Mr Chamberlain on Federation.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 226, 27 March 1896, Page 2

Mr Chamberlain on Federation.

I _ .-o (Per Press Association,) London, Mai-cb 26. Mr Chamberlain, speaking at the Canada Club, said it was essential to seek to establish Imperial Federation on lines with the least resistenee to a basis of common interest. He recognised the main obligation was the defence of trade and commerce, then next a representative authority must be created. It was imperative to approach the question from the commercial side. The colonies had taken the initiative at the Ottawa Conference. The systems of Commercial Unions hitherto suggested offered to Great Britain inadequate advantages for the loss of foreign trade and the risks involved. He did not think the Marquis of Ripon's despatch barred the way to their favorable consideration. If a better proposal were put forward of free trade throughout the Empire on a basis or revenue duty only it would probably lead to a satisfactory scheme. The advantages were so enormous to the colonies they were bound carefully to weigh the matter. The speech was received with applause. Commenting upon it the Times thinks the weighty overtures of the Colonial Secretary are worth consideration. The Standard believes it will stimulate the cause of Imperial Federation, but the colonies will prove the main impediment to a common understanding. The Daily News strongly opposes Mr Chamberlain's suggestion.