New-York tribune., 1902-07-19
COLONIES STILL APART.
CANADA AND AUSTRALIA UNABLE TO
AGREE ON TRADE SCHEME.
NOTHING ACCOMPLISHED AT THE I'M
PERIAL CONFERENCE.-THE
MERCHANTS NOT ALARMED

MERCHANTS NOT ALARMED.
Copyright: 1902: BY The Tribune Association)
Especial 10 The Neyy-York Tribune by French Cabel
London, July ~, L a. m.-The resumption of
the imperial conference has not stimulated con-
hdence among colonials that a definite result
will be secured. Preferential trade was dis
cussed yesterday. but there was no evidence
that Australia and Canada could unite on any
practical scheme Of commercial union. The
British Government cannot be expected to take
a hearty interest in the business side of i'm
perial federation until the leading common
weaiths are prepared to act together Premier
Laurier is striving to find the line of least re-
sstance within range of existing tariff ar
rangements for grain and wine and he makes
effective use OF Cobden's treaty with France as
q precedent for convincing free traders that
their principles have not been renounced But
the results of the deliberations of the confer
ence likely prove of purely academic in
terest, owing to the lack of cooperation between
Canada and Australia Mr.. Chamberlain If
am correctly informed. virtually tells the pre-
miers that they must agree among themselves
upon definite schedule of preferential trade or
q time table for subsidized steamship communi-
cation before the British Government can be
drawn into a serious discussion of ways and
means. This is equivalent to moving indefinite
postponement Of the proposals for preferential
trade. So important is it for Sir wilfrid Laurier
TO return to Canada with the reputation of hav-
ing accomplished some definite result at the
conference that it is possible he may bring
about agreement with Premiers Barton and
Seddon steamship subsidies, and hold Mr
Chamberlain responsible for neglect to commit
the British Government to the defence of the
maritime interests OF the empire
While there is general expectation in Liver
pool shipping circles that the Cunard Line will
be drawn into the Morgan combination. there is
less excitement over il there than in London
newspaper offices. This is because the wide
awake merchants have watched the effect OF the
formation of the United States Steel Trust and
observed that the export of iron and steel from
Germany and England TO America has been in
creased. They assert that the results of COM
bination in that trade are reduction of Amer
lean production by the closing OF many un-
profitable works, rise in prices through scare
ity Of the supply Of metal for the home market
the reduction Of American exports for foreign
trade and increased exports from England and
Germany to I'LL the vacuum. Analogy is drawn
between iron and steel and ocean traffic. and
forecast is made that rise in freights through
American combinations will involve increased
prosperity for British shipping outside the CEN
tral pool
An American anarchist whose name is yet
unknown was arrested yesterday at Bra, near
Turin It is believed that he went to live at
Bra because King Victor Emmanuel always
passes that way in his automobile when visiting
his property at Pollenzo. 1t is ascertained that
the anarchist is from Paterson.
-~The Expresss" Cape Town telegram says
further inquiries into the trade situation in
South Africa tend to show that the increase Of
American trade is solely owing to the war Of
freights from New-York to South Africa be-
tween the Clan and Castle and Prince and
Hansa lines. So far most of the increase is In
produce and breadstuffs American -four ousting
Australian and Argentine. Large shipments OF
steel for building purposes have been ordered
from America, the American kind is very
popular All complain Of the conservati tism Of
the British who refuse concessions which are
cheerfully granted by plant and energetic
Americans. German competition is not feared.
The official announcement that the coronation
will occur on August is followed by a revival
of activity at the Earl MarshaPs office and re-
casting Of the lists of spectators VINO will re-
ouire second issue of cards of admission. The
officials are starting out with the intention Of
reducing the complex Abbey ceremonial to the
simplest terms. Their plans. without doubt, will
be enlarged day by day. more favorable re-
ports are received of the health of the King.
The naval review is already regarded as GER
tainty. Rehearsals for the procession have been
resumed and it is announced that the King S
new landau will be substituted for the coach Of
George III. l. \. r
COLONIAL PREMIERS DO NOTHING.
London July 1s-Another conference of the colo
NAL premiers held to-day, at the Colonial
Office but beyond desultory discussion OF the
general trade relations Of the empire nothing was
done. The advantages and disadvantages OF pref