THE FEELING IN AUSTRALIA.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 222, 19 September 1903, Page 3

THE FEELING IN AUSTRALIA.

SYMPATHY FROM THE FEDERAL PREMIER. Received September 19,10.50 a.m. Sydney, September 19. Sir Edward Barton says that as soon 38 he heard of the resignation he cabled to Mr Chamberlain:—" Your great policy commands the support of Australia. We know you will persevere."

Sir Edward Barton, after paying a high tribute to Mr Chamberlain, referring to the attitude of the Federal Government in regard to preferential trade in the light of the resignation, said: " What has occurred will not in any sense alter the policy or onus of the Government. lam convinced the policy enunciated by Mr Chamberlain will win. I think with Mr Chamberlain that, until the responsibilities of the Empire are recognised as well by the' United Kingdom as by the colonies union of the Empire will not take place, but if Mr Chamberlain's policy in the whole is adopted instead of only a part, I think there will be a realisation of it in the no distant future. I am quite sure that those who know him know his high resolves and tenacity of purpose, and will have the greatest confidence that he has taken the right step for the consummation of the cohesion we wish for."

Mr Reid received the news while addressing a meeting. In the course of his speech ho said that in an unhappy moment Mr Chamberlain missed the sublime confidence in the virility and permanence of the British race. It was a melancholy declension, which was calculated to work enormous misery and distress to the Empire* While he had a feeling of the greatest respect for Mr Chamberlain, it was with a feeling of personal thankfulness that he learnt the struggle in England and in the British Cabinet, upon which the destinies ol the Empire trembled, had ended by Mr Chamberlain's resignation.