THE FEDERATION QUESTION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2288, 23 November 1889, Page 2

THE FEDERATION QUESTION

SIR J. YOGEL INTERVIEWED. [Pkb Pkzss Association,] London, November 22. Public opinion is divided on the merits of the dominion proposals of Sir H. Parkes and the suggestions on tho subject made by Mr Gillies. In tho course of an interview, Sir Julius Yogel expressed an opinion favorable to colonial federation on Imperial lines, The present movement, he thinks is the forerunner of the separation of the colonies from Great Britain, and he thinks it is essential that the Imperial Government should at onco declare that they will forcibly prevent the colonies separating from the Mother Country. Sir Julius accuses British statesmen of callousness m the mutter, and expresses the firm conviotion that colonists are strongly m favor of the unity of the Empire. Public opinion is favorable to holding another conference of Colonial delegates m London, Lord Salisbury is not m favor of the proposal, because he is not prepared with any questions I for consideration by such a Conference. It is generally thought that Bir I Henry Parkes' Dominion scheme has been suggested by him with a view to furnish an excuse for having to swallow protection, which he fears will shortly carry the day m New South Wales. Brisbane, November 22 Major- General Edwards denies that he expressed the opinion attributed to him with reference to the constitution question of Western Australia, a^d says that all he ever said, on the subject were that if responsible Government was granted that colony at present it might create a fresh difficulty m the way of federation.