DEBATE IN THE FEDERAL HOUSE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7363, 15 January 1902, Page 2

DEBATE IN THE FEDERAL HOUSE.

INDIGNATION AT GERMAN

CHARGES.

Eeceived January 15, 1.10 a.m. Melbourne, January 14. As soon as Federal House .met, Mr Barton, with a view of forestalling the threatened attack on the Government in connection with the despatch of the Federal Contingent, notified that he intended to move, after the suspension of Standing Orders, the following resolutions : — "That this House take the first opportunity, in view of the despatch of the Federal Contingent, to express its indignation at the baseless charges made abroad against the honour of the people, and the humanity and valour of the soldiers of the Empire ; that this House affirms the readiness of Australia to give all requisite aid to the Mother Country, in order to bring the present war to an end." He explained that the only correspondence between the Imperial and Federal Governments in reference to the Contingent was a cable from the Imperial Government that it would be glad to have a thousand mounted men, and Federal Government's reply that men would be- gladly sent. There had been no offer of troops on the part of the Commonwealth for reasons previously explained. He considered that, under the circumstances, they were unnecessary unless asked for. He had taken steps to verify the allegations made by German newspapers, slandering the British. These statements were infinitely wors9 than had been cabled to Australia. The Standing Orders being suspended, Mr Barton moved the first resolution, and in a patriotic speech defended the Empire and the honour of her soldiers. He warmly denounced the German and other charges which had been made against Australian as well as British troops, and announced that he had received a letter from Hon. G. H. Reid promising his support. Mr Reid in seconding the motion said that Mr Barton had performed a great public duty. He spoke on similar lines to Mr Barton. The debate is proceeding.