COMMONWEALTH BILL.

Waikato Argus, Volume VIII, Issue 651, 16 May 1900, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH BILL.

INTRODUCED BY MR CHAMBERLAIN'. LOUDLY CHEERED IN THE COMMONS. [united chess association). (BY ELECTRIC TELEGHAITI — COPYT.IG 11T'). (Received May 15, 1.5 p.ni.). London, May 1-1. A CROWDED House loudly cheered Mr Chamberlain’s two hours’ speech introducing the Commonwealth Bill. He said the Bill marked an era in the history of Australia. It was a great and important step in the organisation of the Empire, simplifying and rendering more cordial and more unrestricted the relations between the colonies and the Motherlaud. and was a monument of legislative competency. He lauded Hir Henry Parkes’, Sir Samuel Griffiths’, and Air Barton’s efforts ou behalf of federation. (Received May 15, 10.30 p.m.) London, May 15. The federal delegates and a number of other prominent colonists were present in the House of Commons to hear Air Chamberlain’s speech introducing, the Commonwealth Bill. Mr Chamberlain said everyone was delighted at the brrth of a new nation. Since some of the powers conferred on the Commonwealth might involve the Imperial Government in possible hostility, it was only reasonable that the tribunal interpreting those powers should command the confidence of Australia and Britain. The Government accepted every line of the Bill dealing exclusively with Australian interests, but feared Westralia’s financial system would be considerably strained. New Zealand’s extraordinary pruofs of affection inclined the House to make almost any concession required if the difference only concerned the Alotherland, but since it was exclusively between the federating colonies and New Zealand the Premiers’ decision was bound to be accepted. (Received May 16, 12.30 a m.) London, May J 5. Air Chamberlain said the Government shortly proposed to appoint four Imperially paid fresh Lords of Appeal for seven years, one each for Canada, India, South Africa and Australia, with life peerages. This was with a view to providing for the immediate future without prejudice to Lord Salisbury’s greater scheme. (Received May 1(3, 1.5 a.rn.) Sydney, Alay 15

Mr Burton, in a cable announcing tlie introduction of the Commonwealth Bill, says Mr Campbell' Bannorman intimated that he would have the whole of the Liberal party at his back in the attempt to have the Bill restored to the form in which it left the hands of the Australian people. (Received May 16, 9.45 a.in.) London, May 10. The Commonwealth Bill was read a first time in the Commons amid cheers. There is much comment at Mr Bannernmn’s bitterness towards Mr Chamberlain, who he accused of going behind the appointed representatives and inviting Governors to pick up gossip unfavourable to the delegates, even from unwilling lips. He spoke with the utmost scorn of newspaper opinion.