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think will find that it safeguards you in every way. I certainly do not

you wish to carry you a bit further.

Mr. Kingston.] I would have preferred to have voted for it in this way: That in the hope of improving the trade relations between the mother country and the Colonies the Premiers present undertake to confer with their col- leagues with the view of seeing whether such a result can be properly secured by preferential tariffs. But I could not vote for it limiting it to a preferential tariff in favour of the mother country excluding the possibility of all hope of a recognition by Britain of the difference between goods received from the Colonies and from foreign countries.

Sir George Turner.] I think Mr. Kingston could agree to this.

The Secretary of State.] It does not prevent this because it is a separate question.

I would argue is, Sir George Turner.] You could agree to this. The way we are willing to consider with our colleagues to see whether if we give preference to the goods of Great Britain there are other benefits which we will derive which will more than recoup the Colony as a whole for anything we may possibly lose.

Sir John Forrest.] I do not think you can lose anything.

The Secretary of State.] It only says: "If it can be properly secured ; therefore if Mr. Kingston thinks it cannot be properly secured-

Sir George Turner.] You see if we give them a preference we are going to get extra trade-more coming, more going.

Mr. Kingston.] Such a result would be properly secured by preferential tariffs.

Sir George Turner.] That means what Mr. Chamberlain does not want to bring too prominently forward-Reciprocity.

Mr. Kingston.] We are willing to give Great Britain something, but we are to try and get something from Great Britain, in the hope————

The Secretary of State.] It hardly goes so far as that; it only means that you are willing to consider it.

Mr. Reid.] If it can properly be done.

Sir George Turner.] I could agree to that.

Mr. Kingston.] Is not that intended to exclude the idea of the Colonies receiving any preference in connection with British tariff?

The Secretary of State.] No, I should not interpret it in that way. does pledge you to consider whether you shall give a preference to us.

This

Sir Wilfrid Laurier.] In discussing that with your colleagues you might just put that as the answer.

The Secretary of State.] Yes; but it does not prevent you from saying, Well, we will not give you a preference unless you give us a preference; it is perfectly open to you to say that, when you come to consider it; there is nothing in this to prevent you.

Sir George Turner.] We might ask you to join with us in subsidising a special line of vessels, so that instead of paying ad. we might pay d.

Mr. Reid,] That is & proper way of bringing it forward-this arrangement.

Mr. Kingston.] I think, sir, that with that assurance that it will not in the

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slightest degree render inappropriate a suggestion of the character I have indicated for mutual preferences, I will withdraw my objection and join in for the purpose of securing unanimity.

The Secretary of State.] Then those who are in favour of the resolution say "Aye."

All the members of the Conference: "Aye."

The Secretary of State.] On the contrary, "No."

No response was made.

The Secretary of State.] The Ayes have it; that is carried unanimously. I think we must adjourn now.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier.] When shall we meet again?

The Secretary of State.] I would suggest next Monday.

Adjourned till Monday next at 11 a.m.

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