THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

Evening Star, Issue 6711, 1 October 1884, Page 2

THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

The annexation question is again occupying considerable attention in Australia, in consequence of the further steps taken by bringing pressure to bear on Lord Derby. New Zealand, Queensland, and South Australia all promptly and favorably responded, the last-named sending a telegram to London instructing Mr Blyth to cooperate with the other Agents-General. The proposals of the Viotorian Premier received a somewhat rude shock by the reply of Mr Stuart, whose letter was published in advance of its receipt. In it Mr Stuart states that he does not concur in the view of the desirability of again urging Lord Derby to take immediate steps to extend England's protectorate over the Islandr, as well as New Guinea. It was never contemplated by the Convention to urge a froteotorate over the north-west portion, he southern and eastern portions are those which should be incorporated. He admits the urgency of this matter, but considers that enough has been dose for the present, in the way in whioh this urgency has been represented, If not carried: out within a reasonable time he would then join; but at liresent he considers that doing so would ay the colonies open to the charges of restlessness and impatience, as such grave measures of international importance cannot be forced. Anyhow, he is unable to ♦join in urging a departure from the resolution of the Convention, and agitat- | ing for a complete protection of the unappropriated islands. Personally he considers the course which Mr Service urges to be extremely injudicious. He considers it would be better if the Imperial Government united with foreign Governments in coming to an understanding that the islands outside New Guinea shou'd be permitted the freest communication with all oountries utder the joint protection of the Powers. In conclusion, he disclaims any desire to stand aloof, but is actuated solely by a desire to look upon the question in a broad light, with the view of accomplishing the object in the manner least embarrassing to the whole empire. The ' Argus' of Tuesday explains one portion of Mr Stuart's reply as being based on a clerical error, the wordß "north-western" being used by Mr Service instead of " northeastern." Nevertheless the letter of the former emphasises the different views taken by the two Premiers. Mr Service replied to Mr Stuart's letter, disclaiming a desire to interfere with the Dutch claims. At the same time it was moat undesirable to leave part of the past ooast line unappropriated. Referring to the objection that it would lay the colonies open to the charge of restlessness and impatience, Mr Service declares that only continual knocking at the door will rouse the Imperial Parliament. He believes their colleagues of the Convention will be amazed at considering hia proposals a departure from the resolutions of the Convention. The suggestions that the islands except New Guinea should be placed under the joint protection of European nations takes one's breath away. Such an idea as dual or plural control was never even mooted at the Conference. ' Mr Service expresses deep regret that New South Wales has refused to join, when her support is alone J required to ensure a satisfactory result. J