IMPERIAL AFFAIRS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 22 March 1907, Page 3

IMPERIAL AFFAIRS.

SPEECH BY DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE London, March 20. The Duke of Devonshire, in a speech ,at the Unionist tree Trade Club, said that In view of the grave constitutional questions impending, he deplored the increasing recklessness and anarchy iu the Unionist ranks. Their duty to unite was clear, considering the indirect attack on the legislative union of Britain and Ireland, which was more dangerous 'than a direct attack. He said the Colonial Conference was safer in the hands of the Liberals than the Unionists, as colonials could appreciate a cleariy-cxpresed policy, and there would be no chance of misunderstanding There might have been if after three years' taritfite agitation colonials found they had been summoned here, s jnply to negotiate on the basis of existing duties, m which case they would have thought they had been brought here on a fool's errand.

BRITISH INDIANS' DISABILITIES. London, March 20. Lord Ampthill, in the House of Lords, asked if the Imperial Conference would discuss the question of the disabilities of British Indians and their future treatment by the colonies. Lord Elgin (Secretary tor the Colonies), said while it was the Government's duty to show that tiiey were the national protectors, they were not yet bound to consider the self-governing colonies, and not inflame the present strong feeling. Nevertheless he hoped the subject'would be discussed, at any late, at a subordinate conference. The Marquis <of Lansdowne considered the question a most difficult one, owing to two conflicting currents of opinion. He toped care would be taken to secure proper treatment of Indian subjects and prevent their humiliation or being deprived of their rights. He added that for some reasons it would be better were the subject not officially presented for consideration by the Conference.