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surmount the difficulties which this troubled age has thrown in its path, who can tell but that the Empire, in saving itself by its own united efforts, may not save the whole world by its example? In places of worship of every denomination throughout this Dominion, prayers are being offered up to Almighty God for your guidance at this Conference. I humbly join the people of Canada in their prayers for divine blessing upon your deliberations. His Excellency thereupon descended from the Throne and left the Chamber. Right Hon. Mr. Baldwin: It is my privilege and my duty, as leader of the British delegation, to propose the appointment of a Chairman of this Conference. In the Chamber of the Commons House of Parliament of this ancient Dominion one name will be present to all our minds, the name of a statesman who by virtue of his great position, his abilities and his character would seem admirably fitted to_ preside over our deliberations. I propose, with a happy confidence, that the Right Honourable Richard Bennett, Prime Minister of Canada, be appointed Chairman of the Imperial Conference. Right Hon. Mr. Bruce: It is my privilege to support Mr. Baldwin in his proposal that Mr. Bennett should take the Chair at this Imperial Conference. I endorse all that he has said of the great qualities that Mr. Bennett possesses to preside over this historic gathering, and I have the very greatest pleasure in seconding the proposal that the Right Honourable Richard Bennett be the Chairman of this Imperial Conference. Right Hon. Mr. Baldwin: Will those in favour say aye? Contrary? Carried unanimously. The Chairman: Gentlemen, I thank you for the great honour you have done Canada and Canadians by electing me Chairman of this Conference. I shall endeavour to discharge my duties as to expedite in every possible way the transaction of the business for which we are met. The first business will be a resolution of loyalty to His Majesty the King, and I will move the resolution myself. I propose that the following resolution should be adopted: The representatives of the Governments of the British Commonwealth, assembled in conference at Ottawa at their first meeting, and as their first official act, desire to present their respectful duty to the King, to thank him for his gracious message which has just been read by His Excellency the Governor General. They join in thanksgiving for Your Majesty's continued health, and earnestly hope that Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen may long be spared to strengthen the feelings of love and devotion shared by all the peoples of the British Commonwealth of Nations. I will call upon one of the respresentatives from India to second it. Sir Atul Chatterjee: I have the great and proud privilege to second this loyal resolution. The Chairman: You have heard the motion which I have just put from the Chair, seconded by the head of the Indian delegation, Sir Atul Chatterjee. I now invite you to express your approval of it by rising. (The delegates rose). The Chairman: The message will now be dispatched to His Majesty the King. Gentlemen, we will now proceed with our addresses in the order which has been heretofore followed at previous conferences, except that at the instance of the Right Honourable Stanley Baldwin, the head of the delegation from the United Kingdom, I shall precede rather than follow him. Gentlemen, on behalf of the Canadian people I welcome you. This is a proud day for Canada, for in its capital city are gathered delegates from throughout the British Empire, empowered to speak for one-quarter of the earth's population and instructed to co-operate in determining a plan by which this great Empire may continue its leadership among the nations. This Conference in many ways is unique among all other assemblies of history. At no time have there been more fully represented the countries which comprise the British Empire. At no time have we been faced with greater need for unselfish and concerted action. At no time have the prospects of achievement been more certain. 51041—4J