The Commercial Federation of the Empire.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7654, 12 June 1896, Page 2

The Commercial Federation of the Empire.

London, Jane 10. Addressing the Cooeresa of Chambers of Commerce, the Hon. Mr Chamberlain said the colonial suggestion to allow them pro* - teotion against the world and giving to Great Britain a small preference had no chance of adoption. He preferred the ' Toronto scheme for an Imperial freetrade zollverein, with British duties against " f jreigfiers' grain, meat, wool, and sugar, and admitting free all British goods, similar to the system in Germany and America. Thus they would open to the colonies an almost unlimited market and the strongest band in ! the union of the race. If the colonies | offered such a soheme it would, he said, certainly be entertained as part of a greater policy uniting Britishers throughout the world. The speech was received with l cheers. Mr Osier, of Toronto, proposed that a zollverein be established. Sir E. D. Smith, the Canadian delegate, moved an amendment favoring a Customs agreement on the preference basis. The discussion was adjourned. June 11. — The Presidents of the Liverpool and Manchester Chambers of Commerce and the Radical presa condemn the idea of preferential duties. The Congress passed a resolution generally in favor of closer commercial relations between all parts of the empire, and demanding prompt consideration of the question by the Government. At a banquet in honor of the Commercial Congress, Mr Chamberlain said the Conference had identified colonial and British commerce. The future of the Empire - depended on the decision of the colonies to come into closer unity. He appealed to ' British commercial men to make saorifiea to secure a great ideal. Sir D. Smith said Canada would shortly be able to send Britain all the grain sh , required. : '- ' Mr Reid (Victoria) replied on behalf of Australasia. Sir H. Norman, Sir J. Garriok, Sir M. Bowell, and Sir W. Perceval were amongst those present. '