On Monday the Inter-Parliamentary Conference was opened under the presidency
of Lord Weardale in the Royal Gallery q Westminster Palace. Representatives were present from almost all European and from many American Parliaments. The dissolution of the Duma gave a dramatic interest to the proceedings, especially when the Russian delegates declared that their place now was in their own country. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman in an admirable speech announced that he was authorised by his Majesty to extend to the members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union a cordial welcome. The British Government desired to associate themselves un- reservedly with the purposes of the Union. The principle of
arbitration was gaining ground among nations, and they were moving towards the realisation pf that ideal of peace the exponents of Which Were but lately regarded as fools and dreamers. After a reference to the undue coat of armaments, he turned to the representatives of that youngest of Parlia- ments, the Russian Dame. He made no comment on the dissolution, except to say that in one form or another the Duma must survive. "We can say with all sincerity: The Duma is dead ; long live the Duma!"
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