TARIFF REFORM.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 167, 8 April 1908, Page 7

TARIFF REFORM.

MR. CHAMBERUIN EXULTS. THE BIRMINGHAM RESOLUTIONS. A RAPID MOVEMENT. • BT TELEGRAMI—MESS ASSOCIATION —CO?YHIGTIT (Rec. April 7, 9,22.p.m.). London, April 7. e Mr. Chamberlain, in acknowledging , the 0 resolutions, adopted by the Conservative Associations, said he believed that tariff re--5 form and preference had taken a firm hold ! on tho British people. Ho had never, in his 3 long experienco, known any noiv policyy recoive so much acceptance in so short a time. !l TAXATION AND PREFERENCE.. The National Uniop Conservative Associations met in Birmingham in November last. Mr. IT. Chaplin, 31.P., moved a resoltition declaring that_ tho first constructive 6 policy of ■ the Unionist party should be rca form of the fiscal system with the view of e broadening the basis of taxation, safeguarding y our great productive;industries from unfair ■* competition, 'strengthening our position for 11 the purpose of negotiation in foreign, markets, '■ and establishing preferential commercial ar--0 rangements with tho colonies. Mr. Chaplin r stated that ha had sent to Mr. Balfour a G copy of the resolution, and the right hon. ® gentleman replied that it summarised with tl perfect accuracy a speech lie mado to .the V Council of. tho National Union in February 0 last. After Lord Ridley, Sir J. Lawrence, Mr. .T. L. Maxso, Sir Howard Vincent,'and others had spoken in support 'of- tho resolution, it was unanimously carried.. Resolutions were subsequently adopted against Home' Rule, and declaring that the Socialist movement can best be met by insistence upon the constructive policy, of tho Unionist party, and especially upon tariff reform. Following this resolution, • Mr. Balfour delivered his momrirablo speech, after which the Liberals declared that the Tory party had been canturcd by protection. . Tho cabled specch is Mr. Chamberlain's first public utterance for several-months'.' ■