BRITISH POLITICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13134, 24 March 1906, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE ATTACK ON LORD | MILNER. i THE MOTION NEGATIVED. a Vigorous discussion. By Telegraph.—Prass Association-— right. . London, March 22. The motion of Mr. Byles, censuring Lord Milner for giving permisj sion for the Hogging of Chinese j coolies and for failing to see that his instructions were not exceeded after his permission had been given, was debated in the House of Commons last night, and negatived without a division. Mr. Churchill moved an amendment condemning the flogging of coolies in general terms, and*inviting the House, in the interests of peace and conciliation in South Africa, to refrain from censuring individuals. This was carried by 355 votes to 135. Mr. Byles said that if Lord Miner's act were condoned, every " prancing pro-Consul" would be encouraged to play the little autocrat. Mr. Chamberlain, amidst much interruption, brilliantly and passionately defended Lord Milner, and scathingly denounced the persecution of a great public servant with a splendid record, for a single error of judgment. Lord Milner's opponents were vindictively trying to' humiliate, while afraid to impeach him. He explained that the suggestion for corporal punishment in the case of the coolies came from Mr. Evans, the protector of the Chinese, and Lord Milner verbally acquiesced. He characterised Mr. Churchill's amendment as cowardly and contemptible, and framed to catch votes by attacking without naming Lord Milner. Mr. Churchill said it was clear that Lord Milner had been guilty of a grave dereliction of public duty in sanctioning an illegal flogging. While lie admired the moderation of Mr. Byles' motion, he questioned the practical utility of formally censuring a man who had served the Empire strenuously, faithfully, and disinterestedly, and who was now merely a retired Civil servant, without a pension or gratuity. Besides, it was contrary to usage to censure a man unheard. Was it worth while for a strong party to pursue him further? If the motion were passed it would aggravate social and racial animosity in South Africa. Mr. Balfour characterised Mr. Churchill's speech as an extraordinary and self-satisfied utterance. Personally he infinitely preferred Mr. Byles' attack to Mr. Churchill's, which was an insulting use of the protection of the House. The House ought to reject the motion and the amendment with equal contempt. (Received March 23, 10 p.m.) Capetown, March 23. The Cape Times says that Mr. Churchill's speech on the Lord Milner question was nauseous, hypocritical, and unprincipled, and yet a few; years back Lord Milner's ideals were his. EDUCATION IN IRELAND. THE UNIVERSITY QUESTION. * (Received March 23, 10.7 p.m.) London, March 23. In the House of Commons yesterday Mr. Murphy (Nationalist) moved a resolution to the effect that the provision for education in Ireland was insufficient and unsatisfactory in all branches. , Mr. Wyndham said he considered the opportunity for university training in Ireland ought to be extended. The Secretary for Ireland (Mr. Bryce) admitted that the education system in Ireland was not satisfactory, but said he was not prepared at present to declare the Government's intentions. Regarding the university question he did not despair of a proper solution. Mr. Walter Long said that there was a far wider difference of opinion in both Parliament and the country regarding the university question than the debate had revealed. The resolution was withdrawn. COMMITTEE FOR SOUTH AFRICA. INQUIRY AS TO CONSTITUTION. (Received March 23, 10.7 p.m.) London, March 23. In the House of Commons yesterday, Sill" H. Campbell-Bannerman said a Committee of Inquiry had been appointed to visit South Africa and advise the Government on the new Constitution for the Transvaal and Orange Colojjy, especially with reference to the franchise. The committee would consist of Sir Joseph West-Ridgway (chairman), Lord Sandhurst, Sir Francis Hopwood, and Colonel Johnston.

Sir Joseph West-Ridgwav lias had large experience civil and military. He has been Under-Secretary for Ireland, Governor of the Islo of Man, and Governor of Ceylon. Lord Sandhurst was Governor of Bombay from 1895 to 1899. Sir Francis Hopwood lias been Permanent Under-Secretary to the Board of Trade since 1901. There are several officers named Colonel Johnson. THE ALIENS ACT REGULATIONS. (Received March 24, 12.37 a.m.) London, March 23. In the House of Lords yesterday Lord Hals bury said the regulations issued by Mr. Gladstone in connection with the Aliens Act set at naught- the intention of Parliament and constituted an outrage on the ordinary observance of the law. Lord Fitzmaurice said the Act had given rise to many complaints from foreign countries. The Government, did not desire to over-ride the Act, but it might be necessary to amend the law.