THE COMMONWEALTH.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 303, 16 September 1908, Page 7

THE COMMONWEALTH.

FEDERAL SESSION. (by TELEOEAPH—rRESS ASSOCIATION—OOrtRiaHT.) Melbourne, September 15. The Commonwealth Parliament will open on Wednesday. The first measure to bo brought forward will bo tho Capital Sites Bill. THE NEW PROTECTION. A Melbourne message, published in the " Sydney Morniue Herald," about a fortnight ago, stated:—"There is no mention so far of any measure to be introduced in the Federal Parliament to carry out the new protection policy. The shortness of time available makes the matter one of uncertainty, particularly in view of the magnitude of the defence 6ohemo which is, to be brought into being. But as Labour supporters have the Government at their behest, and the say rests with them as to the order of precedence in the Government programme, it is probable that the new protection will bo one of the subjects to bo dealt with before the end of the year. The decision of the High Court has been under the consideration of the Cabinet ever since it was given, and the Attorney-General has reported upon it from time to time. Tho result of careful study has led him to the conclusion that there is at 'present no way of placing any Aot on the statute books that will have the effect attempted by. the Harvester Act, and that the only alternative that presents itself is to obtain an alteration of the Constitution. During last session it was stated by Mr. Deakin that some means.would be found, and it was freely hinted that' this step would be necessary. Tho coming sittings will, therefore, see a measure tabled for a referendum to the people, to enable the alteration to be carried out.