THE FEDERAL DELEGATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 94, 3 May 1900, Page 3

THE FEDERAL DELEGATION.

ENTERTAINED AT A BANQUET. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] (Received 2, 9.10 a.m.) London, May 1. The Federal delegates were entertained at a banquet, at which the Duke of Devonshire presided. Amongst those present were the Prince of Wales, the Dukes of York and Fife, the Marquis of Salisbury, Lord Wolseley, Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Balfour, Lord James Hereford, the Agents-Qeneral for the colonies, members of the House of Commons formerly resident in Australia, and about six hundred other distinguished guests. The Prince of Wales, in responding to the toast of his health, thanked sympathisers throughout the world in his recent peril. He was glad to meet his fellow countrymen from the colonies and hoped the mission of the Federal delegates would prove satisfactory and successful as regards them and us, and knit closer the ties binding the Motherland and her great colonial empire. The colonies had sent their best material and the best blood of their manhood to co-operate in maintaining the honour of the flag and integrity of the Empire. He frequently received letters from the front, showing what magnificent troops the colonials were, how well disciplined, what dash and courage they displayed, and their value in the arduous campaign. He hoped the war would soon have a successful end.

Lord Salisbury proposed the " Colonial Contingents." He said they had assisted in the brunt of many conflicts in the campaign for no immediate interests of their own, but sympathy with their fellow subjects and enthusiasm for tbe Empire. This magnificent spectacle took us all by surprise. The outside world was much more surprised. It had fancied that the parts of our vast Empire were so separated that the practical utility of co-operation and the exercise of patriotism were destroyed. It had discovered its mistake, having found that seas did not sever the colonies from the Motherland. Tbe splendid and unexampled service of the contingents in tbe field had been exceeded by another. They bad drawn the Empire together, affording great moral support to the Government at a time when, apart from tbe foreign governments, whose conduct was everywhere correct, other nations and especially the gutter press had denounced Britain's action in South, Africa, Britain's equanimity was due to the consciousness that other and more competent judgos—-the free peoples of Australia and Canada—heartily approved of the righteous cause they were fighting for. The action of the colonies had heightened Britain's character and prestige in the eyes of the world. Hereafter statesmen would realise the importance of carrying with them the sympathy and concurrence of their colonies, Jft> artificial contrivances need anticipate the natural work- ' ing relations between Britain and the coloties, whose free impulpes, developing their own vitality, would enable them to exert an influence unparalleled in tbe world.

Mr. Chamberlain, in proposing " Our Australian Kinsmen," said Britain welcomed the Federal delegates as representatives of the whole of Australasia. The negotiations in regard to the Commonwealth Bill had been conducted in a friendly spirit, and showed the unanimity which prevailed, firstly that the federation of Australasia was desirable for adding strength to Australia and for a greater union of the Empire; secondly, until an Imperial Council representing all parts of the Empire was created it was the duty of the Motherland, as trustee of Imperial interests, to guard the Empire's future, and che was entitled to be heard whenever that trust was touched.

Mr. Barton, in replying, anticipated, in regard to the poiuts at issue in connection with the Bill, an absolutely satisfactory settlement, evoking the gratitude of Australian communities, which recognised the trusteeship of the Motherland.

The Duke of Devonshire read a cable from Lord Roberts in reply to greetings from the banquet. Lord Koberts said the troops were in splendid condition, and would do their utmost to bring the campaign to an honourable and satisfactory conclusion. A SYDNEY I'ROTEST TO AMENDMENT. i | (Received 3, 1.40 a.m.) Sydney, May 2. ] A representative meeting of Billists and anti-Billists resolved to cable to, , Mr. Chamberlain emphatically proj testing against any limitation of the j present right of appeal to the Piivy Council. j EXPECTED PROGRESS OF BILL. j (Received 3,1.40 a.m.) I London, May 2. Mr. Chamberlain does not anticipate , a lengthened discussion on the details I of the Commonwealth Bill, Preliminaries ia connection, with issuing tho I Blue Book will possibly slightly delay I the introduction of the Bill, THE DELEGATES' ARGUMENTS. ] (Received 3, 1.10 a.m.') i London, May 2. I The federal delegates' memorandum ' contends that the Commonwealth Bill ' iu doubly Australian by its origin and the endorsement of ihe Parliaments and the people. Any alteration not ;i'j-.0in1.! ly es.ienti;il and incapable <;f achievement by other means destroys ] the character of the measure, and re- , opens issue* happily and conclusively settk-d. It would bo unwise to create , friction and dissatisfaction for so little, and .refusal means much to Australia, I while agiwuio'-is concession means little to Great Britain. 'JL'hij delegates . deprecate (&§ »lleg*tWK flatty m*

i triction of appeal will prove a permanent injury to tlie link of the Empire, and declare that Imperial Federation will be best served by placing Australian Federation in apparentopposition. .