New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-07-30
HOPES FOR FEDERATION.
COLONIAL PREMIERS NOT
YET DISCOURAGED.
CANADA WORKING FOR PREFERENTIAL.
TREATMENT-THE KINGS
HEALTH.
Copyright: 1902: BY The Tribune Association)

tSpecial 70 The NeW-York Tribune by French CabIe)
London, July So 1 a. MIR Chamberlain
made an academic reference to the imperial con-
ference yesterday. tending to minimize the i'm
portance OF the proposals under discussion. The
colonial ministers reticent. but they studi-
ously refrain from exciting hopes which cannot
be fulfilled. They assert that progress has been
made since the Jubilee conference. when gener-
alities alone were discussed, and representative
men Of the mother country and the colonies were
content with the promotion Of good feeling. They
add that while no important results have been
accomplished this year. practical measures for
bringing the constituent portions Of the empire
together have been considered. and that this is
a sign that an imperial federation is nearer than
it was
The Canadian Ministers have not abandoned
the hope of obtaining preferential treatment of
grain from the Dominion, and assert that even
the smallest concession would be worth much
as an advertisement Of the countrys agricult-
aral resources, and would be helpful TO immi-
grafton. There have been consultations between
the ministers and the Treasury officials respect
ing the possibility of rendering the preference
enjoyed by British shippers more valuable
than it has been heretofore. Messrs. Fielding
and Paterson have made a close study of the
statistics. and are seeking to open the way for
preference in return which will be useful to the
Dominion. The margin for anything like a
mutual preference arrangement is narrow under
the existing customs and registration duties of
the United Kingdom
The reports published here and in America re-
specting the Canadian Pacific offers for the es-
tablishnnent of a steamship line from the At
iantic and Pacific coasts are so crcumstantial
that the ministers assembled at the Hotel Cecil
have been compelled to issue short statement
disciaiming authority for them, and denying that
any definite conclusion has been reached. They
:,
received, and that they are making a strenuous
effort to form working arrangement with the
British Government. They have evidently been
annoyed by the controversies raised over the
ports Of call and the exaggerated statements of
the amounts Of subsidies required.
The anti-Morgan shipping combination has
not yet been worked out. and certain interests
striving TO commit the Canadian Govern
ment prena turely 10 costly policies.
Mr. ChamherIain's speech on South Africa was
extremely cautious and conservative. He de-
tended Lord Miner but admitted that the gov
trnment had not been able to agree with the
sfhcial recommendations. While Mr. Chamber
lain was clear and logical In discussing the sus-
pension of the Cape constitution and the treat
nent Of the mining interests he disa ppointed
The expectations of South African onIookers in
the galleries. The idea prevailing among them
losing his grip upon affairs in South Africa. and
showing signs Of softness and indecision.
The government is beginning to realize that
the potency of khaki is exhausted, and, however
popular the policy may have been in the
country. the domestic policy is viewed very diff
ferently. In day they have received a two
fold blow in the secession of a hitherto trusted
supporter and the loss of a hitherto unconquer-
able seat. Recently Bury condemned in unmis-
taxable fashion their determination to maintain
the corn duty, which IL regarded a thin
wedge of protection. and now Cathcart Wason,
who wrenched Orkney and Shetland from the
grip of the Liberals over the war question, has
seeded owing to the disapproval of the mill
tary and education proposals and the action Of
the Irish Executive respecting the De Freyne
evictions. The most staggering blow the
result of the North Leeds election, which ever
since the electoral epoch Of 1886 returned moth
ing except Unionists where a formidabl govern
ment majority of $500 has been converted into a
hostile majority of 700 The election was fought
entirely on the free trade and education bills.
No more emphatic verdict could have been given.
and the Liberals beside themselves with joy.
All reports from Cowes regarding the Kings
condition are favorable. and preparations for the
coronation are going on apace. The Earl
Marshal has sent out fresh cards OF admission
TO the Abbey. and the court functionaries de-
cline TO consider the possibility Of second post
ponement. singular condition OF incredulity.
however, prevails. and the air is filled with
pessimistc reports Of the Kings health Of
hciai contradictions OF alarmist rumors are re-
eeived by clubmen and the smart sets with
oninous misgiving. and everybody is on guard
against second disappointment and is uncon-
WINGED by medical bulletins and assurances from
court officials l. N. f.
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICY.