BANQUET TO LORD LAMINGTON.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9321, 23 January 1896, Page 5

BANQUET TO LORD LAMINGTON.

CABLE NEWS.

SPEECH BY MB CHAMBERLAIN. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright London, January 22. Two hundred were present at a banquet to Lord Larnington, the new Governor of Queensland, including the Agents-General of the various colonies, Sir George Bowen, Canon Piddington, Sir Edwin Dawes, Lord Selborne, the Hon. G. W. C-arzon, and the Right Hon J. Chamberlain. Mr Chamberlain, in replying to a toast, said the incidents in the Transvaal showed it was impossible for a portion o£ the Enipiro to be in danger without an echo from the whole. He alluded to a certain rebuke England had received amidst her misfortune. While surrounded by jealous rivals, they had not expected hostility, even hate, where they had looked for friendship in view of the traditions and tho community of interests involved. England's love of peace, he said, was regarded as a weakness, and her disregard to criticism was supposed to confer a right of insult. The Empire was held in trust for British residents throughout the world, and was determined to maintain her rights and fulfil her duties. Though isolated the colonies were secure, and abundant loyalty was displayed by their messages promptly responding to the outburst against England. He urged the colonies to develope commercial routes and unite for mutual defence, as a federated Empire was a potent factor of the peace of tho world. The departing guest would, he thought, aid in tightening the union, and it was impossible to foretell to what greatness Queensland might attain. Lord Lamington, in replying, said he was well aware that Sir Henry Norman, the late Governor of Queensland, had smoothed the path for him in the colony, and he added that he fully approved of Imperial federation.