Imperial Politics

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7842, 20 May 1904, Page 7

Imperial Politics

(Per Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, May IP. • Mr Black's motion was negatived by 30(5 to 251. The motion was:—' " That the House, noting Mr Balfour's opinion favouring- a change of fiscal policy ano his declaration that such change cannot advantageously be undertaken in the present Parliament, expresses continued -confidence in the Government." A largely-attended meeting of the Liberal-Unionist Central Council adopted, with few c'issentdents, Mr Chamberlain's proposals to reconstitute, _on a basis of a fuller and and more popular representation of the party, and thus bo able to express opinions on all questions of policy and current legislation. The Duke of Devonshire and Mr Chamberlain spoke at length without bitterness. While declining any responsible position in the mco'.istitutcd Association:the Duke of.Devimshire declared that if Home Rule was to be again the burning question, he would place himself entiivly at the disposal of the LiberalUnionist Party. He warned the Association that there was nothing now to prevent its becoming an active agency to support fiscal reforms. Mr ChamWerlain warmly referred to the Duke of Devonshire's great ser-vicl-s as President.