Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-05-10

the predominant party ever consenting
to give Ireland practical Independence.
We have learned something from the
South African war. We know better
than we did 10 years ago what a risk
it would be if we gave a dlsloyal gov
ernmert in Ireland the power Of ac-
cummulating forces against this coun-
try. Mr.. Gladstone shattered his own
party 50 that for the moment they are
erased and a powcrless factor in Eng
llsh politics. But it must not be mag
ined that the efficient is likely to be
permanent
The premier continued: Hereafter
external affairs will occupy consid-
cradle larger place among the problems
we have to solve Not necessarily be-
cause in themselves they are more i'm
poltant. But, if we look around, we
can see the elements and causes Of
menace and peril slowly accommodating
and they may accumulate to such
point as to require our earnest and
most active efforts to repel them"
Il am nervous at using language of
such kind, lest it should be thought
am Indicating that something is known
to the foreign Office by pointing out this
possible danger. But | wish most en-
phatically to say l have no idea Of this
kind. The state of affairs as | know 1t
and 50 far as the government is con
cerned. is peaceful. 1t is impossible To
speak too highly Of the careful, calm neu-
trality which has been observed by all the
governments of the world" The pre-
mier's remarks were greeted with loud
cheers.
Continuing. Lord Salisbury said: "A
certain section of their subjects, not, /
hope, very large, though noisy one, mas
at the present moment great prejudice
against this country. II does not, how
ever, follow that We have no precautions
to take. Governments may come and 60
feelings may change from year 70 year
That root of bitterness against England,
which | am unable TO explain, may be
mere caprice to satisfy the exigencies OF
journalists. today or 1t may indicate a
deep-seated feeling which later we may
have to reckon with. There can be no
security nor confidence in the feelings or
sympathy of otner nations except
through the efficiency of their own de-
fence and the strength of their own
right arm. Everywhere the power Of de-
fence is increasing and who knows but
all these things may be united IN one
great wave to dash upon our shores!
The premier then urged the necessity Of
precaution in time. rrmarking that the
material for military aggression was
yearly increasing in power ana efficiency
among every one of the great nations,
adding: "In every race In history the
great maritime power has been paralyzed.
killed. not by disasters suffered In its
provinces. but by a blow directed at the
heart The British navy, Of course,
ought 10 be sufficient. But are We wise
in placing all our eggs In one basket?
LAS to land defence. SO far as | can see
in the nature Of CONSUMPTION, Il is not a
remedy the country IS prepared u hc-
ccpt. Therefore. we must induce the PEG
pic to voluntarily put themselves in
position IL defend their homes and cuun-
try. The Primrose League san dp Inucn
to foster the creation 81 rifle clubs. IL
once the feeling could bc propAetted thdt
ii is the duty OF every ab.c-bodied Eng
lishman II make himself competent To-
meet an invading army, We would have
a defensive force which would make the
chances OF an asS3ii3nt so bad thdt no
assHilant would appear.
This statement was also greeted with
loud applause After resolutions urging
their subjects To pro pare in times 81
peace 70 az to w ready 10 play their part
In time ~ imperial emergency MAJ been
carried by reclamation. the meeting ai-
i0urucd.