IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1774, 7 March 1906, Page 53

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

THE POSITION IN SOUTH AFRICA.

WARNING BY LORD MILNER.

LONDON, February 27.

Lord Milner, late High Commissioner in South Africa, initiated a two-days’ debate in the House of Lords on the situation in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony. He pictured a Boer majority in Orange River Colony, perhaps enabling within a year the very hand which drafted the ultimatum of 1899 to draft Ministers for submission by the British Governor, who would bo virtually bound to obey. Lord Milner’s reference pointed to Mr A. D. Fischer as the figure behind Mr Steyn. Loid Milner showed that many British settlors in Orange River Colony—tenants with guarantees from the Government —were all dependent for their welfare on Britain’s refusal to throw away the results of the war. The Government’s present haste, he declared, recalled the hysterics of the early eighties about Egypt. The only difference was that landlords had taken the place of bondholders. The moral was the same—they should push forward the material development of the new colonies, and proceed cautiously with constitutional matters. Lord Elgin, Secretary of State for the Colonies, paid a tribute to Lord Milner’s services in South Africa, saying that ho had shown at a time of special anxiety courage and devotion which his country would not forget. The Minister reiterated the need for time and inquiry in framing the Transvaal Constitution. He expressed regret that the inaccurate term “ slavery ” should have been applied to Chinese labour in tlio mines. CHINESE ON THE RAND. FUTURE OF THE NEW COLONIES. SPEECH BY THE NEW LORD CHANCELLOR. LONDON, February 28. In the House of Lords the debate on the situation in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony was resumed by Lord Burghclcre, who said the Government must devise means for the protection cl tha British element. Lord Roberts intervened, lest silence on his part should bo interpreted as deserting men to whom the success of the war was largely due. He associated himself fully with Lord Milner s views as to the danger of placing power in the hands of men who had never concealed their disloyalty—whose object was “ to expel the British to Halifax. Loid Roberts added that good government, not concessions, would conciliate the Boers.

Lord Portsmouth emphasised the revelations in a recent Blue-book—-that the punishment of coolies was leading to abuses —as justifying the feeling of the country regarding Chinese labour. The Lord Chancellor (Lord Loreburn) said there had never been a greater blunder than Lord Milner’s policy, which had led to the war. He endorsed with all his heart the language of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman and the* Marquis of Ripon (Lord Privy Seal) in regard to Chinese labour in calling it “ semi-slavery.” Lord Milner, said the Chancellor, had warned the Government of dangers ahead. The path vas strewn with dangers —and he (Lord Milner) was the man who had caused them. The only course was to grant responsible government. The Imperial Government trusted to consolidate the white race, and enable the people to live peacefully under the Crown, and to ensure this absolute justice was the only lasting foundation. The Lord Chancellor incidentally raised the spectre of a possible invasion of Europe by Chinese; labour. He was aware that would not be tolerated in Britain, but tlie consideration was one which had operated at the lastelections. . Lord Harrowby (a partner m the banking firm of Coutts and Co.) appealed on behalf of two hundred thousand British shareholders' in South African mines—many in humble circumstances—who, unless fair play was shown, would be the real sufferers. There was, said Lord Harrowby, a campaign of prejudice against tlie millionaire.

Lord Lansdowne said he inferred from the tone of the debate that there was little difference of opinion'regarding the proposed goal. He awaited the announcement of the Government’s safeguards for tlie protection of loyalists, and meantime reserved his judgment. LONDON, February 28. •

