THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1881.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3763, 19 January 1881, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1881.

Fhom a late cablegram we learn the progress made by, the Conference of representatives of the various colonies at present sitting in Sydney. We are very sanguine that good will result from this meeting together of the leading statesmen of the colonies, and many matters of the greatest importance bearing upon the future of Australasia will receive attention. Both colonial and English writers have frequently, during the past few years, referred to the unprotected state of England's colonial possessions, and how easily a power—such as Russia —if at war with England, could devastate and destroy the important cities of the Anstraliau colonies. In New Zealand the danger was considered imminent; the Legislature took the ' matter up, and the Government was authorised to obtain a report upon the most efficient way of protecting the principal ports ' and centres of population. This matter, we perceive, has" been taken <up by the conference, and a series of resolutions have been adopted requesting the Imperial authorities to increase the number of Teasels of war upon the Australian station. Victoria has for years past been expending money upon defensive works, but it is felt that unaided the

colonies can do but little in the directiom of securing themselves from the attacks of a naval power, and, therefore, the presence of a fleet of English cruisers is considered of paramount importance. Another question, introduced by the Chief Secretary of South Australia, is one of much importance, and a step so far in advance that we can scarcely hope that it will be adopted—the desirability of having a uniform tariff for the colonies, based upon the free trade policy of New South Wales. We can easily understand that Mr Berry, the Premier of Victoria, and the representative of the principle of protection, should be the one .to move that the further discussion of such a subject should be adjourned. We are inclined to believe that a decision being arrived at on such an important subject would have had a wonderful effect in deciding many other matters coming before the conference. A resolution in favor of the ideas of the Hon. W. Morgan, the Chief Secretary for South Australia, would be a step in the right direction, Bnd would more than anything else pave the way for the adoption of the views held by many statesmen, that the Australasian colonies should form a confederation, aiding and assisting each other in the times of depression or war, and having a central legislature, whose object would be to enact laws for the general good. Few can doubt but the time is advancing with rapid strides when such views will beacted upon, and the motion at present before the Conference is a step in the proper direction. The vexed question of Chinese immigration was, we are informed, brought before the meeting, but no definite resolution was adopted ; but no doubt before the conclusion of the conference an expression of opinion will be given upon this subject.