BRITISH POLITICS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13905, 2 December 1910, Page 7

BRITISH POLITICS.

MR BALFOUR'S DECLARATION. PRESS OPINIONS. United Press A«sociation—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, November 30. The -Daily Mail" (Unionist) applauds Mr Balfour's declaration, which it says proves that ihe Unionists trust the people. It will enable free traders to vote against the Government. The "Daily Express" states that Mr Balfour rallied and inspired all the forces of Unionism. The ''Daily Chronicle" (Liberal) declares that if tho referendum does not involve a change of Government, then good-bye to the whole system of party government. The "Daily News" (Liberal) expresses the opinion that the cancellation of Parliament's commission by repeated referenda will he the antithesis of represpntative government. The "Morning Post" (Unionist) is doubtful about the wisdom of Mr Balfour's hasty pledge, as the change will ha.ye such far-reaching consequences. Hitherto a general election has permitted a Government to carry its policy; it is now suggested that an additional mandate will bo required. The "Daily Telegraph" (Unionist) declares that Mr Balfour struck dismay into the coalition. Tariff reform cannot rest on anything except the undoubted approval of a settled majority of the nation. "Truth" (Liberal) says that the Peers have suddenly changed front, but that they are wise in their generation to offer even half a measure. It condemns Mr Lloyd George's inflammatory appeals to class prejudices. The "Westminster Gazette" (Liberal) says that the Tories have uproariously welcomed the referendum as a device enabling them to escape the presumed unpopularity of tariff reform, while permitting them to capture votes on the plea that- they ardently favour taxing the foreigner. The referendum will enable them to remain in office, though defeated on solitary questions. Mr Bonar Law and Mr Georgo Wyndham (two of Mr Balfour's colleagues in his Ministry) have applauded Mr Balfour's declaration.