PRESS COMMENT ON THE BLUE BOOK.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12824, 7 June 1907, Page 7

PRESS COMMENT ON THE BLUE BOOK.

(Received June 6th, 11.17 p.m.) LONDON, June 6. "The Times," reviewing the Blue Book, says the most important, though not the most actual subject, was the future constitution of the Conference, in other words, of tho Empire itself. Mr Deakin and the other advanced Imperialists wero anxious to create a secretariat, which, however 6mnll in its beginnings, would bo really Imperial. Lord Elgin and Sir Wilfrid Laurier saw only tho practical difficulties and dangers inherent in tho creation of an offico not directly under a responsible Minister. Tho wholo motive of tho proposal lay in tho fact that tho Colonial Secretary was not responsible to Canada or Australia. The objection urgod against the proposal was poifectly sincere, yet it reality was an objection to any form of Imperial partnership. The discussion on preference was by far tho most actual subject. It suggests one clear conclusion, namely, that constructive Imperialism is rapidly shaping ltoelf to a concrete practical policy. It is doubtful if Mr Asquith was ever so freely and effectively heckled or so glad to escape from a tight corner in debate. The other newspapers, in support of their respective standpoints, mainly comment on the discussions between Mr Asquith and Mr Deakin.