(UNITED PEE 33 ASSOCIATION.) London, August 1. The Conference to consider the question of the federation of the British Empire, com menced Us sittiags at the Westminster Palace Hotel on July 23, and was attended by poli ticians of every shade of opinion. Many of the most distinguished men of the day wore present, including eminent statesmen (Home and colonial), members of both Houses of Parliament, Agents-General of many of the colonies, and many of the prominent naval and military officers. The Right Hon. W. E. Forator was President. In his inaugural speech, the president stated that it was a common desire with all present to preserve the unity of the Empire. The question which was before the Conference was not was it well to keep the colonies, but how to keep them. Mr Forster thought that the drifting away of the colonies would be unbear able on abstract grounds, and unprofitable on material oues ; for experience had proved that trade followed the flag. As regards the colonial view, the proposed separation would be as hateful to the colonies as to Englishmen. It was clear that the relation of England with her colonies mast ultimately end in either an isolated independence or in some form of federal union. The ultimate form of this federation was not the main question to-diy, But it was clear that any scheme must be ar ranged on the principles of perfect equality. The Right Hon. W. H. Smith moved, “ That some form of federation is essential to the permanent unity of the Empire. 1 ’ “ That I a society be formed comprising men of all parties, iu order to advocate the support of the principle of federation.” “ That the con ference refer to the Provisional Committee all the details as to the establishment and organi sation of the society, euoh committee to sub mit a report to an adjourned conference next autumn.” “That the committee consist of the following members The Right Hon. W. E. Forster, M.P., Chairman ; Mr Frederick Young, secretary to the Royal Colonial Institute ; Captain Colombo, vice chairman ; Mr Francis Labiltiere, bon. secre tary ; Messrs Denniatowo, Wood, Arnold, Forster, Finch, Halton, Joint, hon. treasurers; Sir Daniel Cooper, Messrs W. J. 