THE COLONIES AND ENGLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10035, 23 January 1896, Page 5

THE COLONIES AND ENGLAND.

SPEECH BY MR. CHAMBERLAIN.

THE KAISER'S INSULT.

BRITAIN DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN HER RIGNTS. Press Association.— Telegraph.— Oopjrl*l)t. London, January 22. Two hundred were present at the banquet to Lord Lainington, the new Governor of Queensland, including the Agents-General of the various colonies, Sir G. F, Bowen, Canon Piddington, Sir E. Dawes, Lord Selborne, Mr. Cur* zon, and Air. Chamberlain. The latter, replying to a toast, said that the incidents in the Transvaal showed that it was impossible for a portion of the Empire to be in danger without an echo from the whole, and he alluded to a certain rebuke which England had received amidst her misfortunes. While surrounded by jealous rivals, she had not expected hostility, even hate, where she had expected friendship, In view of the traditions and the community of interests involved, England's love of peace, he said, was regarded as A weakness, and her disregard of criticism was supposed to confer the right of insult. The Empire was held in trust for British residents throughout the world, and she was determined to maintain her rights and fulfil her duties. Though isolated, the colonies were secure, and their abundant loyalty was displayed by tho messages promptly responding to the outburst against England. He urged the colonies to develop commercial routes and unite for mutual defence, as a federated Empire was a potent factor for the peace of the world. The departing guest would, he thought, aid in tightening the union, and it was impossible to foretell to what greatness Queensland might attain.

Lord Lamington, in replying, said he was well aware that Sir Henry Norman, the late Governor of Queensland, had smoothed the path for him in the colony, and he added that he fully approved of Imperial federation.