BRITISH PARLIAMENTARIANS IN PARIS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 1279, 28 November 1903, Page 5

BRITISH PARLIAMENTARIANS IN PARIS.

United Press Association— Copyright, iieoeived iNovember ■ 27, 10.26 p.m.

PARISj November .27

The British 'Pailiainentarians visiting France were accorded a splendid reception at the Elysee.";

President • Loub^t responded sympaihetically to the sentiments of closer entente in the interests of peace, civilisation, and humanity. Afterwards he gav-a t*he toast "Edward and Alexandra and the whole British nation," adding: "I cannot refrain from recalling the work of peace to which you are so sincerely attached. Perhaps I have some right to associate myself with it, within the limits allow-ed me by the Constitution, since I had the honour of receiving the inspirers of this great idea and since the Car wa"s kind enough to confide in me on the subject from its.inception. (Cheers.) The work inaugurated at the Hague Arbitration Tribunal is still in its infancy. The two great nations of Western Europe should rejoice in having been the first in signing the treaty of arbitration and giving an example which I hope will be followed by many others. The movement will not stop. I am sure I am responding to your sentiments as well as those of my countrymen in hoping that the work in which we are together engaged will receive its crown." (Cheers.)

Sir William Houldsworth and Sir John Avebury responded, expressihg the hope thato Britain and France, whose interests were identical, would obviate every possibility of mutual! war and thus prove a boon to Europe besides strengthening their own moral influence.

Received November 27, 11.31 p.m

PARIS, November 27

AH the Ministers and representatives of all parties attended the French Arbitration Group's dinner to the; British Parliamentary party.

Sir John Avebury, in the course of his speech, said that owing to military burdens the time would surely come when manufacturers, including those of Brits n, would find it extremely difficult to compete with those of America and Australasia, who were less heavily bur-

dened

M. Combes declared that no work done since the abolition of slavery was more deserving of the support of generous minds than international arbitration. Opinion in Britain ratified in advance the recent treaty, breaking with the past and pointing to yet unknown horizons. The treaty was the full germ of treaties to come. He hoped the scope would be beneficially extended. His good wishes on the matter were not intended to trespass on M. Delcasae's initiative, and he embraced in his previsions of the future the legitimate interests of other nations. He hoped Europe would be mindful of tihe happy change in the Anglo-French relations, and yield to the present peaceful wind. He concluded: "I toast this hope, and icouple with it the name of the Sovereigns to whom the present rapprochementi is due—Edward and Alexandra." (Cheers.)

CABLES.