MR CHAMBERLAIN'S TOUR

Otago Witness, Issue 2541, 26 November 1902, Page 15

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S TOUR

SPLENDID SEND-OFF AT EIRMINGHAM. LONDON, November 18. Mr Chamberlain and his wife were accorded an unprecedented ovation at Birmingham. The tickets admitting to the Town Hall were restricted to Birmingnam, and balloted for. Responding to the resolution " Godspeed," which was given amid a scene of the wildest enthusiasm, Mr Chamberlain testified to his wife's constant aid throughout his career. His trip to South Africa, he said, was a national, not a party, one. Great Britain's duty was to unite the races in heart and name, in loyalty to the throne, and to show a common desire for the welfare of the whole people. We should also deal generously and wisely with those who were assisting us, and do our utmost to efface- the suffering and bitterness, and thus reconcile our late enemies to their future lot. Greater difficulties had been healed in the past. The task was not an impossible one for Englishmen to accomplish. He reiterated the. Government's entire confidence in Lord Milner. He himself was going to South Africa with open eyes and ears. He believed that he would be met halfway, and hoped to gain the friendship of the Boers.

Mr Chamberlain th<>" predicted that after the settlement prosperity and contentment would make South Africa unexampled among the countries of the world.

Bluejackets, artillery, yeomanry,- and. 3000 torchbearers escorted Mr Chamberlain homewards for two and a-half miles, the whole route being lined with cheering multitudes. November 19. The Imperial Federation Comniittee has passed a resolution thanking Mr Chamherlain for his powerful speech at the Colonial Conference, and congratulating him on the measure of success which has already attended his representations to the self-governing colonies concerning Imperial federation for defence. -The comniittee is convinced that the permanent unity of the Empire will be ultimately achieved on the lines Mr Chamberlain has adopted.

Mr Chamberlain, in a letter thanking the citizens of Birmingham, said he appreciated moKe than he could say the personal character of their striking and almost unparalleled demonstration. November 22. Mr Chamberlain dined and eiept at

[Windsor. He takes farewell of the* Sovereign to-day. There are persistent rumours in Cape* town that a general amnesty will begranted to the rebels upon Mr Chamber- ' lain's arrival. November 23.: Mr John Morley, addressing the National Liberal Club, said that he looked with considerable confidence to Mr Chamberlain's tour. His fitness for the task was greater than that of anyother man. The people of South Africa would recognise that if he refused exorbitant demands nobod/ else would grant them.