British Politics-

Manawatu Herald, 2 August 1902, Page 2

British Politics-

SPEECH BY MR CHAMBERLAIN

In the House of Commons Mr Chamberlain, in a speech on the Colonial Office vote, said the proceedings of the Premiers’ Conference must be treated as confidential, but Parliament would be given a full opportunity of discussing any proposals. One spirit, he declared, had animated the Premiers, namply, a desire to draw closer together the different parts of the Empire. He did not think the conference would prove resultless, On the contrary; bethought it would he a step towards entire union. That aspiration, perhaps, might not be fulfilled in his time, but he hoped his descendants would live to see its realisation. (Cheers.) The proclamations in South Africa, said Mr Chamberlain, would be allowed to drop, but undesirables would not be allowed to return. It was Britain’s duty and interest to keep-every engagement, in letter and in spirit, of the terms of >urrander precise. Britain was absolute;/ free, and was entitled: to establish, ind had established, the strictest Crow;- colony government Burghers wouM be selected to operate when possible without jealously among themselves. Meanwhile the majority would be impartial British officials.

As regards taxation, the Government would do nothing to interfere with the development of tbe mines, but it was entitled to raise fair proportion of the cost of tbe war from the mining industry, especially in the future. ( Lord Milner’s opinion in regard to the suspension of the Cape constitution, Mr Chamberlain said, was purely a personal one, and had not lessened the Government’s faith in him.

Mr Chamberlain hoped that the Boers would preserve their best traditions and characteristics, and heartily cooperate in the enjoyment of prosperity and industry. Even-handed justice would be administered. (Ringing cheers.) Sir W. V. Harcourt spoke in a pessimistic manner in regard to the financial aspect. Mr Labouchere tendered his congratulations to Mr Chamberlain on bis concilatory policy, Mr C. Scott (Liberal) declared that Mr Chamberlain’s optimism was in a fair way of being justified. Mr Chamberlain replied that he had always been conciliatory, but felt that the opportunity for conciliation could come only when certain issues were settled once for all. (Cheers).