The Commonwealth.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11746, 24 September 1902, Page 5

The Commonwealth.

SENSATIONAL STATEMENT BY THE

QUEENSLAND PREMIER

Press Association—Telegraph—Copyright,

Received September 23, 9.55 p.m.

MELBOURNE, September 23

Some consternation is felt among Queensland senators and! representatives over the attitude of the Premier of Queensland, based on ah apparently authorised statement, in which Mr. Philp says there is a constitutional way out of Federation, and he was convinced that a strong effort would be maUe at the next Federal elections to take the first step in that direction as far aa Queensland is concerned. If the electors return candidates pledged to vote for a resolution referring continued inclusion of the State to a referendum of the whole people, nothing can prevent escape from the shackles. Other States could do the same. He did ■not believe twenty per cent, of the electoirs of Jueensland would Vote to remain in the Federation. From.. all he couild hear the position was much the same in ■New South Wales. The real grievance was not against Federation, but against the Federal Government. One of Queensland's Federal members characterised Mr. PMlp'e statement as a tHireot incitement to rebellion. -