OPENING OF THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Evening Star, Issue 7180, 6 April 1887, Page 2

OPENING OF THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

[By Electbio Telegraph—Copyright [Reuteb's Telegrams, I LONDON, April 4.

The first meeting of the Conference was held to-day at the Foreign Office ; Sir H. Holland, Secretary for the Colonies, presiding. He declared that there was every wish on the part of the Imperial Government to uphold the rights of the colonies, but they were sometimes compelled to call on the colonies to make some sacrifices for their mutual good. He believed the Conference would not fail if it merely succeeded in placing the military and naval defences of the Empire on a sound footing. He hoped this was only the first of a series of conferences, which would cement the union of the Empire. There was no political or party feeling among the delegates, and purely local matters would be discussed between the delegates and the Ministers concerned. He reviewed the important points of the Empire which required military and naval defences. He expressed a hope that the result of the Conference would be to create good feeling between the colonies and the Mother Country. Earl Granville expressed approval of Sir H. Holland's views.

Sir Patrick Jennings (New South Wales) declared that the delegates had met in a spirit of conciliation, and hoped that lasting good would result from the Conference. Mr Dodds (Tasmania), Mr Downer (South Australia), Sir F. D. Bell (New Zealand), Mr Deakin (Victoria), and Sir S. Griffith (Queensland) expressed similar views. Mr Deakin complained of the inaccessibility of the Foreign Office and Cabinet Ministers for the discussion of colonial questions. He hoped the Imperial Government would pursue a spirited colonial policy. Mr Stanhope, Secretary for War, promised the co-operation of the War Office in promoting the success of the Conference, and announced that to-morrow the question of Australian naval defences would be discussed. On Wednesday the subject of discussion will be the extension of judgments of colonial law Courts. The Conference will then be adjourned until the 14th inst. A Committee has been appointed to prepare an address to the Queen. LORD SALISBURY'S ADDRESS. The Marquis of Salisbury welcomed the delegates, saying that they had met to see how far it was possible to obliterate the conditions of their geographical separation. He did not recommend indulgence in an ambitious scheme of constitution-making. He cast no slur upon the aspirations for federation, which, though hazy and doubtful, contained material whence practical results might ensue. It was impossible to emulate the German conduct of Imperial affairs, and for the present they must be satisfied with each Colony conducting its own affairs. There were two forms of union—one in regard to Customs, and the other for military purposes. He believed the former was not impossible. The defence of the Empire was a matter of interest to England and the' colonies. He admitted that the extension of the Empire might require portions to incur dangers on account of their joint interests; but he did not think that while the Empire hung together the colonies would be likely to be involved in a war. The policy of the Empire was essentially pacific, and the danger of war with another country was not a consideration which should actuate colonists in their desire to place their defences in an efficient condition. Though he did not believe that the great European countries were likely to commit any violence in distant lands, he must admit that the facilities for this were enormously increased, and brought a distant territory of the Empire within the sphere of possible aggression. Alluding to the increasing desire displayed by other European nations for colonial acquisition, Lord Salisbury thought the colonies had a most solemn and reasonable consideration for their self-interest and security in the shield which the Imperial Government threw over them. There was no longer a suggestion of English selfishness, for it was desired that all parts of the Empire should be equally safe, prosfierous, and glorious. The colonies, thereore, deserved to take their fair part in the mutual defence, not merely in furnishing means, but in providing men. He hoped past experience would justify the anticipation that hereafter those born in the colonies would share more and more in the defence of the Empire in all its parts. The Imperial Government rejoiced to see this endeavor to draw closer the bonds of their common origin, history, and allegiance. He hoped the connection between the colonies and the Mother Country would become more real, and present a spectacle to the world of a vast Empire not founded by force or subjection, but by sympathy, resolution, and co-operation in those subjects of pure endeavor which are open to the members of a vast Empire like this.—(Cheers.)

