Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-04-24
NEWFOUNDLAND DELEGATES


LONDON, April 23.-Expectation Of 20
rare and important an event as the repre-
sentatives Of colony being heard at the
bar OF the House, attracted an unusually
large number Of spectators to the House Of
Lords today. There was full attendance
Of peers, including the Prince Of Walss
and Prince Albert Victor, who sat together
on cross bench, and other leading MEM
bers Of the House Of Commons. Lord
Dunraven moved that Newfoundland dele
gates be heard at the bar Of the House.
Lord Knu.sford assented to the motion and
the Speaker, Lord Hslsbufy gave orders
that the delegates be admitted. The i've
Newfoundland delegates, headed by the
premier Of Newfoundland, Sir Willism
Whiteway, made their appearance. Sir
William Whiteway delivered his slateme 1t,
ana was listened to throughout with keen
attention. He opened with review Of the
history Of legislation In which Newfound-
lsrd IL concerned since the treaty Of
Nnecht in l713, when France ceded St.
Kittes, Hudson Bay, Nova Scotia and New
ioundlsnd to England.
Sir William Whiteway then proc seded to
give details Of objections Of Newfoaud-
landers to Lord Knutsford Of tho coefcive
bill, and concluded with the following pro.
posais, which he said. ought In the opinion
Of delepates and in the opinion Of the peo-
pie Of Newfoundland, TO be acceptsd by
the imperial government % solution Of the
difficulties now existing: That the New.
foundland legislature pass Immediately "a
act authorizing the execution for this year
Of modus vivendi, and Of award Of afbit
ration commission, together with oil
t'eaiies and declarations under instfuc-
tons from the queen in council;
that the further progress Of the Knutsford
bill be deferred until the passage Of ths
above act, and that the present arbitration
agreement shall not be allowed to operate
beyond the lobster question without obtain
ing prior consent Of the colony Of New.
foundlsnd, in which case the colony shall
be represented on commission. The colony
Of Newfoundland desires that %
agreement be made for uncondi-
tional arbitration on al points that either
party can raise under the trestiesl
II this can be arranged between Crest
Britsin and France, Newfoundland will ssk
| TO be represented upon the arbitration COM
mission and will pass an act TO enforce the
Awards Of that commission. Sir Willixn
Whitsway added that the Newfoundland
delegates regret that up to the present mo-
ueht tnese pfOpObhlb nave nOt Only nOt
been accepted, but that no hope has been
held out that shey will be accepted. Their
adoption. he said, would immedistely cause
the excitement 81 present existing 10 New
| foundland to subside. The enactment OF
the bill would leave ranking wound In
the hearts of the colonists and would sstsb-
iish . precedent which would ever
give . feeling Of insecurity 10
every self governing colony. '.In
| effefing on behalf Of colonial legisla-
ton" continued the premier Of Sswfound.
land, ''to enact Laws providing for The hon
orabie fnlfiilmsnt Of obiigstions Of IA
tx ;eedingly odious kind, we are animated
| by spirit Of patriotism and devotion to the
empire. Persistence in the passage Of the
bill, therefore, viii be . poor rssdfn for
fthst faith in the parliament which animated
the Newfoundland legislature In SCI da & us
70 the bar of the House Of Lords"
Lord Knatsford, At the conclusion Of he
Newfoundland premier's ramsrks, 10 NOV
ing to adjourn the second reading Of bis
Newfoundland coefoive bill till Monday,
referred IN terms Of warm praise 10 tho
very able speech made by Sir william
| Whitevay. should the delegates be IN
successfni in their appeal 70 the House ef
Lords. they iotend 70 spply for hearing
before the House OF Commons.