The Washington herald., 1921-08-14

lns happened to England during the recent
49, weeks that ended when the imperial premiers
returned home after their conference in London
1t is certain that the English people themselves
who mostly forgetting. are trying to forget,
LIES worries in holiday spirit where sea horses
come riding below white cliffs, do not realize yet
that something of their power has passed and that
their little island large in history has surrendered
its absolute authority the countries bounded by
the spirit OF their
Yet that is what happened by silent revolution,
hardly noticed in its achievement though beyond cal
culation in future consequences.
In a recent article l pointed out that the British
dominons OF Canada. Australia, New Zealand and
South Africa no longer subordinate and subserv-
lent Britain but equality as free peoples
with freedom in. Judgment and action in all policies
which affect the common interests OF the British
family of peoples and their own se-government
This is now being stated officially in London though
this understanding has not been embodied in any
written character that may yet be published
Gloomy Forecasts by oldsters.
THERE are many who will in this change
the beginning of the breakup of the British
Empire and who win tejoice accordingly if they
have grudse against it. In London the old fogies'
deep in club chairs which seem rooted to ancient
traditions shake their heads mournfully and say:
"Our sun is setting. Old England has lost her
place. ..' =.
But / see no more cause, for sadness than be-
longs to any farther who sees his grow up
strong and self-reliant, Ionger obedient to his
slightest nod, longer willing to accept his COM
nand in all things yet loyal to the old man in their
grown-up liberty.
Personally 1 believe that timely recognition OF
this altered relationship by British statesmen will
the British Empire from speedy disntegration
and decay at the heart, which Is England. believe
II will be revtalizing spirit good for the peace and
progress of humanity especially If there is closer
association of nations seems likely now with the
people OF the United States working for the same
purpose.
Drained of Man Power by War.
Y CONFESS that for some time after the war
held gloomy views about the future of Great
Britain, unless there was spirit at work. for
with nearly 100000 of her best youth killed. with
staggering burdens of taxation, with spiritual ex-
haustion which could not support any new wars or
military expeditions and imperial adventures depend
ent upon her old, rich resources OF men power and
money it was shining clear that the British Empire
could not be maintained or extended by material
force or ruled with that touch of absolute authority
and still less with that arrogance which in the past
was the unchalenged privilege Of. British statesmen
and the administrators in Downing street and White
hall.
Only by good will all around and by complete
abandonment of the old traditions OF political and
military domination could the empire hold together.
1t has taken more than two years for British
statesmen to agree to that view, but now they are
beginning to shape their policy accordingly. Under
the pressure of economic necessity as well as the
stronger pressure of liberal ideas stirring everywhere
and not to be denied they have called halt to the
imperial ambitions Of the old school and have &C
eepted new policy of equality and partnership with
free democraeies within the empire and more self
government among the subject races
The fight 10 not yet done. because the leaders OF
I,.ir rAriN ilene