There is a unique quality about toda Celebration of Empire Day, the day of the Great Queen's birth, now taken as an occasion for remembering the fact that during her reign the majestic concept of Empire came into being. The uniqueness is due to the conditions under which it is being observed, for, with the world in the state it is now, the idea of cohesion, which it is imperative should prevail amongst British people all over the world, needs e Possible emphasis. The Empire faces whatis still grave crisis: there is the danger that before this day comes round again all those qualities which go to form the British character may be called upon to meet exigences the prospect of which all thoughtful men must regard with anxiety. But Britain, the heart of the Empire, is better fitted to play the great role which is pre-eminently hers owing to the developments which have taken place during the last few years, and on this day the celebrations may be observed with the knowledge that recent events in Europe have proved conclusively that Great Britain has again become authoritatively articulate, that the tendency on the part of some nations to disregard her is passing, and that her word again commences to carry great weight in the chancelleries of Europe. The influence which Mr. Chamberlain has been able to wield during these past few anxious weeks has proved a great factor contributing te rds this end, A year ago the general situation in Europe was not good. Since then the foreign policy which the Prime Minister has adopted has resulted in a better understanding with Italy, and the opening of a possible avenue towards even better relationship. On the other hand the manner in which Great Britain has intervened in the Czechoslovakian crisis has given ample demonstration of the authority with which Great Britain now speaks, and though much may have happened before these lines appear in print, it is clear that the British Government has done a great deal to prevent that deterioration of the situation which must have inevitably led to war.
It would be premature to suggest that all possibility of war over the Czechoslovakian crisis has disappeared. That is not contended for one moment, but with the rearmament of Great Britain she is again playing her afore-me role in European affairs, and working without which civilization must collapse. Mr. Chamberlain may not have taken all the advice conta in es of Shakespea:
Be stirring as the time; be fire with fire; Threaten the threaterer, and outface the brow of bragging horror but-he has brought a degree of firmness in the handling of British foreign policy which to esteres British spect. a firm, decisive British Government contribute most to the peace of thus can its influence be e are indeed days in which a Briton may be preyd, for no matter what the ultimate developments in Europe, may be, there has been a demonstration that the Empire is being in act as it is in thought. Ti the eyes from the past and present, what of the future? Fortunately, or tunately that is hidden, but it is possible 2 believe that there is about the British character, despite those that would decry it, hose same qualities which made the Empire at it is, that determination to uphold the fatness of the imperial idea, to insist upon the protection of all those liberties for which ne Briton fought through long centuries, to ensure that at least within its own borders that concept of justice s9 dear to the Briton shall c ne to prevail and that the democratic ideals to which he so firmly clings shall be denied neither to him nor his posterity. Those who profess to see deteriorathe British character delude themselves. There is none, and that race, which has withstood great trials in the past with ional fortitude so plainly indicated in y, may be expected to meet whatever he future may make upon it. well that these things should be inhered. This great imperial democracy, this commonwealth of nations bound with loyalty to a great ideal, ids of mutual interest, may knit together. Itis in that very so much of the Empire' to be found, so much of its resilienc its head stands tite Royal family whose devotion to duty and the ideals lo over whom King George VI has has earned for them not only manded of a British subject but personal affection. Fortunately esser breeds without the ner concep' removed from empty y that quiet confident vhich makes the British t it is, and something at all reckoned with. The British stands for peace, international ood government, Other nations same thing, but their method roach in such matters does not always commend itself to the British genius. That need not necessarily mean that they are not it point of view, or that the ment they choose is not best national characteristics. That, however, who believe th obtain the government r have no desire to force their s down others' throats. In this conn the very fine words at the end of Viscount Bledisloe's Empire message might with advantage be reproduced herei—
As President of the Empire Day Movement I send you all hearty greetings. I feel confident that our Empire is the chief bulwark of peace, freedom and good government in the world and earnestly hope that whatever be our station in life, our rage or our occupation, we may, by God's help, following the example of our King and Queen, make the service of God and of our fellow men the ideal of our liv Also that by mutual helpfulness, industry, integrity and the consciousness that we all belong to the same great human family of the British Commonwealth, we may maintain unabated its powerful influence in promoting the happiness, the peace and the progress of mankind.
They form a prayer which should be in every British heart this day.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.