Grey River Argus THURSDAY, September 23rd, 1926. THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Grey River Argus, 23 September 1926, Page 4

Grey River Argus THURSDAY, September 23rd, 1926. THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

The means of kindling' popular interest in the Imperial Conference are naturally those of newspaper publicity, so that, in the light of tliat fact, the reports might be discounted somewhat regarding the possibility of the Canadian Premier being an absentee on this occasion, it goes, of course •without saying that, while the superficial aspects are those most calculated to appeal Io the popular imagination, the fundamental interests involved in these conferences are economic. Therefore, any apparent indifference in Canada’s case could be in part at least referred to the fact that she. more by far than any other State in the Empire, is a self-contained (unit, having' her own manufacliH'es, as well as export trade not only competitive in some respects towards other Empire countries, but partly directed also towards markets outside the Empire. It is obvious, not merely from her peculiar neighbourly relations, financial and otherwise, to Ihe United States, that in respect to such things as defence, her interests imperially speaking differ greatly from those of this country land Australia. We are obliged by every consideration, internal and external, to look to the Empire,

and thus the Australian and New Zealand Premiers, this year as |heretofore, could not do otherwise |than go to the conference determined to strengthen the imperial links iu every possible way. Tliat attitude doubtless reflects the interest and will both of our exporters and of the mass of the people, it lias been suggested that South Africa, Canada and Ireland may lie less imperialistic at this conference than these two Dornin ions, but there is really no sound reason for thinking tliat any one of those States will do anything to weaken the Empire, considering how much more of Iheir economic interests are within it than without. Indeed, it is certain that if Canada has any interest at stake when the. Conference is meeting she is quite sure to be represented. There is always a danger when it is made to appear that this Conference partakes of sentiment even more than it does of. business. The truth that sentiment does not freely mix with business probably finds at these | conferences as many illustrations i as it does anywhere else. Just as I the several political, press migra-1 lion, trading! and other delegations coming out from the Old Country at shortening intervals, mil. In menlioii Sir .lames Allen, , ’rankly avow that British legis-

lation in relation to the Dominions is to-day nearly all dictated by economic or trading considerations, it. is equally obvious that the Dominion Premiers go to the Imperial Conference witli an eye strictly to business, and are out to make the best bargains they can for their respective countries. And when the plenipotentiaries of so vast a realm as the Empire meet, it behoves every constituent State to be on the spot, lest it lose by its absence. Our own Prime Minister has gone with the intention of seeing to New Zealand’s interests, and his concepof their conservation includes, as he has avowed, the willingness to go bail for a share in naval expenditure more in proportion to the average per head in the Old Country than the present Dominion contribution. When he would be likely to find himself in a quandary would be if ho allowed his proposal to increase immigration to embrace a larger number than this country could assimilate. There is, therefore, no call for misgiving should Canada on this particular occasion consider home interests have a prior call, because the new Government will be as apt as any to shepherd her external interests the moment they can be served at the Imperial Conference. To suggest the meeting is merely an assemblage of altruistic philanthropists is bunkum. It is t ease of business as usual.