The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1912-02-19
AUSTRALIAN BOYS
DELIGHTED WITH
TOUR OF AMERICA
Lieut.. J. ]. Simons Says
They Have Met Unbound
ed Hospitality.

"Our reception in America has been
nothing short of marvellous" said Lieut.,
j. j. Simons, who is in charge of the
group of thirty-nine Australian bows
who are touring this country and who
arrived in Washington yesterday after
noon.
1--WE have met unbounded hospitalitv
everywhere. When one speaks of an
American in Australia as a foreigner
lie is Immediately corrected Americans
are not so considered The welcome
given us everywhere we have STONED
indicates that our feeling has been
sound"
"Bosher' and "bonzer," Australian
slang synonyms for the American
swell and dandy" were words en-
ployed to express appreciation of what
the boys had seen in America. In fact
they regard their trip as a "blitherer."
another Australian term meaning
superhne.
Pur rose Is Educational.
The purpose of the trip is educa-
tlonal We believe that a year of
travel will give one more genuine edu-
cation than two years Spent at books"
The boys are visiting all points of
interest. They will go to. Mt Vernon
toiHoIioW, ana lay wreath on the tomb
of WaShinGtOn
The boys are making their trip under
the auspices of the Young Australia
league, travel organization founded
py Lieutenant Simons in 1905 When the
boys started from Australia each of
them had 500. The entertainments that
tney have given on the way at the rate
or about two week, are wholly Incl
dental, as 1t was expected before the
Journey was begun that the trip would
result In deficit of $40, 0OO
we are asked everywhere what we
mink of English domination," said Lieu
tenant tenant SImons. Many people do not
We own our own navy, manage our
own army, and enjoy the most com
pete autonomy. The only temporal
sign or the crown is the governor gen
eral. He has the power of veto on
legislative acts. but this power has not
peen exercised for sixty years. Our
Anond with England is more one Of sym
patty than of contract"
Carrying New Flag.
The troop is carrying with it the new
Australian flag, which was designed
elghtsyears ago, and which was first
brought into a foreign land by Lieu
tenant Simons' group of boys. In one
corner of this flag is the Union Jack.
Esignifyng the relation with England
Inc center of the flag is taken up with
SN' Ih- pOIIttu star, standing for the
FEDERAL district and the six states of
Australia: Around this are five stars
representing the southern constellation,
me hhcst in the heavens.
Many people do not realize that Aus
tralla is not an island. 1t is a con-
tnent. The most recent survey shows
mat 1t contains 1000 square miles more
IMAM continental United States"
- Lieutenant Simons said that at least
Zo'OOO school children had been adj
dressed by members of his party since
they reached America. In every city
two of the boys are detailed to ad-
dress each public school. This plan
was followed in Washington today.
Some day the struggle will come for
the control of the Pacific and that
part Of the world. The domination of
the white or the Colored man will be
the issue. Australia will be the pivot
In such struggle, and 1t is well that
America and Australia know as much
about each other as they can
our party is not made up of scouts.
We are not Boy Scouts nor do we rep
resent military organization"
After speaking in the schools this
morning the party, under the direction
or the Board Of Trade, expected to go
on Il sightseeing tour of Washington.
\ reception will be given them at the
British embassy this evening.