MR CHAMBERLAIN'S SUCCESS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12419, 31 July 1902, Page 5

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S SUCCESS.

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. THE FUTURE OF SOUTH AFRICA. CONGRATULATED BY MR LABOUCHERE. Press Association-By' Telegrapli—Copyright. , ' LONDON, July 30, (Received July 30, at 10.45 p.m.) Mr Chamberlain, in a speech on the Colonial Office vote in the House of Commons, saitl the proceedings of the Imperial Conference would he treated Jis confidential. Parliament'ivould lie given full opportunity of discussing any proposals.; There was hut one spirit animating the Premiers—namely, a desire to draw closer the different parts of tjie 'Empire. He did not think the conferences would prove result-less, hut would be a step towards entire union— an aspiration, perhaps, not to be fulfilled in his time, but- he hoped his descendants would live to see the realisation,—(Cheers.) The proclamation ahout banishment from South Africa would be aljowed to drop, but undesirables would not he permitted to return. It was Great Britain's duty and interest to keep every engagement, both in letter and spirit. , The terms of surrender were precise. Great Britain was absolutely %e,; and entitled to establish—and had established—the strictest Crown colony goveniment. Burghers would be selected to, co-operate; when "possible, without jealousy among themselves. A majority _ niefmwhile would be impartial British officials. As regarded taxation, the Government would do nothing to interfere with the development of° the mines, but they were entitled to raise a fair proportion of the cost of the war from the. industry, especially of future mines. .Lord Miluer's opinion with regard to the suspension of the Cape Constitution was-purely a personal one, and had' not lessened the Government's faith iu him. He hoped the Boers would preserve their best traditions and characteristics, and heartily co-operate to brine about prosperity. Even-handed justice would be administered. The'speech was received with ringing cheers. Sir AV. V. Harcourt was pessimistic with regard to the linancial aspects. Mr Labouchere tendered his congratulations to Mr Chamberlain on his conciliatory policy. Mr C. Scott declared that Mr Chamberlain's optimism was' in a fair way of being justified.

Mr Chamberlain replied that- lie had always been conciliatory, but he felt the opportunity for reconciliation had come only when certain issues were once and for all settled.—(Cheers.)