IMPERIAL FEDERATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCV, Issue 10918, 28 March 1896, Page 5

IMPERIAL FEDERATION.

SPEECH OE MR CHAMBERLAIN [Per Press Association.! LONDON, March 26. Mr Chamberlain, speaking at the Canada Club, said that it was essential to seek to establish Imperial federation on the lines of least resistance. A basis of common interest must be established. He recognised that the main obligation was the defence of trade and commerce. Then next a representative authority must be created. It was imperative to approach the question from the commercial side. The colonies had taken the initiative, at the Ottawa Conference. The systems of commercial union hitherto suggested offered Great Britain inadequate advantages for the loss of foreign trade and the risks involved. He did not think that the Marquis of Ripon’s despatch barred the way to a favourable consideration if a better proposal were put forward. Free trade throughout the Empire on the basis of revenue duties only would probably lead to a satisfactory scheme, and with advantages so enormous the colonies were bound to carefully weigh the matter. If the principle were once accepted it would be only reasonable to convene a Council of the Empire, as the views that he had put forward were merely personal. The speech was received with applause. Commenting upon it, the Times thinks that the weighty overtures of the Colonial Secretary are worth consideration. The Standard believes that it will stimulate the cause of Imperial federation, but that the colonies will prove the main impediment to a common understanding. The Daily News strongly opposes Mr Chamberlain’s suggestions. Mr Chamberlain’s speech was received with an immense amount of interest in the provinces and throughout Canada and America.