Preralor Barton’s Good Work in England.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue XII, 20 September 1902, Page 716

Preralor Barton’s Good Work in England.

Sydney “Daily Telegraph’s” London correspondent (Mr. L. J. Brient) acknowledges the good work done by Premier Barton in England: Australia owes a deep debt of gratitude to Edmund Barton for the admirably cautious, sound and statesmanlike attitude he has assumed in his speeches, in his published interviews, and in the position he has taken up at the conference in relation to such contentious subjects as militarism, preferential trade and Imperial political representation. Speaking from an intimate knowledge of Mr. Barton’s public life, extending over a quarter of a century, I am profoundly convinced that never at any time in his career has he displayed his highest qualities to Australia’s better advantage than on the present occasion. It was a big occasion, and he rose to it. Both he and Wilfrid Laurier have acted the part of statesmen. Both have substantially added to their reputations, and, in Mr. Barton's case particularly, the appreciation of the London press and of English public men has been keenly discriminating’, and justly appreciative. I can recall no period in his career when he acted with such consummate wisdom, and was so perfectly understood. 4- -I-