CONFERENCE BLUE BOOK.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 135, 7 June 1907, Page 5

CONFERENCE BLUE BOOK.

Comments of the Press. LONDON, June 6. '"The Times," in an article reviewing the Blue Book, says the most important, thought not the most actual, subject was the future constitution of he Conference, or, in other words, of the Empire itself. Mr Deakin and other advanced ImperialI ists, were anxious to create a secretariat, [which,'however small in its beginnings, 'would be really ImperiaL Lord Elgin and Sir Wilfrid Laurier saw only the practical difficulties and dangers inherent in the creation of an office not directly under a responsible Minister. The whole motive of the proposal lay in the' fact that the Colonial Secretary is not responsible to Canada or Australia. The objection urged against the proposal was perfectly sincere, yet it really was an objection to any form of Imperial partnership. "The Times" adds that the discussion on preference was by far the most 1 "actual" subject, and it suggests that the one clear conclusion is that constructive Imperialism is rapidly shaping itself into a concrete practical policy. It is doubtful if Mr Asquith was ever so freely or effectively heckled, or so glad to escape from a tight corner in debatoother newspapers write in support of their respective stand-points, and comjment on the discussions between Mr Asiquith and Mr Deakin.