New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-06-10
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONGRESS.

Mp cu.vprprArN WELCOMES THE DELEGATES
THE zoIJ,vEREIN PROJECT DISCUSSED.
London. June 9.-The third Congress OF inc
Chambers OF Commerce OF the Empire began us
first sitting in Grocers Hall, at 10 O'CLOCK mis-
morning The hall crowded with delegates
and others. The Chambers Of Commerce OF al the
British Colonies were represented. Lords Loch ana
Knutsford. Sydney Buxton NJ. P: Sir John Lub-
book. NJ. p. and Sir George Baden-Powell. NJ +"
we're among those present.
Joseph Chamberlain, Secretary Of State Tor inc
Colonies. and honorary president Of the Congress-
delivered speech welcoming the delegates IN
which he promised tho representatives OF CaHaoa
mat their proposal Of bringing into closer union
'he various portions OF the British Empire by the
e'sauon OF commercial Zolverein would not oe
mel Ta blank refusal from the people of Great
D'Alh. He spoke Of the paramount necessity lor
e commercial union of the Empire, wnich, ne
sa'a' was at the root OF all the problems with
H"' they bad TO deal 1t his opinion that
s'0ms Union the most feasible OF any OF the
s'0p0sas which aimed at commercial union. and
" was an essential condition that Great Britain
Ou'o consent TO replace the import duties on
.sih articles Of large production In the colonies
a." as corn. meat wool. sugar. etc. but he
1sh' The proposal 10 replace such duties shouid
Kingdom
al the close OF Mr.. Chamberain's remarks
=, USER. OF toronto, ONTARIO HiVHeh' OH
N4ai OF the Board OF Trade OF that city, that 1t
-' he opinion Of the congress that the advan-
s1 arising from closer union OF the Empire
wv" justify an arrangement as nearly az possible
sne nature Of zollvercin based on principles
ue reest exchange Of commodities within the
rs"e. consistent with tariff requirements, IN
~t TO the maintenance OF the local govern
nl' ol each kingdom, dominion. province anu
~say now forming a part Of the British family
anatons
-. - Asnder. Of Woverhampton. seconded the
ss''uuon OF Mr.. Oser and Sir Donald Alexander
,bs,t OF Montreal. moved amendment, rectihg
lIa 'ne congress records It's belief In the advisa-
h. hs and praci.cabllty of customs arrangement
q, ~ Great Britain and her colonies ana lhdia
rs.ss ae oass OF preferential treatment and recon-
10 Ing that Her MaJesty's Government take steps
,uh,s about an interchange OF opinions on the
eov between the mother country and the other
ss'hments Of the Empire.
s,,,,sA In support Of his amendment. Sir Donald
hs saa that II the Imperial Government grasped
o,h ''er boldly. their action would lead to an
which colonial conference. held In London, at
sat!sfac e details OF d measure which would be
com .cusvVy 10 the colonies and the United KING :
prefersns,.a De arranged. A moderate scheme OF
saock Ai ri treatment, Sir Donald said need not
neasurse~ se~sohable economic theories. nor lead 10
In the fa.al vi retaliation. He expressed DOUBT that
commun,,Sso OF a commercial union or the component
Would i,.ies in,ies OF the British Empire, other countries
the c,.itate policy Of retaliation. Germany ana
az thev ~ states surely could not object inasmuch
ment aoopted policy OF preferential treat
ton. 1"isss of Vancouver. seconded the resolu-
"s'0 OF Victoria. said that he was not WILL