IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13210, 17 February 1905, Page 5

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

THE ADDRESS IN REPLY. A HOSTILE AMENDMENT. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, LONDON, iFebriiary 15. (Received Feb. 16, at. 7.27 a.m.) Mr Ilal'uur, in his reply lo the Leader > of the Opposition, eulogised' the late Sir ; W. V. Hurcouit. 11b denied that the Go- ; vcrninent was pursuing a provocative policy in Afghanistan. The Chinese labour experiment in the Transvaal was being carefully watched. If evil resulted it would not 1)£ extended. Up to the present both white and 1 Kallir labour had increased since the importation of the Chinese. Ho twitted the Opposition with entertaining views on sugar bounties irreconcilable with Freetrade, and ridiculed the contention that it was its duty to appeal to the country while the Government wits quite strong enough to be. effective. Mr Gladstone had affirmed it would lcstl to a bad precedent (o resign because bye-elections were unfavourable. Mr Balfour declared that 1m had honestly tried: to explicitly define his fiscal position. Had the Opposition honestly tried to tell the country its policy on the education, licensing, Chinese labour, and Home Rule questions? The Times says thni the Government will pfobably submit resolutions relative to the advisability of redistribution, and appoint a commission to submit a scheme for the new boundaries ivliidi would form the basis of a bill next session, THIS'DERATE IN TIJE LORDS, LONDON, February 15. (Received Feb. 16, at 7.35 a.m.) ,In (lie Lords the Addn'SS-in-Rep!y was agreed io after a brief debalu .Earl Spencer complimented Lord Liimuowne on his prudence and patience in dealing with questions arising out of (ho war, but criticised adversely the proposals for a Minister of Commerce and Industry and redistribution. The postponement ot a dissolution, lie said, was indefensible, and intended to prolong the Government's life. Lord Lansdowne said that the Government was anxious lo avail itself of any opportunity to end the war, but intervention might be fraught with the worst possible consequences, besides retarding (lie desired consummation. Heueferred to the North Sea incident as an occasion When Great- Britain was in danger of being drawn into the vortex of war. The Powers had agreed to intioduce wider reforms in Macedonia. A Redistribution Bill uiight pass next session. Lord Goschen complained that there was 1 no reference to the Government's fiscal policy in the Speech, and indicated his ( iutehtioii to raise, the question hitnself. | MR ASQUITH'S AMENDMENT; (Received Feb. 16, at 10 p.m.) . Mr Asquith moved his amendment to the effect that the time lias come to submit I the fiscal issue to the people without- delay. He said Mr Balfour's determination to j defer the general election was astonishing, i sihee the party, Government, and policy 'i of 1900 had all gone, and the bye-elections j had expressed tlie country's discontent, j He urged. Mr Balfour to abandon Oppor- j litlie taciturnity and state clearly whether there w.is any difference, in principle between his policy and Mr Chamberlain's, . and what was meant exactly by the doctrine . of retaliation. If a Colonial Conference j met woiildi the British representatives be j empowered to entertain a scheme involving o taxation of'food? The existing intolerable 3

confusion Was menacing the Empire's industry; imd could oilljr be venioved'by a prompt appeal to the .people; Ihe cbii-

trovers)- could not go on simmering. The real issue was between preference and 11611preferenec, between taxation and the fieo admission, of com, flour,, and- meat. Let the people decide, • . (Received Feb. 16, at 11.10 'p.m.)

Mr - Austen Chamberlain twitted Mr Asquith with disclosing iio remedy for.the existing fiscal evils, except to.do'nothing, change nothing, shut your eyes and cling to the traditions of 60 years ago. The Government desired to obtain fair terms for British industries,' greater liberty of action in respect to taxes, power to negotiate effectively in fiscal matters, and greater liberty to, promote closer union between the colonies and the Motherland. It u'as madness to refuse to consider suggestions for union. It was absurd to exclude preference from the consideration of a- Colonial Conference. Both British and colonial representatives must go to the conference with hands untied. Tho Hon. M. E, D. Elliot stated that he and not a few other Unionists would cross tlio House if Mr Balfour declared his and Mr Chamberlain's policy was identical. Sir E. Grey stated 1 that Mr Chamberlain's propaganda had caused unfortunate misunderstandings with the colonies. If a conference was summoned it ought to be unmuzzled and open. Each member should plainly express his opinions. Next to force, a foundation of taxes was a most insecure basis for the union of the Empire. A division is expected to-night. A LABOUR PARTY FORMED. (Received Feb. 16, at 9.43 p.m.) There are 40 amendments to' the Addrcss-in-Keply. It is.expected the debate will end on the 28th* Thirteen Labour members of the House of Commons have organised themselves into a distinct party, with Mr Burns as chairman. They resolved to nsk the House to proceed with the Trade Disputes and Miners' Eight-hours Bills, and to raise the questions of payment of members and pay-ment-of election expenses.