A GREAT VICTORY.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXV, Issue 1309, 23 June 1899, Page 5

A GREAT VICTORY.

The Referendum in New South Wales was taken very quietly on Tuesday. Great crowds paraded the streets, but the enthusiasm was not equal to that of the General Election, largely accounted for by the absence of the personal element.

The latest official fibres of the polling are:— For the bill 101,200 ; against 79,671. Mr Beid, the Premier, says it is a magnificent victory— far greater "than ever he expected—and, so far, he could see no reason why an Imperial Act should not be passed during the approaching session for bringing federation into existence. They would probably have united federation early in the ensuing year.

Mr Reid, addressing an immense and enthusiastic crowd outside the Herald office, said he trusted that the Australian Union, which had been proclaimed by the voice of the people would soon be embodied in the statute law. He gave an assurance that the interests of the colony would be safe in the hands of a Federal Parlifunent, in which she would be the predominant partner.

Mr Barton also received a great ovation. He said that after years of trial aud struggle they had consummated that great destiny which he had always hoped for. He had reaped his reward in this glorious victory, which had given them a nation for a continent and a continent, for a nation. The Premier has been overwhelmed with congratulatory telegrams from all parts of Australia, including the Premiers of the other colonies.

The Herald is jubilant. In a leader it saya : " The mistake of lasV year has been corrected, and New South Wales is again placed- at the head of this national movement." It congratulates the leaders of this magnificent fight upon their splendid victory. This nation-making act is a conclusive one." The Daily Telegraph says : " Amongst the indisputable rights of a free people ia .the right of giving away their own freedom, and they have availed themselves of that privilege. They have consented to put political fetters upon their limbs, to strap taxation burdens upon their backs, and have sown the seeds for a crop of troubles in Australia which no one at present can forsee. The vote puts no end to the struggle ; it only transfers it to another arena. We may federate under the red-tape bondage of this bill, but it will never mean a genuine union of the Australian people, and it will never achieve the purposes for which union is desired."

Several anti-bill leaders who have been interviewed considered the result a calamity and the outcome of a Melbourne gold conspiracy, the churches, and other forces below the surface.

The Argus says that the fateful clay has ended in a most decisive victory for the national cause.

The Age states that New South Wales accepted the bill with an emphasis not to be mistaken.