AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

Evening Star, Issue 11193, 19 March 1900, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.

LONDON, March 17.

At the first interview of the Federal delegation numerous criticisms of a, farreaching character were made, in-volving the covering clauses and Constitution. Messrs Barton, Deakin, and Kingston combated the contentions of Sir R. Webster and Messrs Finley ami llbert (draftsmen), with the result that all were abandoned, with the exception of seven. These latter the Crown strongly press, partly in the belief that they would prevent any encroaching on the Eoval prerogatives in relation bo Privy Council appeals.

At the second interview the law officers and the delegates argued tbe criticisaas clause by clause. They mil possibly submit a- written statement for the Imperial Cabinet's consideration. The- delegates strongly urge that- they are unauthorised to accept amendments, and point out the inadvisability of disturbing the Australian compromise orer the measure.

While at dinner the other day a little srfrl was seen tying her pieco of beef, which happened to be rather small, into a thread. Her mother asked bar what sho was doing it for, and the little maid replied: u You see, mother, it is such a wee bit it wouldn't last long, so I am just going to swallow it with my potato and always draw ft np again." Needless to say, she got it enlarged.