THE COMMONWEALTH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 116, 20 May 1904, Page 3

THE COMMONWEALTH.

FEDERAL POLITICAL CRISIS. MELBOURNE, May 19. The Deakinites have failed to come to an agreement so far. They meet again to-day. The Radical section, when they found Mr Deakin would not accept a portfolio in the new Administration, became violently opposed to tlie coalition scheme. Mr Deakin is stated to have said t>hat, having become convinced a three-party scheme would not work, he has provided means, by an agreement with Mr Heid, for abolishing it, and though ho recommended it to his party he could not take a portfolio (n any new Administration. In the statement of agreement it is recognised that no proposals affecting trade relations with the Empire can be looked for from the Mother Country during the life of the present Commonwealth Parliament ; but the maintenance of a truce for that period is not to prevent the accepttanco of statutory concessions, offered by ally other part of the Empire. It also provides that offers from Great Britain Bhall be considered. The Labour Party declare they are not averse to any proper coalition, and are ready to welcome every democratic member of the House who believes in their policy. All members —pledged and unpledged—will be placed on t'he same footing absolutely ; no difference will be made between them.

MR WATSON'S AIMS. LONDON PRESS COMMENTS. (Received May 20, 1.27 a.m.) LONDON, May 19. The Daily News says that Mr Watson's proposals have an extraordinary interest for the British public. It would be remarkable, the News declares, if the programme, aiming as it does at the consolidation of the Commonwealth to an extent never before attempted, and at the speedy completion of the machinery of the Australian nationality, should be carried out by * a Labour Ministry. A QUESTION OF LEADERSHIP. (Received May 19, 6.6 p.m.) MELBOURNE, May 19. The Deakinite caucus decided that there could be no coalition excepting under the leadership of Mr Deakin. Subsequently Mr ReRI forwarded a letter to Mr Deakin, waiving any claim to the leadership, (Received May 20, 1.35 a.m ) MELBOURNE, May 19. Mr Deakin says his reason for not wishing to take office is due to <he pain he would feel at being separated from his old colleagues. He looked to Sir George Turner to lead his party. No further developments will be revealed to-night. TASMANIAN POLITICS. REFERENDUM PROPOSALS REJECTED. (Received May 20, 1.35 a.m.) HOBART, May 19. The Legislative Council has rejected a proposal to submit the Occupancy Bill and Income Tax Bill to a referendum of the people.