London.

Manawatu Herald, 31 March 1896, Page 2

London.

The Hon. J. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, speaking at the panada Club, said it was essential to seek to establish Imperial Federation on lines of the least resistance, and a basis of common interest must be established. He recognised that the main obligation was the defence of trade and commerce ; then, next, the representative authority must be created. It wag imperative to approach the question from the commercial side. The colonies had taken the initiative at the Ottawa Conference. The system of commercial unions hitherto suggested offered Great Britain inadequate advantages for the loss of foreign trade and risks involved. He did not think the Marqui3 of Ripon's despatch barred the way to favourable consideration if a batter proposal were put forward. Freetrade throughout the Empire on the basis of revenue duties only would probably lead to a satisfactory scheme. The advantages were so enormous that the colonies were bound to carefully weigh the matter. If the principle was once accepted it would be only reasonable to convene a council of the Empire, as the views he had put forward were merely personal. 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 suggestions. Mr Chamberlain's speech has been received with an immense amount of interest in the provinces, and throughout Canada and America. The Pall Mall Gazette and the Times are publishing cables which escaped the censorship of the Boers, stating that the situation in the Transvaal is grave. It i 3 believed that Mr Chamberlain demands conditions which the Boers resist, whereby the fate of contemplated reforms is endangered. Sir W. B. Perceval has been appointed managing director of the Consolidated Goldfields Company of New Zealand. One hundred supporters of the Government have protested against the proposal to increase the annuity paid to the Duke of Cambridge. The Government has referred the question of old age pensions to a select committoe. The Times says that President Eruger and President Steyn, of the Orange Free State, have entered into an offensive and defensive alliance. Troops are arming, and they have been promised the support of the Afrikander Bund. The Boers are greatly exoited owing to the use by Dr Leyd3 of the Secret Service Fund. A considerable feeling of sympathy has been aroused in Holland and Germany, and many Dutch and Germans are entering the Transvaal to give help. Private letters are being reoeived from colonists warning England that grave events are pending at the Cape, and it is thought possible that a Boer and Afrikander rising will take place at no distant date. Oxford won the University boat race by little more than half a length, after what is described as a historic struggle.