CABLEGRAMS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11127, 20 January 1899, Page 3

CABLEGRAMS.

[PER PBESS ASSOCIATION.— COPYRIGHT.

MR CHAMBERLAIN AT WOLVEKKAMPTON.

AN IMPORTANT SPEECH:

BRITAIN'S POSITION,

Beceived January 20, 1 a.m.

London-, January 19. Mr Chamberlain, speaking at the Wolverhamptoh Chamber of Commerce, said that Great Britain must be ready to defend her own possessions. The

influence of Customs tariffs in new countries would take a fair share of further expansion, and induce others to maintain an open door national policy, irrespective of party. The pursuance of this policy had in one instance brought us to the brink of war, from which we were saved by the firmness of the Imperial Government and the almost unanimous resolve of the nation. He hoped that Britain's position in the Nile valley would henceforth be recognised as absolute and incontestible. Britain had earned the right to be let alone in Egypt and the Soadan. If France desired an amicable settlement of the questions still remaining dispute in Britain was prepared to meet her more than half-way. The Madagascar and Newfoundland situations might disturb the friendly relations if left unsettled. He denned the " Little Englanders" as those who honestly believed that the expansion of the Empire involved obligations out of proportion to the advantages gained. Cobden's dream had not been realised, as Britain's exports to Protectionist State 3 had increased during 40 years by 120 per cant, but there were no Free Trade countries or colonies whose tariffs she controlled where the exports had increased 70 per cent.