subject of Imperialism was held. Mrs Carter defined the term, and compared the British Empire with those of Germany, Russia, and China, and with the United States and Belgium and Holland, with their respective colonial possessions. The British Empire was described as the true?-t example of an empire, her colonies being self-governing, while at the same time their statutes and international affairs were determined by the British Cab : inet, the aim being to knit those constituent colonies closely together, thus presenting the view of a world-wide Anglo-Saxon brotherhood, mighty and all-powerful. Imperialism, as we understand it, had its origin in the latter half of the last century, and was really an antidote to the socaded Manchester School, and the policy of the "Little Englauder" movement, with which Cobden and Bright were identified. These great statesmen, in spite of their marvellous intellect, were unable to see that colonies could be anything but encumbrances to the Mother State. The severance of the American colonics was a lesson which made England modify her colonXil policy, and the question of Trade versus Protection in relation to them engaged her attention. . The tide of Imperialism received an impetus during the last 40 years by the spectacle of a great and powerful empire in process of building in the heart of Europe under the guidance of Bismarck. The Imperial Federation League was organised, and the first Colonial Conference was held in England-with Lord Rosebery at its head. In 1887 the first conference of representatives of the overseas colonies met in London, to discuss the best means of consolidating the Empire, and the work thus initiated is still being carried on.

Miss Little showed that the bonds of Empire involved for the colonies .constituting it a certain sacrifice of liberty, which, however, was compensated by protection from their enemies; and it was •essential that the attraction between the colonies should be such'-as to ensure harmony between them. The Austrian EnipireVas instanced as one whose constituent .parts were naturally antagonistic, and the result of the attempt to force Slavs and Teutons, who have a repulsion for each other, into agreement was being exemplified in the present war. The relation of India to the British Empire, the mutual benefits which have accrued to both by their alliance, and the splendid outcome of it as shown in the loyal enthusiasm of the Native rulers at the recent great meeting at Bombay, were referred to by the speaker, and a suggested alliance with Belgium and Holland as one result of the present war.

Mrs W. Wilson described in detail the disabilities under which the Hindus suffered in South Africa, and the circumstances surrounding their expulsion from British Columbia, aud showed that notwithstanding the numerous reasons that were advanced which appeared to justify these disabilities, it was not easy to reconcile them with the fact that as British subjects, the Hindus were entitled to e'|uality of treatment with the white, races of the Empire. The Indian problem was undoubtedly very difficult'of solution, but the recent great demonstrations of practical loyalty would no doubt materially help in overcoming the obstacles' in the \Vay of a satisfactory understanding between the white and coloured races.

Miss Bourdillon, referring to a :recent lecture by Mrs Newell on "The Imperialism of Ouv'Patriotic Poets," mentioned the fact that one note was struck by ailthat of noble pride, and with it of humble responsibility. And this it was that had built up our Empire. Great Britain had not increased her dominions by wars of aggression, but had sent forth her sons to the ends of* the earth, and where they had gone they had sought to elevate the people, to better their conditions, to develop their land, till in many cases the people themselves have asked to be brought vinder "British rule. ' A great"explorer and traveller, a llanovoria;n by birth, but .a naturalised Englishman,, had lately written, out of a wide experience, that nowhere in the world so much as in the British Empire are truth, justice, righteousness, and freedom upheld and enjoyed. The results of such rule have

been'strikingly manifested in the splendid response of the Indian princes to the call of the Empire. And our thoughts of Empire gather round, and our hearts go out in love and loyalty to one who does not rule by military despotism, but who rules his people through the people themselves, and who stands to us all for all that we hold most dear. And New Zealand has sent her sons to. take their. »sha,re in fighting for King an*l Empire, for justice and for right. We trust them, .and.by God's grace, they vrill not fail. . .; A hearty vote of thanks to the speakers and to the chairwoman concluded the meeting.