MR CHAMBERLAIN'S SUCCESS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2525, 6 August 1902, Page 28

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S SUCCESS.

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

THE FUTURE OF SOUTH AFRICA.

CONGRATULATED BY' MR

LABOUCHERE. ,

LONDON, July 30.

Mr Chamberlain, iv a speech on the Colonial Office rote in the House of Commons, said the proceedings of the Imperial Conference would be treated as confidential. Parliament would be given full opportunity of discussing any proposals. There was but one spirit animating the Premiers — namely, a desire to draw closer the different parts of the Empire. He did not think the conferences would prove resultless, 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 about banishment from South Africa would be allowed to drop, but undesirables would not be 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 free, and entitled to establish — and had established — the strictest Crown colony government. Burghers would be selected to co-operate, when possible, without jealousy among themselves. A majority meanwhile would be impartial British officials. As regarded taxation, ihe 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 Mil'ner's opinion with regard to the suspension of the Cape stitution was purely a personal one, and had not lessened the Government's faith in him. He hoped the Boers would preserve their best traditions and characteristics, and heartily co-operate to bring about prosperity. Even-handed justice would be administered. The speech was received with ringing cheers. Sir W. V. Harcourt was pessimistic with regard to the financial 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 he had always been conciliatory, but he felt the opportunity for reconciliation had come only when certain issues were once and for* all settled.— (Cheers.)