THE IMPERIAL CONFRENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1526, 6 April 1887, Page 2

THE IMPERIAL CONFRENCE.

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London, April 4, The first meeting of the Imperial Conference was held to-day at the Foreign Office, Sir H. Holland, Secretary of State for the colonies, presiding, and delivering an opening address m the course of which he expressed the hope that this was only the first of a series of Conferences which would cement the union of the Empire. It was announced that to-morrow the question of Australian naval defences would be discussed. On Wednesday the subject for discussion will be the extension of the judgments of the Colonial Law Courts. The Conference will then be adjourned until April 14. A Committee has been appointed to prepare a Jubilee address to the Queen. The Marquis oi Salisbury welcomed the delegates m a lengthy speech. He said they had met to see how far it was possible to obliterate the conditions of their geographical separation, He did not recommend the indulgence m ambitious schemes of constitution making. He cast no slur upon the aspirations for Federation, which, though hazy and doubtful, contained material whence practical results might ensue. It was impossible to emulate the German conduct of Imperial affairs, and for the present they must be satisfied with each conducting their own affairs. There were two forms of union, one m regard to Customs and the other for military purposes. He believed the former was not impossible, and the defence of the Empire was a matter of interest to England and the colonies. He admitted that the extension of the Empire might require portions to incur dangers on account of inimical interests, but he did not think that while the Empire hung together the Colonies would be likely to be involved. The policy of the Empire was essentially pacific, aod danger with another country was not the consideration which would actuate the Colonists m their desire to place their defences m an efficient condition. Though he did not believe that the great European countries were likely to commit any violence m distant lands, he must admit that facijities for such action were enormously increased, and had brought the distant territory of the Empire within the sphere of possible aggression. Alluding to the increasing desire displayed by other European nations for colonial acquisition, Lord Salisbury thought the Colonies had a most solemn and reasonable consideration for their self-interest and the security of the shield which the Imperial Government threw over them. There was no longer a suggestion of English selfishness, for it was desired that all parts 0 of the Empire should be equally safe, prosperous, and glorious. The Colonies, therefore, desire to take their fair part m mutual defence, not merely m furnishing means, but m providing men. He hoped that past experience would justify anticipation that hereafter those born m the Colonies would share more and more m the defence of the Empire, and all its parts. The Imperial government rejoiced to see this endeavour to draw closer the bonds of their common origin, history, and allegiance. He hoped the connection between the Colonies and the Mother Country wonld become more real, and present a spectacle to the world of a vast Empire not founded by force or subjectidrt, but by sympathy, resolution, and co-operation m those subjects of pure endeavour which are open to the members of a vast Empire like this. Lord Salisbury's speech was received ! | with loud cheering. '