The first indispensable condition of democratic progress must be the maintenance of European peace. War is fatal to Liberalism. Liberalism is the
world-wide antagonist of war. We have every reason to congratulate ourselves upon the general aspect of the European situation. The friendship
which has grown up between Great Britain and France is a source of profound satisfaction to every serious and thinking man. The first duty of a
nation is to make friends with its nearest neighbor. Sox years ago France was agitated in the throes of the Dreyfus case, and Great Britain was
plunged in the worst and most painful period of the South African war, and both nations-conscious as we are of one another's infirmities-were
Inclined to express their opinion about the conduct of the other in unmeasured terms, and keen antagonism resulted. What a contrast today! Ever
since the King, whose services in the cause of international peace are regarded with affection in every quarter of his dominions, ever since by an act
of prescience and of courage his Majesty went to Paris, the relations between Great Britain and France have steadily and progressively improved, and
today we witness the inspiring spectacle of these two great peoples, the two most genuinely Liberal nations in the whole world, locked together in a
league of friendship under standards of dispassionate justice and international goodwill. But it is absurd to suppose that the friendship which we
have established with France should be in any degree a menace to any other European Power, or to the great Power of Germany
If the prospects on the European continent are bright and tranquil, I think we have reason to feel also contentment at the course of Colonial
affairs. We have had unusual difficulties in the Colonies, but in spite of every effort to excite Colonial apprehension for Party purposes against a
Liberal Ministry through the instrumentality of a powerful press, the great States of the Empire have felt, and with more assurance every day, that a
Liberal Administration in Downing Street will respect their rights and cherish their interests.
Select the correct answer.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the speech?
A
B.
C
to argue over the promotion of liberalism over all other government movements
to remind citizens about the agitations faced by Britain during the South African war
to express gratitude over the king's contribution in building the alliance between Britain and France
D, to express the importance of a harmonious alliance between nations