FEDERATION.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10263, 4 February 1899, Page 7

FEDERATION.

THE PREMIERS' CONFERENCE

LONDON AND AUSTRALIAN PRESS OPINIONS.

United Fnu Association—By Elaotrio Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, February 3. It is believed that if New South Wales makes any further amendments it will put an end to federation for the present. Sir George Turner, the Premier of Victoria, states that he has now made his last compromise, and if it is not accepted he will drop the matter altogether.' SYDNEY, February 3. The Melbourne "Argus" and Sydney "Morning Herald" are jubilant over the result of the Federal Conference, but the Sydney "Daily Telegraph is disappointed. In political circles an early calling together of Parliament, to make arrangements for the referendum, is favoured. LOADOX, February 3. "The Times" says that Australia was never so near complete federation. 'Britons eagerly await the attitude of the colonies, particularly New* South Wales and Victoria, with regard to the modified scheme. Tho "Telegraph" says that the realisation of union will confer on the vast and nobta colony the rank and status of a great empire. The paper adds that there is v likelihood of New Zealand joining. The "Chronicle" remarks that the cause of unity is progressing towards the, construe-, tion of a building winch will ultimately join the great edifice of tne Imperial union.. The "Standard says all r.nglishmen hope for the creation of a great Commonwealth as a fit counterpart and companion of the Dominion of Canada.