THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXI, Issue 1041, 6 July 1894, Page 6

THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

• June 29. The conference of colonial and British delegates met in the Senate House on Friday. The opening ceremony was. of a brilliant description, and the visitors met with an enthusiastic, reception. Lord Aberdeen warned them in his speech of welcome that too wide latitude of discussion would rob the conference of practical resulfc. Sir J. Thompson, Premier of Canada, said 'the colonists had met to plight anew their faith to one another and express their love to the old country. Lord Jersey predicted that the practical results of the conference would form a marked epoch, in the history of the Empire. All the Australasian delegates spoke well, most of them advocating Federation similar to Canada. The conference sang the National Anthem, the spectators joining in. The Governor-general in the evening gave a banquet to the delegates, at which several of the delegates dwelt on the object lessons afforded by Canada, and these they declared had strengthened their intention to work to bring about the federation of Australia. The Hon. Mackenzie Bowell (Canada) has been elected president of the con- ; ference, In his opening remarks he suggested the establishment of a trade union between the colonies, each colony retaining its own tariff and taxing foreign goods in favor of the Empire. July 1. " Sir H. J. Wrixon has submitted a I proposal for colonial reciprocity. The debate was adjourned. j Mr Laurier, leader of the FrenchCanadian party, speaking afc the banquet, Said that the conference was unique in the history of the world, and the sight inspired him with new loyalty. The Spectator thinks that direct conferences between the representatives of the colonies may involve combined pressure upon the mother country hitherto unequalled. After an animated discussion the motion of £ir H. Wrixeri on the subject of reciprocity was adjourned. Lord Hosebery cabled, to. .the President expressing sympathy with and interest in the conference, and hoping it would be a happy augury for the, future of the Empire..