BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1794, 27 June 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

FISCAL QUEBTION.

By telegraph, Fma AsTn* Copyright London, June 25. Two hundred and seventy-four mem* bers belonging to the majority in the Hcueo of Oommonß, but not members of the Government or prominent laborileo, have signed an appeal issued by the Cobden Club and addressed to the Common* wealth electors. Tbe address deolares 1 11 The British electorate oondemned by a most deoieive majority on record the policy of preference, whioh is by far the most important ever submitted. The de« oision wos due not to any lack of goodwill towards you. We are proud of the connection, whioh is free and resting on common blood, traditions, and aspirations." 11 The rejection of the policy was dne to the faot that it would make food dearer and scarcer. You export of your abuo* 5 aoce, we must import the buik of all t wb consume. We were asked to eut

to a tax upon this to give you prefer on so much as you Bend us. No w& the electors object to Buob a proposed emanating not from yon, but from certain’ politicians he e No offer within yon)’ power o iuld compensate for tbe tax food, We ask you not for your sake, fot we do not desire to criticise or imerfeilt with your fiscal system, but we ask you for the sake of the workers, for the sake of, goodwill between you and ns, whioh we hope constantly to become stronger and more binding, not to encourage from your side those amongst ns proposing a tax on food.”

The Times says colonials are not likely to be misled by the address. They are | aware that their produots under preference would be free, while only extra Imperial produots would be taxed, but the egregious appeal is likely to have one effeet if its example is to cause ooloniili to relinquish' scrupulous abstention 1 from any such appeal to ourselves.' It is 'surd their arguments, in that oase, would be more convincing and fruitful than this address.

The Tribune characterises the appeal as an usual step, taken solely in the interests of continued good feeling, and ‘a better understanding of different standpoints. Its effect ought to be wholly good. % The Pall Mall Gazette says theßadioals', are not satisfied with interference inf south African affairs, but are preparing to eduoate Australia. The Oobden Olub’s ap. peal ie an impertinent intrusion.