THE COMMONWEALTH.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 769, 2 October 1900, Page 2

THE COMMONWEALTH.

BANQUET TO GOVERNORGENERAL. IMPORTANT SPEECHES. [united press association!. (BY HLECTRIO TELUOUAi'II.—COPYEIOnT). London, September 28. Loud Hopetoun was entertained at a banquet in Edinburgh prior to his departure for Australia as Governor* General. There was a very large attendance. The Lord Provost of Edinburgh presided. Amongst those present were :—Lord Brdfour of Burleigh, Secretary for Scotland; Lord Camperdown, Professor Sir Win. Turner, lion. Sir Jas. Fergusson. Lord Hopetoun, responding to the toast of his health, said he had entire faith in the future of the British race. He referred to tho spirit which Australia has shown in connection with the South African wur. Australia he said, had participated in the struggle because an implacable foe invaded British territories, and because our flag was in temporary danger of being trampled in the dirt. Australia bad played her part nobly, and deserved all Britaiu's sympathy and well wishes for her happiness and prosperity, and for the complete success of her great scheme of national life.

Lord Rosebery, replying to the toast of "The Growth of the Empire," said Great Britain had launched Canada, formed India, and given Australia her crown. The Empire was destined to occupy a position un paralleled in the history of the world. Hhe must, however, exercise an influence not of a military and aggressive character, but that of a just, peaceful, commercial and civilising Christian Power.

Tho Times, commenting on the speeches, remarks that no other nation was ever privileged to sanction such a grand federation of colonies into. a single State. Further, no nation within a reasonably calculable period is in the least likely to have the opportunity or tho desire to imitate the example of Great Britain.