TARIFF REFORM

Southland Times, Issue 17244, 15 January 1913, Page 5

TARIFF REFORM

£•■(.. »THE UNIONIST LEADERS. ■y.y ACCEPT THE MEMORIAL. (By Telegraph.— Press Association.— Copyright), LONDON, January 13. Mr Bonar Law and Lord Lansdowne conferred to-night. It Is understood that both agree to the policy enunciated in the Unionists’ memorial, with slight modification. Mr Austen Chamberlain, speaking at Acocks Green, said that the Unionists were passing through a crisis. He was unable to share the responsibility of the decision readied, but lie was afraid that the change would be calamitous to the party and a misfortune for the Empire. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN DISAPPOINTED. RALLIES HIS LEADER. LONDON, January 14. Received January 14, 9.55 p.m. Mr Austen Chamberlain added that he did not wish to increase ills Leader's difficulties, whose Ashton speech had failed to allay the restlessness created by his Albert Hall speech. Although he was not consulted about the Ashton speech, while he did not wholly agree with It, he was prepared to subordinate his views to those of his leader, and was still ready to do so If the position were unchanged. The timid ones had become frightened, and the strong upholders of the policy had become puzzled. The uncertainty had spread along with a widespread movement to postpone preference. He believed that food duties were necessary to afford justice to our own agriculture, and that It was impossible to secure community of Interests between different paris of tlie Empire without them. He urged his colleagues to throw their whole strength into the campaign, not to cease their efforts until they had destroyed the misrepresentations with which their policy had been clouded. He still believed that to be the most courageous and wisest course, but the party's decision was against him. Ho for the first time was unable to share the responsibility for the decision. He could not turn his back on himself and unsay what he had said, or pretend to like the changed attitude. ONLY ONE DIFFERENCE. LONDON. January 14. Mr F. E. Smith (U.), speaking at Crlcklewood, said that the only difference amongst the Unionists was whether, if food taxes were decided on, the proposal should be submitted to the country by a referendum or a general election. ,