[Special to Press Association.] "LONDON, April 0. (Reoelved April 6, 1887, at 1.20 a.m.) Earl Cadogan, Mr W. H. Smith, Sir R. Cross, Lord Stanley, Mr Cecil Raikes, Lord Onslow, Sir James Fergusson, Lord Derby, and a brilliant company were present at the opening. The Marquis of Hartington and Earl Carnarvon were unable to be present. Sir H. Holland said that the Conference was the fittest of all the Jubilee memorials, and he was gratified at the ready and loyal response made by the colonies. The best features of British institutions would be reproduced in the colonies with success. The Conference had greatly interested the world at large, and its results would be far-reaching, though it would be necessary to work warily at first. He admitted that Australia was greatly in earnest in defending her ports, and the defences of Ports Philip and Jackson were amongst the strongest in the world. It was also important to decide for a strong defence of Thursday Island and Albany. Referring to the proposed Pacific cable, he said that the Imperial Government would require a very strong case to justify an Imperial subsidy, but he would be glad to learn the views of the colonies regarding a reduction of the tariff on the cables under colonial guarantee. The position of the French in the New Hebrides was naturally regarded as a burning question, but diplomatic negotiations were as yet incomplete, though the statements received by letter showed that due care had been taken to secure the independence of the Group. He agreed that the representatives of Great Britain, Germany, and America should hold a Conference at Washington with regard to Samoa; and that it was expected that the result of that Conference would be to preserve the independence of the islands, and to secure to each Power freedom of commerce and navigation, with jurisdiction over its own subjects. Great Britain would urge the formation of a joint Land Court. At a later period of the Conference he would state the terms on which the Government would assume the sovereignty of New Guinea, He thought the scheme of administration suggested by Sir S. W. Griffiths was a good one. A Bill would be prepared providing for colonial judgments being enforced in England. The Marquis of Salisbury suggested that the enforcement of judgments ought to be made reciprocal, and similar principles might apply to bankruptcy orders under the Companies Act, colonial probates, and to enlarging the powers of trustees to invest in colonial inscribed stock. He thought that the question of Imperial Federation would not be discussed. It was remarkable that the Conference had assembled jn the centenary year of New South Wales. If the Conference resulted in only solving the naval defenoe of the Empire; an important work would be achieved. He hoped that all the representatives would exhibit a spirit of conciliation and compromise. Mr Downer (South Australia) said the overland telegraph had done much to cement the tie's necessary to Subordinate individual interests to the welfare of the Empire, and he felt satisfied that England would not regret the Conference being held. Sir F. D. Bell said the colonies must assist, and not embarrass, the Imperial Government.

Mr Deakin (Victoria) said that Victoria had entire sympathy with the Mother Country in improving her defences, but he regretted that a protection of the Pacific from the taint of eonvictism had not been mentioned. The oolonies looked with the greatest eagerness for a statement regarding the recidivistes. He urged that it was necessary that colonial news should receive greater attention at the Foreign Office and in the Cabinet. He hoped that in future a Siirited colonial policy, similar to that of erihany and Franoe, would be pursued. While fearlessly expressing Victorian views, he was prepared to sink them if they were likely to Inconvenience his colleagues and the Imperial Government. He recognised that Imperial interests should over-ride local interests,

(Received April 6,1887, at 12.45 p.m.) It is rumored that the delegates are not agreed upon the New Hebrides question, and that the representatives of New South Wales, South Australia, and New Zealand are opposed to the views held by the delegates from Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania. Commenting on the proceedings of the Conference, the 'Standard* says that all doubts as to the reality of the meeting, and its being a serious piece of business, are now dispelled. The delegates are probably glad not to have been summoned merely to listen to a number of pretty speeches. The ' Daily News' points out that, while the Conference has no power to legislate, the result of its deliberations must show the future direction that legislation on many important questions will take. Virtually it is the first Council of the Empire, and certainly cannot be the last.

' The Times' thinks that the Conference is full of promise of success. Englishmen can no longer be accused of keeping the colonists at arm's length. The ' Daily Telegraph' is of opinion that the Conference will produce immense benefits to the Empire. Speaking of Imperial defence, it remarks that Victoria has set an excellent example by defending herself. The ' Morning Chronicle' thinks that the colonies may become aggressive if provided with the means of aggression.