The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1889-11-29
ANOTHER UNITED STATES.
True Meaning of the Australian Fed
Grafton Scheme

GRAFTON Scheme.
LONDON, Special.-Onc of the most I'M
portant issues Of the day is the proposal for
the federation of the Australian colonies
set forth in the dispatch which Sir Henry
Parkes, the premier of New South Wales,
has addressed to the premier of the other
colonies in Australia. ltis in reality an in-
vitation to meet and consider Il new form of
combined colonies, Il sort of United States
in Australia, though most Of the cplonSts
do not exactly SO regard it, and England
has not the faintest suspicion of its mean
ing. The proposal here camcabuut through
the advice Of the military commissioner
whom England sent to assist the Austral-
ians to Il common scheme Of national do
fense. He reported in favor of federal
Australian army, and Sir Henry parkcs,
imperial federalist at heart, has
seized the opportunity and boldly told the
colonies that the time has come for grand
protection, not only for military protection,
but for all the uses that are implied by the
term. The reception which Australia gives
to the invitation will determine in u great
measure the future oft!llt country. lifetime
seems ripe for rsomesuch movement, but it is
more probable that the change will not
come by violent or sudden changes, but
rather by gradual steps. The comments of
the English papers OH the matter are some
what amusing. English editors and En-
lish politicians as n rule, know less, if it is
possible, about Australia than about the
United States. AS usual, English editors
do not appreciate the significance of this
new uttcrance from the antipolcan colo
mics, never dreaming that Sir Henry Parkcs,
whom they call an ''imprrai fcdcralist,"
means to separate Australia from England,
and follow the lead of the United States,
nor will England realize the true condition
of affairs III Australia until the note fin
dependence has been irrcvocably sounded
OFF FOR EUROPE.
Commander Walker, With His
Squadron. Starts for Cruise.
NEW YoKK, Special. the booming
of cannon, dipping of flags waving of hun
drcds of hats and llandkcrclieis and cheers
from as many throats, Admiral John e.
Walker and his squadron, comprising tho
ships Chicago Boston, Atlanta and York
town, with bunting flying and in all thcgay
panoply of war, sailed majcstically down
the North river to-day. Accompaniment the
huge men-ofwar was the Dolphin, which
went as far as Sandy Hook, having on board
as passengers Secretary Tracey, of the navy;
Secretary of War Proctor, Secretary of Agri-
culture Rusk, cxCongrcssman John 4. Kas-
son, Congressman Herbert Elliott, Thomas,
Gen. Isaac s. Catlin, Everett r. Wheeler,
II. G. Polhemus, Judge Cullen, cx-
Secretary Robeson, Admiral Gcrharli,
Lieut.. Il. II. Arnold, and Col.
Findlay Anderson. The guests were taken
on board the Dolphin in II barge. Just as
the barge left the dock cx-Secrc,ary Whit
ney arrived and the barge returned to tho
dock for him. In honor of his arrival Ad-
miral Walker ordered a salute of thirteen
guns to be fired. 1t was the beginning of q
six or eight months cruise OF evolution
and display, and when the sturdy dogs OF
war return all Europe will have been APP
praised of the fact that Uncle Sam really
has q navy and that his SONS have not en-.
tircly forgotten the art CT shipbuilding.
John G. Walker, commanding the fleet, is
commodore and acting rear admiral. Ills
pennant A;cs from the Chicago The squad.
ron will take the outside course for Boston
where they are due Wednesday. Admiral
Walkers orders direct him to remain il,
Boston not later than the end of the week
and 1t Is expected that next Sunday thu
aeet Will sail for Europe.