The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 57
The Chairman (Mr. Forster):
The Chairman (Mr. Forster):
I cannot too warmly thank the mover and the seconder of the resolution for the kind words they have expressed. They are far too kind. But they are spoken with some authority, and I shall remember them as one of the bright spots in a political life which has not been bright altogether. Of course, every one who tries to do his duty must occasionally meet with what is unpleasant as well as what is pleasant; but this day will hereafter be remembered to me on a much stronger ground than this. I think I have now seen—and I think we all see—the beginning of a movement than which I believe there has been none of more importance to the world. We know there are difficulties, and we shall not endeavour to shirk them; but we believe it lies in the English character, and in English determination, to get the better of them, and that we shall eventually see—even I, I believe, shall see—the beneficent fact of the world encircled by self-governing English communities in a firm bond of friendship and permanent, alliance one with another. (Cheers.)
The proceedings then terminated.
The following Minute of the views of the Committee was submitted to the Conference :—
1. | That, in order to secure the permanent unity of the Empire, some form of Federation is essential. |
2. | That, for the purpose of influencing public opinion, both in the United Kingdom and the Colonies, by showing the incalculable advantages which will accrue to the whole Empire from the adoption of such a system of organisation, a Society be formed of men of all parties, to advocate and support the principle of Federation. |
3. | That this Conference refers to a Provisional Committee all details connected with the establishment and organisation of such a Society, for a report thereon to be submitted for the consideration and approval of an adjourned Conference, to be held at a suitable period in the corning autumn. |
4. | That the Provisional Committee consist of the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, M.P., Chairman; Frederick Young, Esq., and Captain J. C. R. Colomb, Vice-Chairmen; Francis P. Labillière, Esq., Honorary Secretary; J. Dennistoun Wood, Esq., H. O. Arnold-Forster, Esq., * and Hon. Harold Finch-Hatton, Hon. Treasurers; Sir Daniel Cooper, Bart., W. J. Courthope, Esq., Alex. Stavely Hill, Esq., Q.C., M P., and Sir Samuel Wilson, with power to add to their number; and that, pending further notice, all communications be addressed to F. P. Labillière, Esq., 5, Pump Court, Temple, E.C. |
5. | That copies of these Resolutions be transmitted to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, the High Commissioner for Canada, and the Agents-General for the Australasian and Cape Colonies, with a request that they will forward them to their respective Governments; and that copies be also sent to the Governors of Colonies not having Agents-General. |
6. | That this Conference do now adjourn to a date to be hereafter named. |
The preceding Minute and Resolutions were subsequently forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the High Commissioner for the Dominion of Canada, the Agents-General for the Australian Colonies and for the Cape, and also to the Governors of all Colonies not having Agents-General.
With very few and unimportant exceptions, the Press, both in London and in the Provinces, took a most favourable view of the Conference and its objects.
A few extracts from some of the leading journals of the United Kingdom are given below :—
* Subsequently to the Conference, the Committee resolved that Mr. H. O. Arnold-Forster be appointed joint Hon. Sec. with Mr. F. P. Labillière, instead of continuing one of the Hon. Treasurers.