The Fiscal Question

Southland Times, Issue 19471, 26 November 1904, Page 3

The Fiscal Question

Per United Press Association. Ay Electric Telegraph. — Copyright. LONDON, Nov. 24. Received 25th, 1Q.28 p.m. Referring to the contrast between a cable sent by Mr Pleasance, Mayor of Melbourne to Mr Chamberlain, and a cable sent .by Mr Hickford, president of the Victorian Frcetrado Association to Sir. H. C.-Bannerman respecting a preferential trade meeting recently held in Melbourne and over which Mr Pleasance presided, the Daily Chronicle declares <hat there is striking evidence of the extremity to twhich the tariff party in Australia are driven, in bolstering up Chamberlainism. Mr Chamberlain has cabled a reply to Mr Pleasanco. The Daily News says Mr Hickford fihows that Mr Chamberlain has been Badly misled respecting the current ot colonial opinion ami that all substantial evidence from Australian workers shows that the colonies take their le&id from the authoritative and unanimous voice of freetrade. Unionism with Britain, or any other course, would be treachery 10-the common cause of labour. " j ' MELBOURNE, Nov. 25. Received 26th, 0.4 a.m. Senator Pulsford has given notice of a series of resolutions for to-day week": That any policy aiming at the restriction of commerce .bet^vecn tho Empire and foreign countries will lessen the well-being of tho British people, tend- to weaken; the unity and power of the Empire ; that each self-governing' colony should maintain freedom of action with regard to its tariff ; that India aud Crown colonies that ha<ve no direct voice in framing tariffs should not liave their present power of free commerce in any way lessened ; that as the proposed restrictions on thie importation of foreign bread stuffs to the Tjnited Kingdom would raise the. price of bread throughout the Empire, such restrictions is very regrettable.