MR. BALFOUR'S ATTITUDE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1907, Page 5

MR. BALFOUR'S ATTITUDE.

WHAT IS ITJ r A. SARCASTIC APPEAL. (Received February 21, 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, 20th February. In the course of the debate on Mr. Hifls' amendment, Mr. Churchill declared Abut, Jim ampndwjit.. marked- aa advance

on Mr. BalfouT's letter to Mr. Chamberlain of the 14th February last year, wherein Mr. Balfour defined his position with regard' to tariff reform. Mr. Churchill added: "And Mr. Balfour is about to support the amendment, although it emanates from the most militant section of the tariff reformers." During the debate, Mr. Rowland Hunt (Unionist) implored Mr. Balfour to descend from the heights of philosophy and golf, and explain his fiscal policy in language which ordinary persons could undeTtand. The Liberals roared with laughter. So did Mr. Balfour. The Radicals cheered Mr. Churchill's denunciation of preference. In the letter of 14th February, 1906 (tnat is, after the general elections), Mr Balfour wrote : — "My dear Chamberlain,— The controversy aroused by tbs Fiscal question has produced, not unnaturally, an impression which I have constantly combated, that the practical differences between Fiscal Keformers are much deeper than is in fa <* ,t, th c case. The exchange of views which has Tecently taken place between us leads me to hope that this misconception may be -removed, and with it much friction which has proved injurious to the. party. My own opinion, which I believe is shared by the great majority of the Unionist Party, may be briefly summarised as follows: — " I hold that Fiscal Reform is and must Temain the first constructive work of the Unionist Party; that the objects of such Teform are to secure more equal terms of competition for British trade and closer commercial union with the colonies ; that, while it is at pre&snt unnecessary to prescribe the exact methods by which these objects are to be attained, and inexpedient to permit differences of opinion as to these methods to divide the party, though other means may be possible, the establishment of a moderate general tariff on manufactured goods, not imposed for the purpose of raising prices or giving artificial^ protection against legitimate competition, and the imposition of a small duty on foreign com, are not in principle objectionable, and should be adopted if shown to be necessary foi the attainment of the ends in view, or for purposes of revenue.— Relieve me, yours Bincerelv, (Signed) "ARTHUR JAMES BALFOUR." Mr. Chamberlain replied expressing his entire agreement and gladly accepting the policy indicated as tho wise and desirable one for the Unionist Party to adopt.