The Colonial Conference has completed its sittings. Though no official
communication has yet been made as to the results arrived at, the Daily Telegraph, the Times, and other papers have given accounts of the agreements arrived at which are no doubt fairly accurate. There are to be increased contributions to the Navy in money from Canada and other Colonies. Something definite, too, appears also to have been agreed on in the way of augmenting the local military forces. As regards trade, the policy of giving a preference to British goods in Colonial tariffs was generally assented to. That is, of course, quite satisfactory, as the Colonies make no demand that we should alter our fixed policy of tariff for revenue purposes only, and any relaxation of their Protective systems is to be welcomed and will increase their prosperity. The resolutions as to military and naval matters appear to be equally reasonable. Speaking generally, the Colonies desire to raise and control their own military forces, and to lend them for the common Imperial service when desirable. That is by far the beat arrangement.
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