LORD ROSEBERY'S VIEWS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 121, 25 May 1903, Page 2

LORD ROSEBERY'S VIEWS.

London, Stay 22.

Lord Rosebery, replying to a correspondent, expresses surprise at his Burnley speech being interpreted as a reply to the speech made at Birmingham on the 15th instant by Mr Chamberlain. Ib-wou'd, he points out, have been unseemly and injudicious, in addressing an audience divided on the question, to summarily dismiss any plan, if proposed on the responsibility of the Government, to promote closer ties between Great Britain and the colonies, especially when tho idea is eminently congenial to some colonies. Lord Ko3ebery, however, says he adheres to his previous views that an inter-Inaperial tariff to be practicable must be just and acceptable both to the United Kingdom and to the colo* nies. He had, he said, previously indicated the nature of an objection which he believed to be insurmountable—that he feared Britain would be the target under a system of reciprocity for many demands on the part of the colonies for modification and rectification. May 21. The Times declares that Lord Rose* bery approaches Mr Chamberlain's speech with an open mind. He recognises that any future cleavage will run athwart the dividing linos of party.