A NOTABLE SPEECH.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 490, 31 July 1902, Page 2

A NOTABLE SPEECH.

BY MR CHAMBERLAIN. RECEIVED WITH ENTHUSIASM By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, July 80. Mr Chamberlain, in u speech on the Colonial Office vote, said that the proceedings at the Conference were treated as confidential. Parliament would be given a full opportunity of discussing any proposal. One spirit, he said, animated the Premiers. namely, tho desire to draw closer the different parts of the Empire. He did not think the Conference would prove resultless, but that it would be a step towards entire union. The aspiration would perhaps not be fulfilled in his time, but he hoped their descendants would live 10 see its realisation. (Cheers.)

The proclamation of South Africa, he said, would be allowed to drop, but undesirables would not be allowed to return. It was Great Britain’s duty and interest to keep every engagement of the letter and spirit of the terms of surrender precise. Great Britain was absolutely free. It was entitled to establish, and had estab-

lished the strictest Crown colony govern ment.

Burghers would be selected to cooperate when possible without jealousy among themselves. Tho majority meanwhile would be impartial British officials. As regards taxation the Government would do nothing to interfere with the development of .the mines, but were entitled to raiso a fair proportion of the cost of the war from the industry, especially future mines.

Sir A. Milner's opinion in regard to tho suspension of the Capo Constitution was a purely personal one. It had not lessened the Government’s faith in him. Continuing, Mr Chamberlain said ho hoped the Boers would preserve their best traditious an 1 characteristics, and heartily co-operate in prosperity, in employment, and in industry. Even handed justice would bo administered. (Ringing Cheers.) Sir William tlarcourt was pessimistic in regards to the financial aspects. Mr Laboucherc tendered congratulations to Mr Chamberlain on his conciliatory policy. Mr C. Scott declared that Mr Chamberlain’s optimism was in a fair way of being justified. Mr Chamberlain replied that ho was always conciliatory, but felt that tho opportunity for reconciliation came only when certain issues had once for all been settled, (Cheers.)