“Tlie Timels” refers to the discussion in the House of Lords on South Africa

as a debate of the highest importance. “It llifts the question out of the mire of party recrimination, and emphasises the great and permanent issues involved in our South African policy.” OTATEMENT BY MR WINSTON CHURCHILL. LONDON, February 28. Mr Winston Churchill, Under-Secre-tairy for the Colonies, replying to a question in the House of Commons, said the Government did not propose to rescind the regulations whereby the oh ; neeo coolies were kept within the premises of the mines. “ They are not kept in compounds,” added Mr Churchill. The announcement was received with dheers by the Opposition. THE WORD “SLAVERY.” LONDON, February 28. Dr Maenamara, M.P., speaking at a gathering of the New Reform Club, referring to the debate the day in the House of Lords on the Chinese question, said Lord Elgin’s profound apology for the use of the word “slavery” was overdone. The Cabinet, he added, contained certain elements which' were entirely out of touch with the temper and spirit of the British people. The Government must he held to its promises on this question. FEAR OF REPATRIATION. CAPETOWN, February 23.' It is feared on the Rand that forty per cent, of the best of tlie Chinese coolies will, utilise Sir Henry CampbeJL Bannerman’s offer of repatriation ffi Britain’s expense when they have saved enough. Lord Elgin, Secretary of State £oif the thinksMew will return. RAISING OF ARMED FORCES. PROTECTION OF NATIVES. LONDON, March 1. Mr Winston Churchill, Under-Secre-tary for the Colonies, stated in the House of Commons that as the Trans s * vaal and Orange River Colony had so recently emerged from war, all questions concerning the raising of armed forces must, in the interests of peac& and order, be reserved for special treatment. Mr Churchill said the Government hoped to establish government in botjl colonies, as far as possible, simultaneously. During a debate on the protection of natives in South Africa not represented in tie Legislatures, Mr Chiu-chill, accepting the doctrine of Imperial responsibility, declared that the aim of the Imperial Government was to advance the principle of equal rights for all civilised men, irrespective of colour. As Lord Milner had declared himself ap enemy of the Dutch people, he would be compelled to rely upon the minor owners for support. Mr Churchill said that the taxation of natives had increased, and though the use of the lash had diminished, that was owing to Mi* Ohamberlain’s, not Lord Milner’s, efforts. Hardening against the native races was characteristic of the Milner regime. Mir Churchill said that the “black peril ” was admittedly a grim problem, but possibly there was a bond of union between the white races. He denied a. v statement, by Mi* J. Robertson that the natives of Natal were oppressed. THE NAVY ESTIMATES. SAYING OF A MILLION AND A! HALF. FOUR BATTLESHIPS TQHBE BUILT. LONDON, March 1. The Navv Estimates for 1906-7 amount to £31.869,500. A saving of a million and a half is effected under the heading “Shipbuilding, repairs and maintenance.” The new programme provides for the construction of the following: 4 battleships. 5 ocean destroyers. 12 coastal destroyers. 12 submarines. Two of the battleships are to be built at the Admiralty yards at Portsmouth and Devonport, and two by contract. CRITICISM OF THE BUILDING PROGRAMME. LONDON, March 1. - The Navy Estimates provide for the maintenance of the personnel of the The four new battleships will probably be of the Dreadnought type. There is some criticism of the fact that no new cruisers are proposed. All the Cunard liners will be retained in the Admiralty’s service in war time, but all other subsidies for armed merchantmen will be stepped, thus effecting a saving of £120,380. PREDECESSORS’ PLANS ADOPTED. A LABOUR~REQUBST. .. LONDON, March 2. Mr Edmund Robertson, Parliamentarv Secretary to the Admiralty, in

presenting the Navy Estiuniyes, said the Admiralty had adopted, their predecessors’ plans without prejudice. He promised to give Earl Cawdor s memorandum a' fair trial. . An amendment moved and seconded hy Labour, members, advocating the payment of trade union rat of ages in connection with naval works, was withdrawn after .'assurances had been given that the Government accepted the principle involved in the amendment, though they must consider the differences between the dockyards and outside work. ' The votes for the personnel, or the navy:and for. wages were agreed to. A HUMOROUS REPLY. FISCAL DEBATE POSTPONED. LONDON. March 1. In the House of Commons, Mr Austen Chamberlain asked that a proposed debate on the fiscal question he postponed owing to the absence of Opposition leaders. Mr Asquith (Chancellor of the Exchequer), in agreeing, remarked that the debate without the Opposition leaders would he like a performance of “Hamlet” with neither the Prince of Denmark nor the Ghost—he would not presume to allocate the parts. (Laughter.) TAFF VALE CASE. BILL TO REVERSE THE DECISION. . ' LONDON, February**27. Sir diaries Dilke has introduced n bill reversing all the principles of the Tatf Vfile decision, and allowing picketing for purposes of ‘peaceable persuasion. -BRANDING IMPORTED GOODS. ' " LONDON, February 27.' A hill has been introduced in the House of Commons providing that goods from abroad shall be marked “ Foreign ” or “ Imported,” and from British colonies “Colonial.” THE ARMY IN INDIA. SUPREMACY OF' THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT. ; LONDON, February 20. ■ Mr John Morley, Secretary of State for India, with the unanimous concurrence of the Indian Council in London, has assured the Civil Government’s supremacy by accepting the compromise made last summer, and adjusting certain details. Henceforth the Indian Government’s Secretary in the Army Department will he given file same powers as 'the Secretaries of other departments. The Com mantlec-in-Chief’s subordinates will not be allowed to submit papers and cases to th* Oammander- . in-Chief except through the Secretary. _ “ The Times,” commenting on the result, says it is a man-like and wise decision. Lord Curzon, in a letter to “The Times,” strongly disapproves the decision of Mr Morley, Secretary for India—securing the supremacy of the Civil Government of India by accepting the compromise made last summer and adjusting certain details. The late V iceroy contrasts the attitude of the Liberals in opposition with the action of the Liberals in power. , » The Times.” in renly, reminds Lord Curzon of the transformation witnessed on the subject of Chinese labour. it <p] ie Times ” says it would sooner oondono any degree of inconsistency on the part of’ the Government than action, however consistent, prejudicing Imperial interests. It asks for a reasonable trial cf the Indian roni^romise. CALCUTTA, February 27. Lord Mint©. Viceroy of India, and Lord' Kitchener, in India, have expressed tiempfete satisfaction until Mr Morley’s decision regarding the administration of the army in India. ' CITY OF LONDON ELECTION. VICTORY FOR AIR BALFOUR. LONDON, February 28. The election for the vacant City of London seat took place yesterday. The voting was as follows:—Air A.J- Balfour 15,474 Mr T. Gibson Bowles ... 4,134 Majority for Air Balfour 11,340 - DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE. V . LONDON, F<sfe%ary 28Air R. B. Haldane, of War, has approved the formation of a legion of frontiersmen to assist in the defence of the Empire in . time of emergency, and to provide small bodies of capable, daring pioneers, carefully-trained intelligence agents, guides, and scouts. . • ; A DDRES SUN-REPLY. CARRIED BY OVERWHELAUNG MAJORITY. LONDON, Febw-ary 27. In the House of (.brnmons the "anfendment to the Address-in-Reply, moved by Mr H. W. Forster (an exLord of the Treasury), expressing re- . gret that the Government, after bringing the country’s reputation into con-

