BRITISH POLITICS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1281, 9 November 1911, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

HOME RULE. CRITICISM BY AIR, BALFOUR. By Teloerauh-Press Asaociation-OojiyriijM London, November 7. Mr A. J. Balfou", Leader of tho Opposition, spealdng at a Nonconformist Unionist Association banquet, declared that the wholo plausibility of the adminiMiativo argument for Home Rule was based on tho experience of Australia anl tho United States and Canada; but it was a different thing to start from unity and go in for a federal system. Tho Government proposed (x> give privileges to tho Irish which were denied to the English and Scotch. If a dependent Parliament were granted it would soon become independent.

NATIONAL INSURANCE. SEPARATE SEAMEN'S FUND. London, November 7. The National Insurance Bill was furtfcer considered in Committeo in the House of Commons. The Government moved amendments reducing tho amount of payments to be made by soldiers and sailors to a penny halfpenny, and the establishment of a separate seamen's fund, to be managed by the Board of Trade. Shipowners aTe to be exempted from pajment of contributions in respect to foreign employees trading to foreign stations. ADULT SUFFRAGE BILL. London, November 7. Tho Primo Minister, Mr. H. H. Asqnith, in the House of Commons, announced that an Adult Suffrage Bill would be introduced next session. BILL PROMISED. (Eec. November 8, 9.55 p.m.)

London, November 8. Replying to a manhood siiffrago deputation, Mr. Asquith said that a man's right to vote ought to depend upon citizenship solely. Tho rational coutso to pursuo was to abolish the present qualifications and givo every citizen who is a bona-fido inhabitant the franchise automatically. A simple Bill would bo introduced in 1912' with thatobject. The Bill would not include women, but it would be open to the Commons to include women if they pleased. General astonishment is expressed in the lobby. It is understood that the Government contemplate a six months' residential qualification. Mr. Philip Snowden declares that Mr. Asqiiith's action is a clever movo to kill women's suffrage. The Women's Political Union threatens to Tevert to the anti-Government policy.