MAKING OF EMPIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19584, 8 June 1926, Page 6

MAKING OF EMPIRE

PART PLAYED BY SCOTLAND ROTARY CLUB ADDRESS. “What Scotland has done in the making of the British Empire.” was the subject of an address by Mr W. Thomson, of PAlmerston North, de livered at yesterday’s Rotary Club luncheon. The speaker prefaced his remarks by stating that, while he loved th” English, Irish, Welsh, and New Zealand people, his hearers must remember that he was speaking of what Scotland had done for the Empire. As students of history, he asked those present whAt Scotland had done by way of vindicat ing her freedom? She possessed such splendid characters as Wallace and Bruce, who fought for half a century to establish freedom in a permanent Led the World. Scotland led the whole world—the smaller nations (‘specially—in the great lesson of national freedom. She ac complished national freedom in 1311, church freedom in 1560, and always worked on to something greater, better and higher. It was said that Scotian.l had done more for the world and national civilisation than the Greeks, Romans and Jews combined. In any case, said the speaker, it was nice t<» know that she had done so much. In regard to education, Scotland had not only led the Empire, but had also led the world. Education with the people used to be a plassion. Scottish education gave the death blow to feudalism, gave unity of sentiment, ami strengthened the national spirit. The Spirit of Unity. The speaker told the story of how Robert Bruce, on the morning of the battle of Bannockburn, rode along his lines of fighting men and invited any man who did not want to light for national independence, for his wife And children and his own personal liberty, to lay down his arms. That not a single man left the ranks demonstrated the remarkable spirit of unity that dominated the Scot’s character. When the Empire was in danger from 1914 to 1918, added Air Thomson, that spirit again asserted itself, and 650,000 Scotsmen enlisted in the ranks, exclusive of those who entered the Navy and carried out other war work. The speaker went on to mention prominent Scottish figures in the fields of art, literature, science and militarism. He characterised Burns as being the greatest link of the British Empire as the result of his fine works, ami spoke of the splendid music of words that flowed from the pen of Scott. Amongst others, he mentioned tlx? works of Robert Louis Stevenson and John Watson. Strengthening Ties of Empire. He held that Scotland was in the forefront so far as philosophy was concerned, while in every single department of life her accomplishments in strengthening the ties that bound tlx* Empire were noticeable. She had Accomplished great work in the sphere •»! biography, while she had been the bene factor of the world per medium of th.* scientific research of her people. Her* he mentioned the name of Professor Simpson, the inventor of chloroform. As soldiers the Scottish were th • finest in the world, while their hospital ity was well known, especially to New Zealand soldiers who visited Scotland during the war. Mr Thomson als • touched on the Scots’ success in commerce, and introduced witticisms into his remarks that were appreciated. Independent Tributes. After referring to the tribute paid to the Scottish by independent writers, who characterised them as examples of thrift, intelligence and endurance, ho asked Rotarians to realise the magnificent heritage they had received from their forefathers, And th'* magnificent Empire of which they were citizens. Rotarians, he believed, quite realised that Britain was not one of the greatest nations of the world —she was the greatest in the world, ami upon her ennobling influence depended the peace and happiness of the world. At the conclusion of the address. Air Thomson was Accorded a vote of thanks at the suggestion of Air John Coull. The latter said that Rotary encouraged them to got to know other countries, and they were looking to it to establish international peace and understanding.