FEDERAL POLITICS.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 101, 26 October 1904, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS.

DEBATE ON THE. BUDGET. THE TARIFF COMMISSION. [press association.] MELBOURNE, 25th October. In the Federal House of Representatives the debate on the Budget was resumed. Mr. Isaacs moved a reduction of the first item in to discuss the action of the Government in appointing a Royal Commission to investigate the tariff. The mover said he recognised that the Government would accept his resolution as a no-confidence motion, but it was the only way the Opposition could get the matter discussed. The contention of the Premier, Mr. Reid, that the appointment of business men w,ould exclude the partisan element was inoorrect. What business men were there in Australia who had not far greater interests in the tariff than members of Parliament? To appoint business men to investigate the tariff was to shirk the duty which they as members, of Parliament were elected to do. ■ Mr. Reid said his desire was to make the Commission a national one, frfie of party issues. He was willing to , adopt a suggestion that it should consist of one member from each side of the House and two outsiders. Tho debate is proceeding. GOVERNMENT'S POLICY CRITICISED. (Received October 26, 9.40 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. Mi. Isaacs said the Government was not to be trusted with the White Australia question, and its attitude regarding preference deserved condemnation. Mr. Watson, Leader of the Labour Party, was opposed to ripping up the whole tariff. He favoured a Parliamentary Commission. Mr. Deakin was in favour of a nonpolitical Commission. Sir William Lyne said the Government proposal was merely an indication that it was not prepared to leave office yet. The debate was adjourned.