Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-06-29
1edicine and Stiiit0lant.
The Federation of Australia.

tphiladelphia RDcordD
The referendum on Tho federation
question I'm New South Wales has re-
suited in vote of over 100000 In favor
OF the plan 10 less than 5000 against
the same The success OF the Austria
Ian federation scheme has thus been
assured: Tor the colonies of Victoria,
South Australia and Tasmania are over
whelmngly in favor OF the proposait
and Queensland. although the adherence
OF thar colony is not essential, WIFI
probably follow the lead OF New South
Wales In fact, the Federal enabling
bill was passed by both houses OF this
Queensland Legislature on Tuesday last
and the date OF the referendum was
fixed for September I'd next.
West Australia will inevitably gravi.
tate toward the Australasian Union, az
will probably New Zealand aud shS
smaller insular colonies. Excluding INA
latter. however. and reckoning only ths
colonies which are likely TO join the new
federation Immediately the Commons
wealth of Australia (Which will be thu
official name of the Australasian unioni
will extend over u magnificent domain.
The territory embraced within the Coms
monwealth will be larger than the COM
bined area of England, Wales, Ireland,
Scotland Sweden, Holland, Denmark
Germany. Belgium, Holland, Austrs'
Switzerland, France. Spain. Portugal,
Italy. Greece and even Palestine, ana
will contain 100000 inhabitants.
The Commonwealth OF Australia wih
begin it's life under most promising cirs
cumstauces In area IL will exceed tins
thirteen original States OF the American
Union. including the Northwest Terris
| tory. and In population it Will be about
equal. while i'm individual and national
| wealth the new community wiz be fat
! superior to the newborn Amerfcau
| Union. The Constitution, which waa
| framed at the convention OF Australian
Premers in 1897. and which. with soma
amendments adopted at another convene
ton held in January last, has now been
approved by popular vote In New SOUTH
wales. follows IN its main features the
Constitution of the United States.
differs from that OF the Dominion OF
Canada in an important particulars
namely. in reservins to the states, az
| the colonies of Australia VIII hereafter
be called, all the powers not delegates
to the Federal Government.
| The Australian States like those %
our Union. will continue To develop on
Independent lines. as ours have done ana
| will do and will not become mere overs
| grown and independent municipalities
| like the provinces of the Dominion. on.
doubtedly the Australians have followeo
the better precedent i'm this respect, az
| i'm the separation OF the judicial ana exc
ecutiye departments from the lesisiRs
tive. on the other hand, the Austraiiau
Constitution as drafted provides Tor
responsible Ministry, the dissolution on
the LEGISLATURE by the Goyernor-Grn'
eraI. and the absolute initiative OF tho
Lower House in voting supplies-the
Senate being granted power 10 suggest
changes and additions. but not To amend
money bills
An act OF the Parliament at LONDON
will be required to give force Of law 70
the Commonwealth Of Australia DIN
(which includes the proposed Constitu-
tion) after it shall have been approved
by referendum in four Australian states,
Once passed, however, 1t would be ir'
| repealable. and could be amended oni2
by the states i'm the manner provided
! i'm the Constitution. Affirmative action
on the part of the Imperial Parliament,
however. - certain Within few
months therefore, another Union OK
Anglo-Saxon States will begin. let us
hope. n long and prosperous career.