We note with great satisfaction the summary fashion in which
the Morning Post, itself a firm supporter of Tariff Reform, deals with the "sensational and ridiculous rumours" circulated by certain Unionist organs as to the Colonial Conference. One of these rumours credits the Colonial Premiers with the intention of holding an independent Conference of their own, in order to let England know what they think of the present Government, and to establish a system of mutual preference without reference to the interests of this country. Another rumour says that they intend to impose on the Conference a President of their own choice. On this the Morning Post comments in the following un-
answerable terms
"It is alleged that this change is demanded in order to establish the principle that the Colonial nations occupy an equality of status with the Mother-country in the Imperial Conference. That is a principle which no doubt represents the true goal of Imperial statesmanship, as has been repeatedly urged for a long time past in these columns. But it may well he doubted whether the assertion of the principle ought to proceed from the younger nations rather than from the Mother-country. Considering, however, that Mr. Imelda has only just arrived in London, and that Sir Wilfrid Laurier is still on the water—while the Premiers of New Zealand and of the South African Colonies have so far had little opportunity of consultation—there is no reason to suppose that this second rumour has any more sub- stantial basis than the first."
The effort to utilise the Colonial Premiere. as pawns in the
game of party politics is, we hope, too transparent to succeed. But it is as well that it shoald be promptly and fearlessly exposed by a responsible Opposition journal.
Previous page
