Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman's address to the Con- ference was admirable
both in substance and in form. We must pass over the warmth and gracefulness of his welcome, and his sympathetic reference to Mr. Chamberlain, and note the definite proposals of the Government for helping forward. the business of the Conference. The different members a the Government will be present to take part in the discussion of questions which affect their Departments. Thus the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the President of the Board of Trade will state their views on finance. Questions of Preference, the Prime Minister said, would no doubt take an important place, and would receive the frankest and, fullest eonsideration from the Government. If the Government were compelled on certain points to differ fro w some II( the Premiers, be knew that they would differ in a perfectly friendly way. The Government could not go behind the
declared opinions of the country. Sir W. Laurier, Mn Deakin, Sir Joseph Ward, Dr. Jameson, Mr. Moor, and General Botha, whose remarks were interpreted by his secretary, each spoke. General Botha repeated the loyal sentiments with which we are happily becoming familiar, and added that he came with an open mind and with the one desire of helping his colleagues.
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