The New York herald., 1921-06-21

events. The British Empire is saving
the face of a very distracted world. III
is the most hopeful experiment in human
organization the world has yet seen. IL
IS not so much that it combines men OF
many races, tongues, traditions and
creeds under one system of government
Other empires have done that. but the
British Empire differs from all OF them
I'm one essential respect. 1t Is based not
on force. but on good will and a common
understanding. Liberty is its binding
principle. Where that principle is not
applied It is being gradually introduced
into the structure. 1t is that willing and
free association of many nations and
peoples that this conference represents.
Think what we stand Tor In this
room to-day. First of all was the long
political development of the British
Isles, with all their splendors and pains.
the crucible from which the framework
of the whole structure emerged. Canada
British and French South Africa, Brit
ish and Dutch, both are now great
donlinions whose unity is due to the
free willing combination of two proud
races in a single nationhood. Australia
and Aew Zealand are British ciViiiza-
tionsyboth, but they were planted ano
developed with a genius OF their own
and by the sheer enterprise and grit OF
their people in the extreme Antipodes.
India is a mighty civilization whose
rulers were known and respected
throughout the Western world before
the first English post was planted on
Indian soil. Side by side are these
wonderful, varied colonies and protect
crates in their different stages OF de-
velopment. which, the Secretary OF State
for the Colonies here represents.
"All the marvellous achievement OF
our peoples this gathering reflects. 1
am mostly deeply impressed with the
blending OF the East and the West-ln-
dia, with her far descended culture, her
intensely varied types, so different from
ours. presents in this room a concert OF
common policy with us and harnoniZ-
ing, we hope, still more completely her
civilization and ours. 1t Is. our duty
here 10 present the ideals OF this great
association of peoples in their willing
LOYALTY to one sovereign and to take
counsel together on the progress and
welfare of all. and to keep our strength,
moral and material, and our united
power for justice, liberty and peace.
The Prime Minister spoke glowingly
Of India's achievements in the war,
saying:
"India's achievements also are very
great Her soldiers lie with ours in all
the theatres OF war and no Briton can
ever forget the gallantry and the
promptituGe with which she sprans for
waxd in the King and Emperor's service
when war was declared. The cause of
the war was unknown in India, and Its
theatre in Europe was remote. Yet india
stood by her allegiance heart and soul
from the first call to arms, and some Of
her soldiers are still serving far from
their homes and families in a common
cause.
"lndias loyalty in that great crisis is
eloquent to me of the Empires success
in bridging civilization East and Wes'
l and in reconCIing wide differences II
the history and. tradition of the races
bringing the spfStt and the great geniu:
of the Asiatic people into willing Co
| operation with our own. Important
changes have been effected in India thi:
year and India Is making rapid stride!
| toward control OF her own affairs. Also
she has proved her right TO her new
status In our councils. That status snt
gained during the war and has main
tained during peace"
Premier Meighen of Canada. as repre-
| sentative of the senior Dominion, wa:
! the first speaker on the programme aftel
Mr.. LLOYD George. He confined himself
merely to a preliminary statement OF
his understanding of the scope and tunc'
tions of the conference. After Premier
Meighen's address, the conference ad
| journed for the day:
| IT is understood Premier Smuts OF
South Africa intends 10 make an ex'
tended address on the British foreigI
policy. particularly in regard to steps
arising out of the Treaty OF Nersaliles'