FREETRADE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9307, 6 August 1908, Page 1

FREETRADE.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS. United Press Association— By Eleotrio Telegraph — Copyright. LONDON, August 5. The International Freetrade Congress, tinder the auspices of the Cobden Club, has opened nt the Caxton Hall. Five hundred delegates were present, including many ladies. AH the European nations were represented except Russia. Delegates were present from the United States, Canada, Australasia and .Ceylon. Lord Welby, who presided, admitted that the prospect of freetrade throughout the world was somewhat cloudy. Protection was advancing in very aggressive fashion, but freetraders were confident- that the cause which had promoted liberty at Homo and friendship and peace abroad must ultimately triumph. Mr Winston Churchill, who opened the discussion on freetrade in its bearings on international relations, warmly welcomed the delegates. Ho cited Britain as a substantial object , lesson oi the possibility of a nation remaining prosperous and powerful while pursuing freetrade. He insisted on the intimate relation between freetrade principles and good international relations. The bearing of freetrade on international relations might be summed up in the j word " peace." "We have secured j loyal, prosperous and profitable colonies," he said, " by extending to them, without demand •or request for exclusive preference, all we may justly and freely give." He admitted that "many most curious delusions still claimed » large measure of public support. These misconceptions tended to produce dis- ! union between great peoples. The free- | traders looked forward to the world becoming a .co-operative commonwealtn with its> affairs so inextricably woven, through with the prosaic bonds of comi merce that it would be impossible to tear them apart, every part being dependent on. every other member of the vast confederation. He was personally convinced that freetrade ideals would triumph. ! Suffragettes frequently interrupted ! Mr Churchill, and were expelled.