THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1565, 7 April 1887, Page 4

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

c London, April 2. The delegates were entertained this evening at a banquet by the members of the Federation League, Hon. E. Stanhope presiding. Lord Rosebery, Hon. E. Stanhope, Sir Samuel Griffiths, Mr Downer, Mr Deakin, the Duke of Cambridge, and Sir P. Jennings delivered speeches. Mr Stanhope lauded Sir F. D. Bell’s eminent services to the Colonial Office. April 4. The first meeting of the Imperial Conference was held to-day at the Foreign Office, Sir H. Holland, Secretary of State for the Colonies, presiding. In his opening speech he declared that there was every wish on the part of the Imperial Government to uphold the rights of the colonies, but they were sometimes compelled to call on the colonies to make some sacrifices for their mutual good. He believed the conference would not have failed if it merely succeeded in placing the military and naval defences of the Empire on a sound footing. Ho hoped that this was only the first of a series of conferences, which would cement the union of the Empire. There was no political or party feeling among the delegates, and purely local matters would be discussed between the delegates and Ministers concerned, Sir H, Holland prostrated to review the important s points of the Empire which required military and naval defences, and in conclusion expressed the hope that the result of the conference would be to create a good feeling between the colonies and the Mother Country. Earl Granville expressed approval of Sir H. Holland’s.views, and bir Patrick Jennings, of New South Wales, declared that the delegates had met in a spirit of conciliation, and hoped that lasting good would result from the conference, Messrs Dodds (of Tasmania), Downer (of South Australia), Sir F. D. Bell (of New Zealand), Mr Deakin (of Victoria), and Sir F, G. Griffiths (of Queensland) expressed similar views to Sir Pai rick Jennings. Mr Deakin complained of the inaccessibility of the Foreign Office and Cabinet Ministers for discussion on colonial questions. He hoped the Imperial Government would pursue a spirited colonial policy. Sir.A. Stanhope, Secretary of State for War, promised the co-operation of the War Office in promoting the success of the conference. The Marquis of Salisbury welcomed the delegates in a lengthy speech, He said they had met to see bow far it was possible to obliterate the conditions of their geographical separation. He did not recommend indulgence in ambitious schemes of constitution-making, and cast no slur upon aspirations for federation, which, though hazy and doubtful, contained material whence practical results might ensue. It was impossible to emulate the German conduct of Imperial affairs, and for the present they must be satisfied with each conducting its own afiairs. There were two forms of union—one in regard to Customs and the other for military purposes. He believed the former was not impossible, and the defence of the Empire was a matter of interest to England and the colonies. He admitted that the extension of the Empire might require portions to incur dangers on account of the interests of the whole, but did not think that while the Empire hung together the colonies would be likely to be involved in war. The policy of the Empire was essentially pacific, and danger of war with another country was not a consideration which should actuate the colonies in their desire to place their defences in an efficient condition. Though be did not believe the great European countries were likely to commit any violence in distant lands, be must admit that the facilities for such action were enormously increased, and brought the distant territory of the Empire within the sphere of possible aggression. Alluding to the increasing desire displayed in other European nations for colonial acquisition, Lord Salisbury thought the colonies bad a most solemn and reasonable Oonsideration for their self-interest, and the security of the shield which the Imperial Government threw over them. There was no longer a suggestion of English selfishness, for it was desired chat all parts of the Empire should be equally safe, prosperous and glorious. The colonies, therefore, deserved to take their fair part in mutual defence, ; not merely in furnishing means, but in providing men. He hoped past experience would justify the anticipation that hereafter those born io the colonies would share more and more in the defence of the. Empire and all its parts. . The Imperial Government rejoiced to see this endeavor to draw closer the bonds of their common origin, He hoped that the connection between the Colonies and the Mother Country would become more real, and present a spectacle to the world of a vast Empire not founded by force or subjection, but by sympathy, resolution, and co-operation in those subjects of pure endeavor which arc open to all members of a vast Empire like this. Lord Salisbury’s speech was received with loud cheering. It was announced that to-morrow the question of Australian naval defences would be discussed. On Wednesday (he subject for discussion will be the extension of the judgments of colonial Law Courts. The conference will then be adjourned until the 14th inst, A Committee has been appointed to prepare a jubilee address to the Queen.