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 :—

The Committee would submit to the Conference:—

1.	That in order to maintain the permanent unity of the Empire some extension of its political organisation will be indispensable, so that the large and rapidly increasing population of the portions of the Empire beyond the seas may have an adequate voice in the control of Foreign relations, defence, and all other common interests and concerns, and may take a fair share in sustaining Imperial responsibilities.
2.	That the time has arrived when those who feel the need of some political organisation for this purpose should openly advocate such a policy.
3.	That, whilst there should no longer be any hesitation on the part of the advocates of the unity of the Empire in pointing to Federation as the end they have ultimately in view, they should at present avoid embarrassing the question by attempting specifically to lay down the details of a Federal organisation for the Empire; neither should they prescribe the time within which the establishment of such a Federation should take place.
4.	That, in order to attain the end in view, it is only necessary to bring home to the minds of the people of this country, and of the Colonies, the advantages of the permanent unity and ultimate Federation of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australasia, South Africa, and other British Colonies, as our great national aim in the future, the details being left to be adjusted by those authoritatively empowered to arrange them on behalf of this country and the Colonies, when the time shall arrive for the formation of such Federation.
5.	That if the permanent unity of the Empire be kept clearly in view, and the nature of Federal Government be well considered, its adoption will not be difficult, even if page 68 the growth of the Colonies or the circumstances of the Empire should require it to be carried out sooner than may be anticipated.
6.	The Committee recommend the formation of a Society for the special object of enlightening public opinion throughout the Empire as to the advantages of permanent unity, and as to the nature and different forms of Federal Government; so that the people of the Empire, both in these Isles and beyond the seas, may be the better able to decide as to the exact form of that Government which they may prefer whenever they shall feel that the time has arrived for its adoption.

The following is a copy of the Resolutions as finally adopted and unanimously passed by 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 page 69 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 :—