THE FEDERATION CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 416, 13 February 1890, Page 3

THE FEDERATION CONFERENCE.

PROGRESS OF THE DISCUSSION. Melbourne, Feb. 11. On Monday morning the Conference returned ite lilting, and Sir Henry Parkes moved: —" That, in the opinion of this Conference, the best interests and present and future prosperity of the Australian colonies will be promoted by their early union under the Crown, and while fully recognising the valuable services of the members of the Convention held in 1388 in founding the Federal Council, this Conference declares its opinion that the siren years which have since elapsed, have developed the national life of the Australians in population, in wealth, in discovery of resources. and in self-governing capacity to an extant which justifies tbs higher act at all times contemplated of the union of these colonies in one Legislative and Executive Government baud upon principles just to the several colonies," The speaker argued that the colonies were in every way fitted tor Federation, and that there need be no great obstacles to overcome. What was wanted was a Central Government, with a carefully formed constitution. The colonies had shown wonderful capacities for self government, and the speaker pointed out how a Central Government could accomplish much which it was not possible at present to undertake. Mr Deskin, seconded the motion, and Mr Griffiths, of Queensland, pronounced that Federation met with bis hearty approval. Mr Playfnrd, of South Australia, twitted Sir Henry Parkes in regard to hie policy in the put, and said that the Canadian form of Federation, giving full power to the central authority, would not suit his colony. The debate beiug continued, Mr Clarke, of Tasmania, announced that his colony was in favor of Federation. He saw great difficulties in the way, but he felt sure a uniform tariff must come sooner or later. He quoted figures to show that a Federal Government would not have sufficient re venue to work with. The tenor of Mr Clarke's speech showed that personally he was opposed to Federation in the form proposed. Captain Russell, of Now Zealand, made a very practical speech, conveying the mind of New Zealanders in able language. He fully approved of a Federation of Australia, but be did not think New Zealand, whose interests were re distinct from those of the Other colonies, would consent to join, at any rate tor some time ; but that colony would happily work in concord with United Australia. He pointed out that New Zeeland had a Natsva administration which could, not be headed over to a Federal Government, and as to s Federal army the expense would be more than New Zeeland could bear, and they could expect little benefit from it. He intended to move that in the event of any colony now Muring, but wishing at a later period to join the Confederation, it be admitted on terms to

fee agreed upon, ■ Mr Oockburn, South Australia, spoka in favor of complete federation, considering that it would be injudicious to have secessions at the outset.

Me Deakin moved that the respective Parliaments be urged to appoint a National Convention, consisting of seven members from each of the self governing colonies, Kgn adequate scheme of Federation. He adds his previous motion as g clause—at membera of thia Upuferenoe shall take such steps as ate necessary to induce the Legislatures of their respective colonies to appoint delegates to a National Convention to consist of a certain number of members for each of the aelfgoverning colonies, and a pertain number from the Crown colonies. That pa it is apparent aome time must elapse (store the Federal constitution is obtained, pod it is desirable that united action should be taken to provide for military defence and other urgent matters, it is advisable that the Federal Council should be employed for such purpose."

AUSTRALIAN PRESS OPINIONS. Sydney, February 8. The Daily Telegraph says that the Premiers of Victoria and New South Wales are evidently in accord with reference to the Federation question, but it is difficult to predict what the action of the other delegates may be. New Zealand, we fear, is very much Inclined to say that Auatralaaia is unripe for Federation, although Australia may be. We may presume upon the other colonies concerned that there will be no real opposition to the proposal to approach all the Parliaments with a requeat for the appointment of a more representative convention, with greater authority and power. So far as the banquet represented public opinion, it may be taken for granted that provincial protection is doomed in the Federal Parliament of the future. The Sydney Morning Herald thinka the resolutions to be proposed *by Mr Deakin will be the apple of diacord aa an attempt to revive the Federal Council, It ia evident, it goes on to aay, though the queatiop of defence ia important, and haa made the subject of federation an active one, it ia neither urgent nor important enough to Warrant any ohange of front of New South Wales on the subject of a Federal Council, Bbr to justify an attempt to commit us to anything ot the kind by a aide wind. Melbourne, Feb. 9. The Argus, referring to the banquet last night, states that the spirit of Sir Henry Parkes' speech was excellent from first to last, and it ia difficult to see where the reply to his simply-stated arguments is to come in. Sir Henry Parkes, it adds, faced the fiscal policy boldly, and be ia ready to remit the fiscal issue to the good sense and wisdom of tbs Australian Parliaments. Considering the Federal Parliament is composed in gyery instance save New South Wales of rsprcwptclivM of more or lays Protectionist colonies, there should be little to fear among Viaiorian Protectionists at the result. Tbs Age says that if Mr Deskin’s motion ia carried, it will make any further advance in the direction of Faderation unnecessary for the present. x At any tale, the clamour tor Federation which was raised with such startling suddenness by New South Wales is distinctly justified by the plea ot defence. The question could not be advanced without it. It concludes; We do not suppose howafer, that Mr Deshin’s motion was aaliberately intended' to cancel'that bl Sir Henry Parkes, though in effect it doer,

ENGLISH PRESS OPINIONS. London, February 11. The Pall Mall Gazette says that Sir Henry Parkas’ term "Crimson thread," in hie Speech at the Federation banquet, will become equally remarkable with that of “ Silver meek." applied to the English Channel. '• St. Janus' Gazette thinks that Sir Henry Parkas' speech in support of hie hobby was eloquent and unselfish, because it ia unlikely Sydney will become the capital of Australia, or Sir Henry Parkes himself Premier of the f often doniofoo. p«.Tbe Spectator asya that Sir Charles Dilks, ■ hie recently published book, has pricked the ■Uttering hobble ol Imperial Federation. A brotherilke sllianoe between England and her bqloniee wlll ansue, which will ultimately in»l#de America. '■ The Daily Newi thinka the present il the ijme tor Federation, A quarter of a century hence vested Interests may Intervene which Will make Federation impossible. Sir Ban! Samuel, Agent.Ganeral of New Ninth Wales, hat sri|tan tp fits Charles pllke, protesting sgaipst pertain refereneu in his book to the polony ot New South Wales, The Economist ia ot opinion that tha tariff question should be primarily Battled. That disposed ot, it may be possible to postpone the allocation of tbe nnbEc debt of the

•olonlts. The Times considers that the fiscal nnsstfon will be the great obstacle to Australian Federation, and adds tbu' if the project ot Imperial F-deration is to vierge from the region of dreamland it must be fhwmgh some cuch scheme as that now Supposed.' ' »

The Melbourne Age remarks It ilI probably of no great importance to Australia at the odteet whether ledaratton includes New Zealand or Mt, but to MtOotkln belongs the credit at having Mt the local politicians opnrtdwhig whether it U equaUf uminportaut to

London, Feb. 11. Earl Derby, writing to a newspaper, says that Australian Federation is eminently desirable, and the English people are unani raoua in the opinion that the colonists should become members ot a powerful and important State. He adds that internal Freetrado ia better than none. He instances Canada, where obstacles in the way of union were greater, and contends that the success of Australian Federation is assured if local jealousies are overcome, jealousies which statesmen suppress and only politicians trade upon.