New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-15
PREMIERS DETECTED.
FAILURE OF CONFERENCE.
Sympathy 5cith Newfoundland =
Sir Robert Bond Angry.

London, May 1.-THE Imperial Conference
wound up to-day, and if the attending colonial
Fremiers spoke their feelings to the public as
they did to their acquaintances they would call
II 1t failure a more detected group of states
men seldom has been seen. Coming with high
hopes Of preferential trade scheme and elabo-
rate programmes for imperial legislation, they
nave succeeded in pressing on the government
only few minor proposals. The popular inter
est in the gathering, which at first wide
spread dwindled steadily, until at the end
the doings of the conference have had second
airy place in the press. Socially. the conference
was a great success.
Sir Wilfrid Laurler, the Canadian Premier
supported the government at every stage of the
opposition to preferential trade and as a result
he has become unpopular With his colleag CUES.
Alfred Deakin, the Premier of Australia. lost no
chance Of proclaiming the japanese menace TO
, Australia's vital problem,
Sir Robert Bond Premier of Newfoundland.
contrary to expectation. succeeded in getting the
Newfoundland fishery question before the con
Terence to-day, and IT is understood this matter
was debated at both the morning and afternoon
sessions Sir Robert moved a resolution the
effect that if the home government failed TO sup
port the colonies in carrying out local statutes,
nut suspended or ahrORated them a the instance
or foreign power, these acts would constitute
a serious infringement of autonomous rights. In
a powerful speech lasting over an hour he put
the entire Newfoundland case strongly. He
urged that the assent of the Crown should he
given TO the act Of 1905. that the colony should
not be fettered by any modus vivendi in carry
ing out laws approved by 1T. and that the home
government should proceed 10 define the rights
of American citizens under the Treaty OF 1918,
which. he said Newfoundland did not want TO
limit in any way She merely sought Justice
Sir Robert pleaded earnestly with the Earl OF
Elgn Secretary of State for the Colonies. that
IF lose the fishing industry lose every
thing. Unless you do something for us, some
thing to enable to retain our means of sub
sistence. we shall starve."
When the Earl of Elgin replied to the effect
that the government was unable to do anything
the Premier of Newfoundland jumped to his feet
and exclaimed;
This is a gross humiliation and neglect which
you would not dare to offer to a colony powerful
enough TO be able to give effect 10 its resent
ment. It Is most unjust. and repeat again that
You deliberately neElectlng us for the sake
OF American interests.
Then gathering up his papers. Sir Robert quit
ted the room without uttering another word
All the premIers were In agreement in the
spirit Of this resolution md IN full sympathy
with the case s presented
The conference to-day adopted the motion of
Sir Wifrid Laurier IN favor Of an all British
subsidized route from the United Kingdom 10
Australasia, by way of Canada. a committee is
10 be appointed to inquire into the cost Of such
a route and draw up definite proposals on the
subject.
The motion Of Sir Wrfrid ia designed 10 bring
about a reduction in freight charges thus Civ
ing an indirect form OF preference 10 tho British
colonies. reducing the time from England 20
Australia TO twenty instead OF thirty days and
IN the end divertng some OF the traflc now
going by v.av OF Nem York