MIRROR OF PUBLIC OPINION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13930, 14 June 1909, Page 2

MIRROR OF PUBLIC OPINION.

The Earl of Crewe presided at the Ministers' banquet at Grafton Galleries. Lords Alversome, Strathcona, and Xorthcote, the Archbishop of Cantorbury, and the Bishop of London and many leading men were present. Mr. Asquith, proposing the toast ot "Our Guests," referred to the duty of the press to promote tho highest forms and worthiest purposes of the spirit of Imperial unity. The press was the only authentic mirror of public opinion and the most trustworthy auxiliary of every good Government. There was nothing more noteworthy in the speeches last week than statesmen of all parties speaking with identity ot senses, almost of expression, upon matters of Imperial concern. Mr Cunningham (Melbourne) responded. He thanked Ministers for the magnificent entertainment and many marks of consideration shown to the delegates. The delegates claimed no credit for the surprising results ot the conference at Home and abroad These were due to those statesmen who proclaimed with united voice the aspirations of the dominions of the Empire, and the more noticeable because the heads of both political parties were agreed upon the greatest Imperial problems. The time had gone when the people overseas expected to have announced their loyalty to Britain. To-day there was reciprocal loyalty in every part of the Empire. In the development of tho Imperial idea they must proceed slowly. Remote parts should not be hastened. .It would have to grow, as it was growing. The wisest statesmen would guide the barque in the centre of the stream, and not force over the rapids. Young countries, like young men, thought not as.their elders. They asked that their spirit of independence might be treated patiently. There was still a lingering feeling in Australia that Britain desired Jo control Australia's destinies. It was a legacy from the stormy times now gradually disappearing. Lord Rosebery had told the delegates in one of the greatest speeches he had ever heard that there was a hush over Europe betokening a possible cataclysm. Since Sen ihfre had been a cry o f . jumted people, uttering one word : Empire !