“TAKING STOCK.”

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5312, 25 June 1904, Page 10

“TAKING STOCK.”

(From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, May 14. Just a year ago to-day Air Chamberlain raised the standard of tariff reform in a memorable speech at Birmingham. Last night, in tlio same city, the fighting “missionary of Empire” reviewed tire stirring events of the twelve months’ campaign, and took stock of tlio work accomplished. It was the first speech of note that had been made on the subject of the fiscal question since Mr Chamberlain left England for .the holiday trip from which he has just returned. In liis absence there was an unmistakable lull; other questions pushed the fiscal issue into tho background, and Mr Chamberlain’s opponents did not hesitate openly to declare that his cause was lost, liis “agitation” dead. But last night’s speecli cleared the air of misconceptions such as these. -Mr Chamberlain, so far from being crushed, actually had the temerity to poke goodnatured fun at “the overwhelming logic of the Free Food League, tho romantic arthmetio of the Cobden drib, tho colossal imagination of the Radical Press.” Tho pioneer of tariff reform showed himself as full of energy and confidence as when lie first raised the fiscal issue a twelvemonth ago, and lie quite failed to see how that great question could be disposed of “by the waving of old rags and tho clattering of worn-out pans.” The time lias not been wasted in which one of the great political parties of the State lias advanced to the point of recognising that the existing fiscal system cannot continue unchanged, that Great Britain “is not going to remain for ever tho football of foreign nation.” Mr Chamberlain is convinced that if a referendum could be taken in this country to-day upon tlio fiscal issue, there would bo a great majority in favour of tho change he advocates. But the next general election must bo complicated by other issues; tho country will pass judgment ujJon the present Government and its record, and so the fiscal question may be overshadowed. The defeat of the* Balfour Government, however, should that take place, will not imperil the ultimate success of the reform movement. There may be some delay, but even that is doubtful. “I am not certain,” says Mr Chamberlain, “that the great issues will not be hastened by a change of scene, a change of actors; by putting on a new piece which will not last long, and which will soon be hissed off tho stage.” The groat essential is that believers in the reform policy should not allow the intense tism which blocks their path to daunt them. Victories in politics, as their leader puts it are like victories in war: they are won by enthusiasm, they are lost by timidity.