BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9392, 11 March 1909, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

FBEETRADE DEMONSTRATION. United Press Association— By Eleo- , trio Telegraph—Copyright. 1 London, March 10. Lord Avebury presided over the Free Trade Union’s demonstration at " Queen’s Hall. Mr Asquith moved, and Lord Balfour Iseoonded a resolution declaring that the maintenance of the principles and'practice of fraetrade was vital,to the unity of the Empire, the preservation of our industries, and the well-being of all classes. Mr Asquith contended that free trade, from the outset of the controversy, ■ had been submitted to the country not,as an abstract doctrine, but as the best, nay, the only system suited to the actual condition and industrial exigencies and necessities of British trade, while protection, besides being injurious, would be fatal to the country’s -interests. Describing the alleged displacement of capital, he said he admitted that the volume of’ capital exported from Britain was much Jlarger than from any other country, hut was that [a misfortune? It went into produce representing British labour or service, and returned chiefly in the form of good raw material. The total British capital, laves ted Jahroad was 8000 millions. It was invested in countries from which our only imports were foodj and Nor had this led to the sterilisation of British industries, for the amount of trade profits assessed for income tax for the decade, ending 1907 increased 34 par - cent, compared with fan increase of 8 3 in population. Regarding the proposal to tax foreign manufactures be remarked that except in times of dumping they were /either substantially raw material or articles we were unable to produce and, in either case, ought to be free; or they represented articles for production whereof foreign countries, either from superior natural advantages or better training*, enjoyed a preponderating ad vantage. Taxing them would, besides, be fining the consntner, and remove from our manufactures the only incentive to improvement of the processes of manufacture. Once tariff reform started it must be perpetually recast and during the process the consumers would go to the wall. The many would be sacrificed to the few. Free trade had developed the Empire’s resources and, by excluding from British politics the sinister illegitimate pressure of selfish forces, .it maintained the purity of public life which tariff reform threatened to jeopardise. He predicted the assault on free trade would be repelled again, as before, but its upholders must emulate their opponents’ ceaseless zeal and energy and make the most of every occasion for argument, discussion and conversion.

THE ARMY VOTE. In the House of Commons Mr Rutherford’s amendment was negatived by 247 to 100, and the army votes were agreed to. THE DEFENCE PROBLEM. Received March 11, 8.5 a.m. London,. March 10. The army estimates debate is remarkable, firstly, because Mr Asquith reply hinted at the possibility at a future date of discussing the army and navy estimates together thus dealing with the whole problem of defence. Secondly, because of Mr Balfour’s notable speech in favour of the periodical re-exam inatioa of the question by the Imperial Defence Committee. While regretting the reduction in regulars and of certain really good militia and yeomanry regiments, he admitted Mr Haldane’s earnestness in organising the territorials and added, amid Ministerial oheers, “This organisation may at some future time be absolutely invaluable for the safety of thei Em-

pire.” Sir Charles Dilke deprecated Mr Haldane’s comparison with the strength of the German Army. He added, such declarations had a damaging effect in Australia. Personally he wished Jfor Australian co-opera-tion. Australasia and Canada were devoted to peace and objected to pressure. Col. Seely, Under-Seoretary for the Colonies, replied that Government had received Canada’s and Australia’s moat cordial acceptance of the General Staff proposal.

WARNING TO PERSIA. Sir Edward Grey has warned Persia in connection with the civil war at Tabriz that Persia will be held responsible should harm befall the British Consulate owing to the action of the Shah’s'troops. , THE ESTIMATES, Received March 11, 8,15 a,m. London, March 10. Estimates for the coming year include £8,750,000 for old age pensions. INDIAN COUNCILS. In the Lords, despite a telegram from the Government of India to the effect that the former objections to Provincial Executive Councils no longer had the same force and adding that the powers proposed under clause 3 would be sparingly and gradually used, Lord Morlev’s motion on,the report stage 4o restore the clause was rejected, Lord Ourzon urging the necessity of consulting native rulers and the leading classes.