We note with satisfaction that a section of the Socialists
are beginning to awaken to the needs of national defence. Mr. Blatcbford, of the Clarion, writes in the current issue of his paper a most sensible article on "The Danger of War." We can best show its character by the following quotation :— "I do not believe that any person can accuse Great Britain of provocative action. If there is any menace it comes wholly from Germany. AN the threats are German threats. No British politician wants war with Germany. Every sane man in this kingdom knows that for us to attack Germany would be an act of criminal lunacy. Germany has nothing that we want. Germany is so strong that we could not injure her. If the danger exists it comes from Germany It is not mere words, it is acts, that have convinced us. Germany has increased, and is increasing, her fleet. Germany has made, and is still making, the fullest preparations for the embarkation of an army. These are facts. Now, against whom can these preparations be directed ? The Germans are not going to invade France by sea ; they are not going to invade Russia by sea. And the arrangements are of a nature only suitable to attack upon a near coast."
Sound sense of this kind needs no comment. We feel sure that Mr. Blatchford will not shrink from the logical con- clusion that we must maintain a strong Navy, and must train our population to the use of arms, so that they way have the knowledge required to make them efficient defenders of their lives and liberties should the need arise.
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