THE IMPERIAL UNION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 222, 19 September 1903, Page 2

THE IMPERIAL UNION.

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S DEVOTED,NESS.

BETTER ADVOCATED OUTSIDE THE CABINET.

Received September 10, 0,4 a.m. London, September 18. ' Mr Chamberlain continued : '• There* fore, I feel that as the immediate practical policy of preference cannot be pressed hopefully at present, although there is a very strong feeling in favour of the other branch of policy —that of giving fuller discretion to the Government to negotiate with foreigners for a freer exchange, enabling it to retaliate in the absence of concessions and just claims to greater reciprocity; and, as I believe you share with me these views, it seems to me you would be absolutely justified in adopting them as the policy of your Government, although they would involve some changes in its constitution. As Secretary of State- for the Colonies I have been in an especial sense the representative of the policy of closer union. I believe it is possible to-day, but it may be impossible to morrow, to make arrangements for such union. I have had uuexampled opportunities of watching the trend of events and appreciating the feeling of our kinsmen beyond the seas. I stand in a different position to my colleagues, and I would be justly blameable if 1 remained in office ami accepted the exclusion of so important a part of my programme, f think that, with absolute loyalty to the Government and its general policy, and with uo fear of embarrassing it, 1 can beat promote the cause by beingoutside. I cannot but hope than in an independent position my arguments will meet with less prejudice- than from a party leader. Accordingly I suggest thatyou limit the Government's present policy to an -assertion of our freedom iv connection with all commercial relations with foreigners, aud agree to my resigning. 1 will devote myself to explaining ami popularising the Imperial union. TOKporienoo has convinced mo that such is ossontlal to Our | future wolfare and prosperity."