THE COMMONWEALTH BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 94, 4 May 1900, Page 3

THE COMMONWEALTH BILL.

1 CHANCES OF PASSING WITHOUT ALTERATION. i (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) [PEB PBE6S ASSOCIATION.] (Received 3, 9.1 5 a.m.) London, May 2. 1 The Federal delegates, in their me.mo--1 randum, quote approvingly a speech made by Mr. Raid in 1899, wherein he declared there would be no safety for 1 Australian Union until the Commonwealth Bill was passed unaltered. Melbourne, May 3. Mr. Deakin has sent a private cable stating that he thinks the Bill will be passed unamended. He adds that he believes the demands of the delegates will be materially strengthened if the federating colonies join in urging the Imperial Government to pass the Bill unamended, and promise that if this is done the Commonwealth will readily agree to recognise the new appellate tribunal. Perth, May 3. At a meeting of Government supporters it was decided to summon Parliament for the 17th inst., for the special purpose of giving the Houses another opportunity of considering the question of sending the Federal Bill to the people. A BANQUET TO THE DELEGATES. Beceived 4, 2.10 a.m. London, May 3, At the National Liberal Association banquet to the Federal delegates, Lord Carrington presided. The Bight Hon. H. Campbell-Ban-nerman, in proposing " The Australian Commonwealth," incidentally described it as unborn, and declared that the union of the Australian colonies contributed to the oneness of the British race. It was inconceivable that a difference ef opinion should prevent Australia's wishes being carried out. Mr. Barton, replying, said Australians confidently hoped Great Britain would recognise that the constitution clearly limited things necessary to selfgovernment, and would nob adopt a course calculated to lead to a change in the constitution. Under the circumstances there had been some irritation. The Hon. C. C. Kingston said the Commonwealth was born in the people's heart, cradled with fondest hope, and now presented at the Imperial font, trusting that the process of blessing ; would not mar its form or future. Lord Kosebery, in proposing " The Empire's Parliaments," said he foresaw that the amalgamation of the Lords and Privy Council would j open the door to a reform cf < the House of Lords and ensure K its great future. There were British j Parliaments all ovor the globe, and ! they must remain scattered, united only | by the symbol of the Crown. Be l believed the extraordinary spectacle of i the Motherland rescuing fellow-subjects from intolerable domination and intolerable menace, and her daughters £ rallying to ber support from all points, - is fruit worthy of the sacrifices undergone.