THE DEFENCE QUESTION.

Hastings Standard, Issue 189, 5 December 1896, Page 2

THE DEFENCE QUESTION.

( 1 'er Press Associatian. —I'"{ii/ri'iltt.) (Received Dec. 5 at 10.-10 a.m.) London, Dec. 4. The Duke of Devonshire, Lord President of the Council, in the close of a. speech, said the admiralty had selected ports of defence for coaling, refitting and repairing stations which were absolutely secure, and where there was a liability of attack resources for assistances coexisted. The Government, he said, hold it to be the duty of the colonies to provide fixed defence and troops. To work without adequate troops was useless and delusive. He said it was not necessary to approach the Imperial Government until the Commercial side of the league proved useful in paving the way for a better understanding with the colonies. The admiralty, he added, would maintian the supremacy of thjwea and protect the colonies from any organised invasion, but would claim the disposal of all troops not limiting their action to the immediate vicinity when it was found that a particular depot was better defined than " places at a distance." The colonies, he said, must repel the raid on commercial ports on a distinct naval basis. Sir W. Percival said he hoped that the difficulties of a commercial union would be overcome. The Hon Mr Tupper expressed himself delighted at Victoria favoring the suggestion for a conference to discuss the question; The Press generally support the holding of a conference.