LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
PROPOSED GIFT OF A WARSHIP FROM BRITONS OVERSEAS.
[TO 7115 EDITOR 07 THR " EPECTATOR..1
Bra,—May we call the attention of your readers to an important movement among our fellow-subjects abroad which has for its immediate object the presentation of a warship to the nation ? For many years past a feeling has been gaining ground among Britons whose occupation necessitates residence in foreign lands, but who still retain the full rights of British citizenship, that they should show their willingness to take a share in the burden of Empire. This feeling has been intensified by the splendid patriotism of the British Dominions overseas and of India, the people of which have presented battleships and sent armed contingents to the front, and by the great moral effect which this assistance has produced. The three million British subjects who reside outside His Majesty's Dominions see that the Empire is engaged in the greatest war in its history, and that it requires the help of every loyal son and daughter throughout the world. They have already given generous assistance to the Prince of Wales's and other patriotic funds; many of them have come home to serve with the colours ; but for the vast majority, whose anxiety to take their part in the defence of the Empire is no less keen, the assistance to be rendered must take some other form.
It has therefore been suggested by some of them that a central body in London should be formed to act as the connecting link between the various British communities scattered throughout the world, in order that they may render help in the most effective way possible, and this has been done. The movement has taken definite shape in the formation of a League, known as " The Patriotic League of Britons Overseas," the object of which will be to unite the efforts of our widely dispersed compatriots abroad, and so to enable them to take joint and concerted action in the present crisis. His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to become Patron of the League, and an influential Central Com- mittee, including Lord Curzon, Lord Milner, Sir Mortimer Durand, Lord Charles Beresford, M.P., Sir Gerard Lowther, Sir Claude MacDonald, Sir Robert Balfour, M.P., Sir Robert Harvey, Mr. A. A. Booth, Mr. G. B. Dodwell, Mr. Alexander Finn, Mr. C. V. Sale, and many other gentlemen who are equally well known abroad, has been formed.
It has been agreed that the most suitable gift to the Mother Country from our fellow-subjects abroad would be a warship. The Admiralty have been approached, and have consented to apply the contributions from the League to one of the larger ships now under construction, or to an addition to a class of cruiser most useful in seas abroad, according to the amount received. The approval of this choice will, we are sure, be instantaneous and universal. How often in times of trouble in their foreign homes have Britons been cheered by the arrival of the White Ensign, though flown, perhaps, only from a small gunboat.
It is hoped that after the war the organization in some form or other may be made permanent, and that our fellow-subjects abroad will continue to contribute voluntarily but systematic. ally towards the defence of the Empire. The money would be applied to the upkeep of a cruiser or to some definite object which would be clearly identified with their patriotism.
It is proposed to form branches of the League immediately In all parts of the world outside the Empire where there are British subjects, and we would, therefore, ask all of your readers who have business or other interests outside the Empire to put themselves in communication, without delay, with Mr. F. W. Hayne and Mr.W. Maxwell-Lyte, who are under- taking the duties of joint hon. secretaries of the League, at 80 Bishopsgate, E.U. Prospectuses, containing full informa- tion, and printed suggestions for the formation of branches, will be forwarded on application to that address.—We are, Sir,
&c., SE LBORNE, ALDENHAM,
Chairman. Vice-Chairman and Hon. Treasurer.
[We most gladly endorse every word of this wisely thought out and admirably expressed appeal, and congratulate Lord Selborne, Lord Aldenham, and their colleagues on having the privilege of placing their letter before our countrymen in partibus. We rejoice to think that the Spectator is widely read by Englishmen who have changed the skies above them, but not their hearts. We hear every week from English readers of the Spectator who live overseas, but not under the British flag, and we know by experience how warm is their feeling to the Motherland. We have, indeed, never failed to get a ready response from them in regard to any matter of Imperial interest. We sincerely hope that they will support the movement described above, that their contributions to the Navy will be prompt and generous, and that in the future there will be a League of Oversee Britons with the Horatian motto, Coelunt, non animum—" They change the skies above them, but not their hearts, who roam." That will indeed be an "Old Boys' Club" worth belonging to.—ED. Spectator.]
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