The United States Consul.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue VIII, 23 August 1902, Page 500

The United States Consul.

INTERVIEW WITH MR. FRANK DILLINGHAM.

The United States Consul for New Zealand, Mr. Frank Dillingham, accompanied by Mrs. Dillingham, returned from an extended visit to the United States by the R.M.S. Ventura yesterday, after having- had a very enjoyable tour. Mr. Dillingham, who has returned in splendid health, was interviewed by a “Star” representative shortly after his arrival. In response to a query as to the general feeling in America towards the British Empire, Mr. Dillingham, replied that he noticed a wonderful difference as compared with that exhibited when he left the States five years ago. “I have travelled 25,000 miles since I left here,” said Mr. Dillingham, “and II have been in 45 States, including all the larger and older ones, and I have heard the British Empire spoken of thousands of times, without ever once hearing anything but the kindest and most cordial words spoken. President Rooseveldt is as friendly to the British as President McKinley, and I think that there will never be any danger in future of war between the two. The war with Spain and the British war in South Africa have done mora to consolidate the two countries than anything else could have done.”

“How was the peace declaration received in America?”

"It was received with a great deal of satisfaction on account of the British making such magnanimous terms to the Boens. Britain stands better in the eyes of the world than at any previous time in her history, as the result of the magnanimity displayed. A number of the pro-Boer papers came right over, and were most eulogistic in their notices. I believe that there are relatively more pro-Boers inside the Empire than there are in America.”

“How was the news of the King’s illness received?” “I was in New York when the cable announcing that the King’s life was in danger was received, and there, and indeed throughout America, the news was received with exactly the same feeling, only very much magnified, as was expressed ift Auckland when the news of the assassination of President McKinley came through. Everywhere nothing else was" talked of, and the press throughout the States referred to the King with as deep sympathy as to a blood relation.”

“Did you hear much of New Zealand while in America?”

“Yes. I was greatly surprised at the wonderful knowledge the people of the United States have of this colony;. Everywhere I went I heard the most flattering allusions to the colony, which is by far the best known of the Australasian States. They look upon the New Zealand laws as being the most perfect in the world, and on all sides I was called up to answer questions to interviewers, and privately as to the trend and scope of the legislation here, and as to the success attending the operations of recent progressive legislaiion. I had a long interview with the President on matters concerning New Zealand, and found him wonderfully well acquainted with the affairs of the colony. The people through-

out were most anxious to know how the Conciliation and Arbitration Act worked out, if the decisions of the Court were treated as final, and if they were respected. Great attention was also paid to the graduated land tax system and to the Old Age Pensions Act. No matter where I went I found that the New Zealand laws were immediately taken up and discussed. A number of prominent statesmen are proceeding to the Philippines, via Sydney, next year, unofficially, and’ they intend calling here to make themselves acquainted with the legislation here . One member of Congress intends to travel New Zealand to stud its banking and other financial systems. “Is there any prospect of trade between New Zealand and the States increasing?” “I think there is. I was of opinion before I went away, and I am more strongly of that opinion now, that it would be well for New Zealand to send a commission to Washington ir. the hope of bringing about certain matters in the way of reciprocity. The Americans are inclined to be liberal, and w’ould go half-way at any time in the matter of reciprocity with Great Britain and her colonies, in order to foster trade. The present tariff is a high protective one, and it will always remain, so, but there is a great disposition to reduce the tax on certain articles of produce. If reciprocity could be arranged the States would export a number of articles not now sent to New Zealand, and in return her products could be admitted free.” “Is it correct, as stated in our cables recently, ihat the Presidential campaign will be fought out on the trust issue?”

“Well, the Democrats would like that to be the issue, but it is doubtful if they can succeed in that, because so many prominent members of the party are members of some of the trusts, or are mixed up with them. The Cuban question is becoming an important factor in the campaign, and the Philippine question is also very prominent. The silver question is dead beyond all hope of resurrection. President Roosevelt is the strongest man in public life in the States to-day with the people, and it is fortunate that there was such a man to succeed President McKinley. He has appointed several well-known Democrats to offices, leaving party issues aside entirely.” Mr. Dillingham had a very tempestuous passage home when leaving here in April, the captain of the steamer describing the storm as the severest he had ever experienced. A number of cyclonic storms and cloudbursts were experienced in the States, a cloud-burst in Omaha flooding the country to a great depth, and destroying miles of railway track. A calm passage to New Zealand was experienced, with the exception of one or two days, and Mr. Dillingham has returned much benefited by his trip.