On Wednesday Sir Michael Hicks-Beach made to the Liver- pool
Chamber of Commerce a speech which shows him to be possessed of the highest qualities of statesmanship. We have quoted elsewhere the wise and firm words in which he disposed of the mischievous proposal to base the Empire, not, as now, on a foundation of Free-trade, but of veiled Proteetion ; but must note here his severe but well-merited rebuke in regard to an irresponsible handling of the China question. "He wished that the task in China were not aggravated by foolish utterances on the part of certain per- sons who assumed to guide public opinion in this and other countries, breeding suspicion in our country of the motives of others." After congratulating the country on the Anglo- German agreement, and offering a most opportune tribute to the Emperor of Russia, "in whom he believed the world at large might have every confidence," he defended the Army
• and Navy from the attacks of the extreme pessimists. In conclusion, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach dealt with the question of the expense of Empire, and touched on the possibility of Colonial contributions. We are all for the Colonies being prepared to aid in the defence of the Empire, but we sincerely trust that it will be by way of local effort, not by way of contribution to any Imperial fund. The local efforts may sometimes be wasteful, but they are by far the best form of Imperial insurance. We want to see each of the free nations of the Empire responsible for the efficiency of its own military preparations.
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