New-York tribune., 1902-07-01
COLONIAL CONFERENCE.
MIR. CHAMBERLAIN PRESIDES OVER
MEETING OF PREMIERS.
LINES OF DISCUSSION DEsCRIBED-THE
KINGS PROGRESS-sOCIAL NEWS

KINGS PROGRESS-SOCIAL NEWS
Copyright: 1902 Rv The Tribune Associaton1
Especial to The New-YorN Tribune by French Cablel
London. July /. / m.-The Imperial Con-
ference was opened al the Colonial Office yes
terday, with Mr. Chamberlain and the six
Preniers in sympathetic touch good many
safe subjects, but sorely perplexed, as in 1891,
when called upon to solve the problem of squar-
ing the circle. The first session was occupied
mainly with arrangements for the grouping OF
analogous questions and the ecOnomizing of
time in discussion. Sir Wilfrid Laurier is at
once the most astute and independent among the
colonial Premiers, but Mr. Barton and Mr.. Sed-
don are also strong and resOurceful men. Pros
pect for concurrent action the mail subsidy
question is clearer than for the establishment OF
preferential tariff treatment for the colonies
New-Zealand will join Canada on both questions,
but Australia Is hampefed- by compromises
effected when the Confederation was formed
It Is possible that the existing British fiscal
system may be relaxed in favor Of the colonies
respecting the registration duties grain and
import duties on wines The thin end of the
wedge may be whitfield fine and driven in
little way.
Premier Ross. when questioned respecting the
work Of the conference yesterday. displayed
good deal of optimism He told there had
been marked development of public opinion
since last year in favor of preferential trac.'
with the colonies. Colonel DenisOn's work on
account of the British Empire League of Can
ada had been highly appreciated. While in a
recent speech Sir Michael Hoks-Beach had been
unfavorable Mr.. Ross was encouraged by the
attitude of The Times and by what he had
heard since his arrival in London. and would
saw that the proper course for the Canadians
was to keep the subject before Great Britain in
the hope that they would get preference on
cereals, if not all food supplies. Income tax
payers would certainly favor preference for the
colonies and an increase of indirect taxation.
The agricultural classes here would advocate
preference for Canada and other colonies if for
eign nations were excluded from the benefits.
The opposition would come from the working
classes and manufacturers. and it might be
overcome If they were made to understand that
the home market might be secured for manu-
factured goods and in this way offset be OBJ
tanned for the increased cost of provisions
There was a strong sentiment that free trade
had been the salvation of British industries
That was open TO question and was by no means
certain.
on the subject of steamship subsidies Mr.
Ross remarked that the solution of the problem
of cheap the food supply might-Se greatly
facilitated if arrangements could be made for
cooperation by the Canadian railway systems
for coll citing freight. The settlement of the
question of transportation might supply, if not
an equivalent at least an advantage somewhat
similar to preference in the British market on
account of the reduction of freights. Immigra-
tion to Canada would be aided 10y the estab-
lishment of a direct route. Incoming settlers
would see Canada before they were met by
American agents at New-York and elsewhere.
The question of steamship subsidies was re-
ceiving the careful attention of the authorities
on this side
The Treasury returns of the United Kingdom
for the first quarter of the current financial
wear show a net increase of nearly f5.50O.o1.
customs alone accounting for an increase of up
ward of f2300O00 The corn tax has been
mainly responsible for the healthy appearance
Of the national balance sheet.
Bulletins respecting the Kings condition con-
tinue favorable but it is evident from the re-
ports of distress caused by the dressing Of his
wound that recovery will be slow learn from
officials that the operation simpler and
safer than has been generally supposed. and
that the surgeons were fairly confident of re-
covery from the outset, since they had been
called in annie time and blood poisoning could
no easily averted. The depth of the wound has
rendered the healing process painful and pro-
tracted.
M Coouelin had remarkably cordial recep7
tion as Cyrano at the Garrick Theatre last
night. and played with briIlianey and fine va
riety.
The marriage of Ian Malcolm and Jeanne
Langtry at st. Margarets, Westminster. was
prettv spectacle with six bridesmaids and three
nasas in white ard blue sailor costumes. The
brides dress and court train We're trimmed with
silver embroideries and lace collected by the
bridegroom in India l. ~ r
$50 BOARDING HOUSES
Arc contained i'm No. Is OF ''Four-Track Series,
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Central Station, New York.-Advt