The Australian dislike of coloured workmen goes very far. They
recently refused to allow any steamers belonging to companies under contract to be worked by lascars. Mr. Chamberlain thereupon informed the Government of the Commonwealth that in that case the British Post Office would be unable to recommend the grant of subsidies in union with the Australian Post Office, but suggested that alternate contracts might be given to companies employing and not employing coloured crews. Sir E. Barton, the Premier, has now rejected that proposal absolutely, and contends in announcing the decision of his Government that it is Australia which cares for the Empire, and not Great Britain. As the lascars are British subjects, as no one complains of their conduct, and as they do not settle in Australia, the Australians' restriction is unreasonable. Nobody wishes to inter- fere with their policy in their own continent, but to deny to the Mother-country the right to man her ships as she pleases cannot be called 'friendly, or good Imperialism.
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