ENGLAND AND AUSTRALIA.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Sts,—May I, through your courtesy, extend a pen-and-ink handshake to " W. V. H.," who in your issue of July 15th writes ono of the most heart-stirring letters I have ever read on a similar subject ? One could not have a more beautiful description of the bond which unites Colonials to their old " Home." HOw nobly Australia has carried out her
promises made in the early days of this terrible war by the Premier, whose speech should be imprinted on every British heart. Part of this speech, copied from the Daily Telegraph, you may think worthy of reprinting :— " Australia wishes the rest of the Empire to know that in this momentous struggle for liberty and national honour, the vigour of her manhood, the bounty of her soil, the resources of her economic organiza- tion—all she possesses, to the last ear of corn, or drop of blood—is freely offered to maintain the greatness of the Empire, and to battle in the righteous cause wherein she is engaged."
Mine Is probably but a drop in the ocean of appreciation, love, and admiration of the splendid way in which our Dependencies and Colonies —especially Australia—have rushed to surround the old wounded " Mother," and, like young lions at bay, have defied the Teuton or any other Power to overwhelm her. Why are our enemies so blind that they cannot see the obvious- fact that until they have conquered all Britain's sons they can never subdue the Motherland ? The maternal passion is as fierce and strong in patriotiim as it is in the heart of a mother for her young. May Britain never cease to be worthy of this devotion, and may she ever extend a loving welcome to those sons who
look upon her as their " Jerusalem" I—I am, Sir, &c., & L B.
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