Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Quarter of a Century.] MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1904. DESIRABLE INTERCOURSE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7828, 22 August 1904, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Quarter of a Century.] MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1904. DESIRABLE INTERCOURSE.

Tiik effects of the emancipation of Labour and its appearance as a factor in politics, are varied and far-reaching. Some of them, perhaps from their novelty and abruptness, have been, more or less, unpleasing to the rest of society; but there are matters in which the influence of Labour has been wholly beneficent. In nothing is this more apparent than in the better understanding that is beginning to manifest itself between the nations of Europe. The intercourse of the English and Continental nations has hitherto been confined to the more privileged classes on both sides of the Channel; and, consequently, the rank and iile retained the old prejudices that had for many centuries kept them apart. The small shopkeeper, the artisan, the labourer of any nationality knew very little of his own countrymen of other social grades, and absolutely nothing at all about his neighbours. But the tocsin of Labour lias hail a rallying effect. The one great effort of the Labour propaganda is to promote union of purpose and action. Differences of occupation, barriers of all sorts, gave way before the strenuous attempts of the Labour organisations, and even national and racial differences had to be overcome by intercourse. Parliamentary excursions and visits have been followed by a similar exchange of hospitalities among the trade organisations and clubs. These are of continual occurrence, and their effect is most marked according to the testimony of those who have taken part in them. The ideas of the visitors have been widened, their prejudices modified, their charity warmed. Many old foolish notions have been dissipated, and new ones acquired ; while, all the time, steps have been taken towards the great goal of the Workers' hopes— viz., the Ecderation of Labour.

The far-reaching effect of this new departure commend themselves to us as likey to leave a distinctive mark on the time as well as to materially influence international relations. As Labour acquires more and more political power (and this it is gaining with rapidity) it will bear a great part in shaping the policy of the nations. , For even where Labour is not paramount politically, it is numerically so strong in Parliament that no Government can afford to disregard it, or can launch a policy wholly obnoxious to Labour. And the voice of Labour will never be for war, unless it

be a war of racial resistance. Indusfi?y has no sympathy with and would never support a bellicose policy. It seeks the paths of peace and it covets no territory. It will be determined, dogged, inexor- j able, in its resistance to alien rivalry. The strength of its bitter hostility to this has yet to be guaged. But outside this, the Labour party's views will be of the "peace at any price" order —worthy of the Manchester School of the Society of Friends. And this mighty widespread influence will change the political complexions of nations so much that war may by and by become an impossibility. Is it that the faint premonitory signs of the industrial enemy approaching the gates arc already in evidence ? Has the awakening of the East drawn the nations imperceptibly closer, as in scarcely realised anticipation of an overwhelming

disaster ?