Mr. Dibbs:  We look to Sir Henry Parkes as, to some extent, the architect of the structure we are about to build, and we, like the other gentlemen present, look to our Premier for advice and explanation, and hope that he will in due time place before us such a programme as will enable us to proceed with the great work before us; I can assure the honourable gentleman that we appreciate the compliment paid to the Colony through our Premier, and personally I have great pleasure in supporting the proposition which has been made.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

The President elect, being conducted to the chair by the Hon. James
Munro, and the Hon. Sir Samuel Griffith, said: 

Mr. Munro, Sir Samuel Griffith, and honourable gentlemen, I could not, under any circumstances, do other than yield to your unanimous choice.  I am very conscious indeed of my disqualifications for the office of President.  It is hardly in my nature to observe that studied decorum which is so shining a quality in the Chair.  I have not been fitted for that situation in life.  I therefore feel how great the honour is to be placed in that position on this great occasion and by this great body.  I shall trust to that generous unanimity which has prevailed in carrying this motion to support me in discharging duties in the Chair, duties which may become onerous; and I am quite sure I shall not trust in vain.  It becomes my duty to give this assurance, that so far as I know myself, I will command myself to do the duties of this Chair so that there shall be no cause of complaint.  I will try to conduct the business as to offend none, and, if possible, secure the good opinion which appears to have been formed to-day.  I thank the honourable gentlemen for the great distinction you have conferred upon me, and I trust none of you will see cause to regret the vote you have given.

March 4th. Sir Henry Parkes:  I have the honor to move,

That in order to establish and secure an enduring foundation for the structure of a federal government, the principles embodied in the following resolutions be agreed to:—­

1.  That the powers and privileges and territorial rights of the several existing colonies shall remain intact, except in respect to such surrenders as may be agreed upon as necessary, and incidental to the power and authority of the National Federal Government.

2.  That the trade and intercourse between the federated colonies whether by means of land carriage or coastal navigation shall be absolutely free.

3.  That the power and authority to impose customs duties shall be exclusively lodged in the Federal Government and Parliament, subject to such disposal of the revenues thence derived as shall be agreed upon.

4.  That the military and naval defence of Australia shall be intrusted to Federal forces under one command.