FOR AND AGAINST: Different Views
Extra Document 5

George Reid was nicknamed 'Yes/No' Reid because he declared himself to be in favour of Federation despite being against many of the conditions and compromises necessary to achieve it. In his lengthy 'Yes-No' speech he details his opinion of the Draft Bill, pointing out what he considers to be serious faults, but ultimately announcing that he will vote 'Yes'.

EXCERPT FROM REID'S 'YES-NO' SPEECH

... Now, on this national occasion – (disturbance in the body of the hall, and cries of "Put him out.") – the whole of the people of New South Wales are, I believe, anxious to hear what I have to say to-night. (Hear, hear.) I feel sure that the whole of this audience will enable me to fulfil my trust to the people who sent me into the Federal Convention. Having been in the Federal Convention at its three sittings-in Adelaide, in Sydney, and in Melbourne-and having during that time done my best to defend the just rights and interests of New South Wales, I feel that I am entitled to be heard by every citizen of this great country. (Applause. At this stage two policemen removed a disorderly person from the body of the hall, and the audience stood and cheered the ejection of the interrupter.) …

MR. REID WILL VOTE FOR THE BILL.
So far as I am concerned, with all the criticisms I have levelled at this bill, with all the fears I have for the future, I feel I cannot become a deserter from the cause of federation. (Loud and prolonged cheers.) I cannot take up this bill with enthusiasm. (Hear, hear.) I see serious blots in it which have put a severe strain upon me. I have not made up my mind about the bill without a great deal of painful and anxious thought. (Applause.) Because, after all, great as a nation's worth is, great as an Australian union is, in this day of humanity, in a continent free as this is, we ought to have, I admit, a more democratic constitution. (Applause.) My friends here know that I fought hard to bring this bill more into harmony with my views. (Cheers.) I have some times succeeded and I have often failed; but looking back upon the Convention, now that all the fights are over, I honestly and frankly tell you its members comprised a body of men who honourably and ably fought according to the best of their judgement. (Applause.) Now, I say to you, having pointed out my mind, and having shown you the dark places as well as the light places of this Constitution, I hope every man in this country, without coercion from me, without any interference from me, will judge for himself, and, so far as I am concerned, I consider my duty to Australia demands me to record a vote in favour of the bill. (Prolonged cheers.) …

Mr G. H. Reid, speech at Sydney, Sydney Morning Herald, 29 March 1898, cited in Scott Bennett (ed.), Federation, Cassell Australia, North Melbourne, 1975, pp. 173 & 185-6.