RESIGNATION OF MR CHAMBERLAIN

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8291, 21 September 1903, Page 1

RESIGNATION OF MR CHAMBERLAIN

[By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.]

Per Press Association.

Received September 20, at 9.48 a.m: London, September 19. Many messages have been received, assuring Mr Chamberlain of sympathy. The widespread report of his resignation caused a feeling of consternation at Pretoria, and one of dismay in Natal. Comparative calm prevails at the Cape over the resignation. There is great excitement and activity in all political and commercial circles in Britain. Sir John Cockburn, formerly of South Australia, speaking at Barry, characterised the resignation as a political cyclone. He was sure the news of Mr Chamberlain's retirement would be received by 'the sons of the Empire with great sorrow. The Standard urges Mr Balfour to include in his Cabinet- such statesmen as Lords Milner and Cromer. The country would thereby be the gainer, whereas, the utilisation of any material for the purpose of patching would imply a stop-gap Ministry ._ Mr Asquith declares that the situation In all its essentials lias not changed. The duty of the Liberals to defend freetrade is plain, and as urgent as before. _ The iDanes are watching the" crisis closely, owing to large export orders for dairy produce for England having been secured. Received September 21, at 0.53 a.m. London, September 19.

The Times says _Mr Chamberlain's many supporters in the city and in business circles are gratified at his freedom, to conduct the campaign untrammelled. There is little regret over Mr Ritchie's resignation in the city, considering that he is responsible for the repeal" of the corn tax. Received September 21. at 1.5 a.m. Sydney, Sept-ember 20. Mr Reid, interviewed, regarded Mr Chamberlain's resignation as a humiliating overthrow, coming about by the action of his colleagues, and not- by the triumph of his political opponents. It was entirely from a profound conviction of the danger of Mr Chamberlain's policy that he rejoiced at his resignation. He protested against Sir E. Barton sending a telegram, in the name_ of Australia, on a subject which was exciting keen political differences throughout the Commonwealth. He- puts Australia, in an absolutely false light, as if Australia were behind Mr Chamberlain, when probably the great majority had no sort of sympathy with his policy of taxing -f he- British people. The true sisnificar.ee of Mr Chamberlain's scheme has not been perceived. It was really a movement towards making these self-governing States partners in the enor-" moils burdens of Imperial expenditure. That is the- true end of the whole policy, and from an Imperial point of view may be a- profoundly wise and good policy, but he felt sure that Australians would. be almost unanimously against such a protection.