THE COMMONWEALTH BILL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 94, 26 April 1900, Page 2

THE COMMONWEALTH BILL

OPINION OF THE DELEGATES. [per press association.] Received 25, 9.25 a.m. London, April 24. The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain's despatch to the Governors of Australia, under date April sth, dealing with Federation, is published. The newspapers consider Mr. Chamjberlain's proposed Supreme Court of i the Empire would solve the only serious difficulty in the way of Federation.

At the Chamber of Commerce dinner to the Federation delegates Mr. A. G. Sandeman, President of the Chamber, presided, other colonial representatives including Lord Strathcona (Canada), Sir Horace Tozsr (Queensland), Sir J. Salomons (New South Wales), Sir P. 0. Fysh (Tasmania), the Hon. J. A. Cockburn (South Australia), and Sir David Tennant (Cape Colony). The delegates were accorded a grand reception. All the speeches delivered during the evening were in eulogy of the patriotism of the colonies during the present South African campaign showing that neither the Motherland nor her daughters were willing to stand alone.

Mr. Dickson said he hoped the Commonwealth Bill would pass the Imperial Parliament during the present session. He considered that otherwise it would be most unfortunate for the Empire, as if the Bill was delayed the ardor of Australians might cool. He hoped that all existing ties would be maintained and strengthened. Mr. Barton justified the pardonable tenacity wherewith the colonies claimed the right to interpret a constitution, which they were entitled to make. In that respect he claimed equality for all British subjects, wherever they resided within the Empire. Mr. Deakin said the Bill favoured the development of the Empire's commerce.

Mr. Kingston dealt with the question of defence.

Mr. Barton contended that the newspapers are not justified in their interpretation of the previous cable giving the decision of the Conference. The reply really implies the strongest objection to disturb the mandate of the referendum and a desire to secure the passage of the Bill unaltered.

| There is strong financial city inI fluence working to prevent the Colonial Office consenting to the placing of any restrictions on the right of appeal. A NEW SOUTH WALES PROTEST. (Received 26, 1.30 a.m.) Sydney, April 25. The Chamber of Commerce has decided to cable to the Bight Hon, J, Chamberlain protesting against the curtailment of the right of appeal.