THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE.

Western Star, Issue 1968, 5 December 1894, Page 3

THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE.

Earl Jersey, in his report on the Canadian Conference, states that the proposals of the Conference are sound, practical and of great Imperial advantage. He advises their generous consideration at the hauds of the Imperial Government, and asserts that so far as ho can see there is no serious objection to the removal of the disability of Australia to enter into differential lelations with the other British colonies. Great Britain he thinks might consider whether without renouncing her treaties it would be possible to induce Belgium and Germany to abrogate the clause restraining the colonies on the matter. He considers that Great Britain is unable at present to accept the preferential agreement with the colonies, because it would create a new customs barrier against foreign produce. Beferring to the CanadianAustralian route he says the requisite subsidy of £75,000 from the Imperial Government could easily be provided by diverting half of the mail poundage from the New York lines to the Canadian route, 2^ us Admiralty subvention from steamers to act as cruisers in time of Avar. He declares the danger of fog and icebergs is exaggerated, and he speaks in the highest terms of the foresight and patriotism of the Dominion of Canada in granting a subsidy. The future of the scheme, Earl Jersey thinks must depend on Australia's actions. He admits the strategical and commercial advantages, of the proposed Pacific cable, but refrains from recommending it. He recognises the great enterprise of the Eastern Cable Co, but does not admit that they are entitled to cable monopoly in Australia. Lord Jersey states that Great Britain alone possesses the vessels requisite for the survey of a route for the proposed Pacific cable. lie suggests that it is worth while considering whether a survey is really necessary prior to commencing, as he thinks that no practical difficulty exists if either Neckar Island or one of the Sannwich Islands is availed of as an intemediate landing place.