Great Britain.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 90, 22 March 1916, Page 5

Great Britain.

1 AWAY WITH ALIENS. FEELING ON LONDON 'CHANCE, STRONG ANTH2ERMAN VOTE, United Puvsp Association. (Received 8.50 a.in.) London March 21. A striking anti-German vote , developed at an election for the Stock Exchange Committee. For thirty seats, forty candidates v’ere nominated, of whom twenty-seven were old committeemen. The anti-German Union, nominated seven, of whom six were elected, including Sir Lionel Robinson. Of the rejected old members, four had enemy-born parents and a fifth bore a German name. It is understood that the new committee will be very strict regarding the re-elec-tion of enemy-born members. It is reported that as the result of an agitation the old committee recently rejected several such members. MR HUGHES' MISSION. | THE CONVERSION OF LABOR. London, March 20. The Evening Standard states that Mr Hughes, of all men, is the man to complete the conversion of British Laborites from the doctrines of hampering their usefulness as a national force. Whatever mistakes Labor made in Australia, its motto has evei been “Australia for the Australians.” not “Australia for an international proletariat.” Wisely dealt with, organised Labor might he a priceless element in our national stability. THE PARIS CONFERENCE. In his speech Mr Hughes explained that it would be much better that he should attend the Paris conference, as a British Minister could not know Australia’s wishes on trade matters. This was all Mr Hughes would say. It is understood, however, that there is a likelihood of his being asked to attend a conference to be held on April 15, when there would he time for him to hear the views of delegates and then deliver a speech showing Australasia’s opinion. -He would have to return to England early, as he is leaving on April. 20., A message from Paris states that Britain, France., Russia, Belgium, .Italy, Serbia,, and Portugal will be represented. -

Mr Hughesyill, pn Tuesday, he sworn in as a Privy Councillor. There is still nothing definite settled about the Paris conference, bhfi it is known that Mr Hughes is so far not invited. When questioned tonight, Mr Hughes said: “The Australian Government is anxious I should attend. I also am prepared to go, as I could present the views of Australia tm trade questions.” It was pointed out to Mr Hughes that a message from a Canadian journalist states that Canada is desirous of his attending the conference. Mr Hughes states that-although he knew, generally, the principles whqrehif Canada’ ivas prepared 16 proceed,' he was unacquainted with the details. He repeated that he was not the ambassador of Canada.

PUBLIC OPINION STIRRED. ,'i . J - ' ( . . r> Loudon, March 20. Mr Hughes’ sinking speeches have stirred up -British public opinion, which is being increasingly interested in the problems of the Dominions. Newspapers are giving prominence to tli© speeches, reierrmg gratetully to their determined tone, borne newspapers are commenting on the prevailing slacnness of the British governing circles upon Empire subjects, ana are publishing criticisms ol Mr Asquith, and challenging the Government’s hesitancy to invite Mr Hughes to attend the Allies’ ecou-. omic conference at Paris upon full representative terms. it is certain that Mr Hughes will not attend the Paris coutereuce if be is to be a mere onlooker and not given powers worthy oi a representative ol the great Dominions, Although Mr JBouar Law’s speech, in which he said that “a big step might be found as easy as a Juue one,” is regarded as an indication that something in the nature of a permanent voice of the Dominions maj, alter the war, be admitted to the councils of the Empire, it must be remembered that Mr Bouar Law emphasised that be was not speaKing lor the Uovernment, Mr Hughes has given no details of his definite proposals for closer re-

lations, no rhave the Canadian, South African, and New Zealand views been, disclosed. All realise, that India’s claims and Japan’s position in the probjem of the Pacific are closely hound up? with th© solution of this most delicate and vital problem. It is understood that MrV Hughes has not yet submitted definite proposals, and will possibly delay their submission until after the war. Some papers consider thatan view of the Government’s .unwillingness to deal with the matter urgently the whole of .the questions affecting the status of tW dominions on matters of foreign -policy might be remitted to a post-war Imperial Conference, as it is dear that the Imperial Government favors postponement of a settlement of the questions of closer relations until the end of the war. Therefore, though a definite arrangement may be considered by an Imperial Conferjeuce after peace, there might then be more likelihood of its being accept'd ble. 1 All aspects of Imperial relations are being actively discussed by the newspapers and in political clubs.