tempt by alleging Chinese slavery existed in the Transvaal, took no effective methods towards ending it, was negatived by 416 votes to 91. The Address-in-Reply was adopted without division after a debate on the unemployed question, in the course of which Mr Lloyd-George, President of the Board of Trade, promised an inquiry into the preservation of coasts and afforestation. OLD-AGE PENSIONS. LONDON, February 27. ' Air Asquith, Chancellor of the Exchequer, stated in the House of Commons that an old-age pension of five shillings per wee'k for 2,018,716 persons over sixty-five years of age would require £26,225,000. ROYAL IRISH CONSTABULARY. LONDON, February 27. Mr James Bryce, Chief Secretary for Ireland, stated in the House of Commons that he did not intend to transfer the control of the Royal Irish Constabulary to the County Councils. CHINESE LABOUR, LONDON, February 26. The Johannesburg correspondent of “The Times” states that owing to the Government’s vacillation the Boers are intriguing and endeavouring to strike a profitable bargain. According to the correspondent, they are offering British residents in return for a sufficient quid pro quo to support Chinese labour. The “Daily Telegraph” correspondent confirms tb° that the Boers -are intriguing for racial supremacy. Their feeling is said to he similar to that in 1881. i THE TRUCK ACT. LONDON, February 23. The House of Commons has agreed, on the motion of Sir Charles Dilke, that it is necessary to amend the Truck Act and put an end to fines and deductions from wages unless specially legalised. BY-ELECTION. LONDON. February 23. Air James Murray (Conservative) replaced Mr Annancl, member for Aberdeen East, who died recently. The election was not contested. ILLNESS AMONG LEADERS. LONDON, February 28. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman is suffering from a slight attack of bronchitis, and is unlikely to attend the House of Commons this week. Mr Balfour is suffering from a. severe chill, and Mr Chamberlain is also indisposed. . THE TRANSVAAL. INTENSE DESIRE FOR SELFGOVERNMENT. LONDON, March 2. The German newspaper “National Zeitung” states that owing to Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman’s South African policy the desire for self-govern-ment in the Transvaal has become a passion. It is felt preferable for the Boers to have a say in the management than for the colony to go on under present conditions. ANGLO-J A PA NFiSE TREATY. LONDON. March 2. The International Arbitration and Peace Associations describe the AngloJapanese treaty as a “vague and dangerous contract.” In reply to this Sir Edward Grey, Minister of Foreign Affair's, declares that the view taken by the associations is based upon the assumption that Japan intends to demand increased military or naval expenditure on the part of Britain. Sir Edward adds that there is no foundation for such report. THE GREAT PROBLEM OF POVERTY. LONDON, March 2. Sir James Kitson (Liberal) having given notice to move a free trade rasolution. Air P. Snowden, Labour member for Blackburn, gave notice of an amendment declaring that neither free trade nor protection would enable the country to solve the great problem of poverty. PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION. LONDON, March 2. The. Prevention of Corruption Bill has been read a second time in the House of Commons. NATIONALISTS ELECTED. LONDON. Ma-rcili 2. Messrs Dolan and Hazleton, Nationalists, have been elected for North Leitrim and North Galway respectively, without opposition. LEADERS RECOVERING. LONDON, March 2. Sir H. C. Banneriman, Air Balfour, and Mr Chamberlain, who have been absent from the House owing to ill-

ness, are progressing satisfactorily towards recovery. RULES OF PROCEDURE. LONDON, March 1. A Select Committee of the House of Commons will consider the question of revising the rules of procedure, the hours of sitting, an extension of the principle of devolution to committees, and other measures to prevent the harsh application of the closure. Mr Rasch, member for Chelm:ford. urges the restriction of loquacity. ADVICE TO FREEFOODFRS. LONDON. March 1. Lord Hugh Cecil, in a letter, advises Unionist Freefocders to "dhere to the Unionist party, ‘.s the letter written by Mr Balfour to Mr Chamberlain on F h"!’ " i ‘ ’• a practical issuo for another five years.